Cornell University has a long history and commitment to diversity and support of a diverse student body. There are some key dates in that history shared as part of Cornell’s story. The current Office of Academic Discovery and Impact (OADI) stems back to a 1963 when Cornell President, Dr. James Perkins, convened the Committee on Special Education Projects (COSEP). COSEP was the first of its kind at a major American University designed to increase the enrollment of African American students at Cornell providing them with supportive services. 

Over time, COSEP was reorganized into the Office of Minority Educational Affairs (OMEA). Through COSEP and OMEA, a network of resources was created to organize and provide support to the diverse student population at Cornell. The staff of the office provided a community and support to students and multicultural student organizations, organized events and workshops, created traditions and a space for students from diverse backgrounds to find a home and community on campus.

In 2011, OMEA was again reorganized to provide additional support to the diverse student body by creating two offices:

• The Office of Academic Diversity Initiatives (OADI) to support the academic and professional goals of Cornell’s diverse student body; and
• The Center of Intercultural Dialogue (6-2-6) in the Dean of Student’s Office to support the personal and community building of Cornell’s diverse student body.

Both offices work collaboratively together on several events and efforts as students are more than a singular focus and together, we can support the entire student experience.

In 2025, as the 15th anniversary of the rebranding of OADI approaches, the Office of Academic Diversity Initiatives underwent a name change.  Our long history of serving students has led us to think strategically about who we are and how all students see us across campus.  With the goal of keeping the signature moniker of “OADI” (because of the Arabic and Swahili meaning), the team renamed themselves the “Office of Academic Discovery and Impact.”  This aligns with the OADI mission and vision and the key goals of the Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education -- curiosity and connection. 

The work of OADI is centered around a holistic advising approach that looks to spark curiosity and ultimately discovery for scholars as they approach and proceed through their academic journey. By encouraging self-development and exploration, scholars get the opportunity to discover who they are and what they want to do.

OADI also acknowledges and celebrates that every scholar has an impact by bringing their true selves to campus. They impact campus and make it better by bringing and sharing their personal experiences.  Through OADI's advising pillar of "civic engagement," we hope to develop scholars that will grow and have a broader impact outside of campus as they engage in the world around them - supporting truly civic minded and engaged scholars.

OADI’s mission continues to be focused on providing access and opportunities to a diverse student body and creating a space for students to engage in all that Cornell offers academically, professionally, and personally for students. The new OADI emerged as a way for students to see themselves in our space be they first generation, low income, foster youth, Veterans, non-traditional, transfer, students from diverse backgrounds and/or any other student that finds space in our community. 

Through the history of COSEP, OMEA, and OADI, multiple signature programs have found their home supporting these communities including:

• New York State Arthur O. Eve Opportunity Programs (EOP 1968, HEOP 1969)
• Pre Professional Programs (NYS CSTEP – 1986, CPOP – 2008)
• Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program (2012)
• Posse Scholars (2012)
• Chi Alpha Epsilon National Honor Society (2014)

The staff in OADI have expertise in supporting students from all walks of life and we look forward to doing so for the next 50+ years.