Oakland University women have the chance to come together to discuss issues they face as they go through college from Saturday, Oct. 3 to Sunday, Oct. 4 at Camp Tamarack in Ortonville, Mich.

The Center for Multicultural Initiatives (CMI) women’s retreat is an annual event, which is designed to promote social consciousness, self-awareness and leadership skills in women. 

Nicole Lucio, assistant director for the CMI, is part of the planning committee for the retreat. 

“The women’s retreat provides and creates a support network and environment for young women on campus,” said Lucio.

According to Lucio, some of the benefits of attending the retreat are relationship building and participants are pushed out of their comfort zone in a positive way. There are also educational components including a keynote speaker and group activities.

There are many breakout sessions and workshops which focus on leadership, financial literacy and self-awareness.

Shayla McCullough, a junior health sciences major and peer mentor for CMI, participated in the retreat last year because she heard nothing but great things about it from former participants.

“The women’s retreat is all about encouraging and uplifting young women, and as a young woman I will always accredit my first lessons in self-love to my experience at the women’s retreat,” she said.

According to McCullough, the best part about the women’s retreat was the personal growth each student has the chance to gain if she opens herself up to the experience.

“I felt so much growth on a personal level in just two days, it was astonishing,” she said.

Those interested in attending the retreat must pay a $10 registration fee and complete an online registration form by Oct. 1. Payments can be made in the CMI Office located in 104 North Foundation Hall.                             

Participants must also attend an information session on Thursday, Oct. 1 at 4 p.m. in rooms 128-129 in the Oakland Center.

Also on Oct. 3 and 4 is the CMI’s men’s retreat, which is similar to the women’s retreat.  The men’s retreat is designed to promote success in college and in life, and promote leadership development and self-awareness.

For more information about either retreat, registration forms or the CMI, visit the CMI website http://wwwp.oakland.edu/cmi/