Letter from the MSA Executive Director (updated 5/28/09)
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
Be an MSA Intern or Student Assistant! (updated 5/15/09)
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
MSA Names African American Student Affairs Director! (updated 4/30/09)
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
Inclusive Excellence Events, May 7 & 9 (updated 4/30/09)
Inclusive Excellence Opening Speech by Dr. Jamie Washington
"We Are the Change: Empowering Our Communities Through Inclusive Excellence”
Thursday, May 7, 7:00pm-9:00pm
@ McCormick Tribune Center, 1870 Campus Drive
Dr. Jamie Washington is a world-renowned speaker, consultant, and trainer on diversity, leadership, spirituality, organizational change, and community development issues. His programs are interactive, motivational, and inclusive. Dr. Washington has a way of engaging participants that will foster effective change in both their personal and organizational lives.
Inclusive Excellence Conference
"Beyond Boundaries: A Global Approach to Leadership and Inclusive Excellence at NU”
Saturday, May 9, 10:00am-4:30pm
@ Norris University Center, 1999 Campus Drive
Dr. Washington will be the keynote speaker for the conference. Also, the lunchtime speaker will be Dr. William J. Banis, Vice President for Student Affairs at Northwestern, while the closing speaker will be Michael Blake, a Medill 2004 alumnus and Deputy Associate Director for Intergovernmental Relations at the White House. This conference is free and open to the public.
Sponsored by Multicultural Student Affairs, Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs, Norris University Center & University Residential Life
Career Advising Drop-In Hours @ MCC (updated 3/30/09)
Career Advising Drop-In Hours with Jose Santos
Wednesdays, 3:00pm-5:00pm
@ Multicultural Center, 1936 Sheridan
No need for an appointment - just drop in!
Sponsored by Multicultural Student Affairs & University Career Services
Spring Quarter is Dedicated to Asian American Heritage Celebration (updated 3/30/09)
Asian American Heritage Celebration
2009 Online Calendar
Sponsored by Asian/Asian American Student Affairs
