As I drove home on Wednesday evening, after attending the Racial Profiling Forum, I reflected, as I often have over the years, on the issues confronting Multicultural Student Affairs and the campus community. I have always marveled at the strength of the student community, and respected their need and desire for results from those of us on the administrative side of the university. The forum reminded me that challenge at times brings an opportunity for proactive and substantive change. And the last few days have presented me (and MSA) a rare chance to show that challenge can be met visibly, and that substantive change, which to some may seem difficult, can lead to greatness. Therefore, for the sake of the students who look to my role as one of visibility within the multicultural community, and who need the position and department to be more transparent in order to gain perspective about the work we do, I would like to share what I consider the working principles of MSA.
These principles govern our work and our approach to it, including the way we work with and support our colleagues and our students. As we implement our mission, the MSA staff and I are committed to an open-door policy and to helping students develop relationships that will allow them to navigate effectively in the classroom and outside it. In carrying out our mission, we are guided by our commitment to the relationships between academics, inclusive excellence, and multiculturalism.
Here are our core principles:
- A belief that multiculturalism and diversity are synonymous with inclusive excellence, growth, and academic achievement.
- An appreciation of the importance and richness of the diverse communities at the University.
- Respect and appreciation for each student, faculty, staff, and community member.
- An unwavering commitment to the belief that all students can achieve and thrive at Northwestern.
- An understanding of the need for collaboration and relationship building with students, faculty, staff, and external constituencies in all our work.
I can see I have not been perfect in communicating and implementing these principles, and that will change. As one step toward that end, MSA is creating a Working Group composed of faculty, staff, and students that will work together to foster an atmosphere of fuller transparency and collaboration.
In renewing my own purpose to adhere to our core principles and bring about their fulfillment among all of us, I am powerfully reminded of President Obama’s inauguration speech, which articulates the challenges facing our national community, and also sounds a clear and uplifting call for our university community and any community that wants to rededicate itself to its highest values. Here is what he said:
“On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord. On this day, we come to proclaim an end to the petty grievances and false promises, the recriminations and worn out dogmas, that for far too long have strangled our politics.
…The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free, and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness.”
I embrace this challenge for myself and my department, working with the faculty, staff, and most of all, our students, for whom I care more than I can ever say. I welcome fair and constructive criticism and believe in open and honest dialogue. I hope everyone reading this will feel free to contact me to discuss the content of this note and of our shared aspirations.
Sincerely,
Carretta A. Cooke
Executive Director, Multicultural Student Affairs
MSA Accepting Applications for 2009-10 Interns & Student Assistants
Application Deadline: June 1
To learn more about and apply for an intern position, go to the CareerCat website.
(search under "on-campus jobs" and "education")
To learn more about and apply for a student assistant position, go to the Work-Study website.
After you have applied, you will be contacted to schedule an interview.
Questions? Contact Dana Sarber.
Sponsored by Multicultural Student Affairs (MSA), African American Student Affairs, Asian/Asian American Student Affairs & Hispanic/Latino Student Affairs
Shadra Smith named Director of African American Student Affairs
Campus Visit: May 20
Ms. Smith will begin her term as the next Director of African American Student Affairs on June 8. Prior to her start date, she will be visiting campus to meet with students, faculty, and staff on May 20. More details to follow.
Sponsored by Multicultural Student Affairs & African American Student Affairs
