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About MSA

Our Mission

MSA honors the historic legacy of those that fought for existence on campus by providing space, resources and opportunities for Black, Indigenous and students of color to convene, celebrate and grow.

Learning Outcomes

Students who participate in MSA's programs and activities will (or will be able to):
  • Identify compounding systems to build a more sustainable and just world (Social Responsibility)  
  • Name and invest in their joy and wellness (Personal)   
  • Articulate how their identities inform their personal concept of leadership (Personal Development)  
  • Articulate one’s social identities and identify needs related to their personal and professional growth (Personal Development)  
  • Build relationships with peers to envision collective goals and mobilize community (Interpersonal Competence)  

History

Between 2001 and 2004, much research went into instituting and developing a plan for Multicultural Student Affairs (MSA) as a result of suggestions from external consultants and the African American Student Affairs Strategic Planning Committee. Vice President William Banis and Dean of Students Mary Desler invited stakeholders such as students, staff, faculty, and administrators to contribute and collaborate in conducting student focus groups, surveys and discussions to help determine the direction of cultural engagement and the creation of Multicultural Student Affairs.

In 2004, MSA was created to centralize the infrastructure and resources that were independently managed by the University's three ethnic departments: African American Student Affairs (AASA), Asian/Asian American Student Affairs (A/AASA), and Hispanic/Latino Student Affairs (H/LSA). More importantly, the unification of AASA, A/AASA, and H/LSA under the umbrella unit of MSA was symbolic of the inclusive and collaborative culture that was desired.

In 2011, after many conversations with students and University constituents, Vice President Telles-Irvin reorganized the Division of Student Affairs, which included the inclusion of the LGBT Resource Center as the fourth MSA unit. During the summer of 2012, the LGBT Resource Center became an official department within MSA. In 2014 LGBT became the Gender & Sexuality Resource Center (GSRC) and expanded their space in Norris University Center. The four MSA units collectively work to promote the interests of under-served students and celebrate the diversity of the Northwestern University community.

In 2014, Multicultural Student Affairs became part of Campus Inclusion and Community, which also encompasses Student Enrichment Services and Social Justice Education. You can find more information about us on the main CIC website.

Historic Dates

  • Bursar Sit-In in 1968
  • African American Student Affairs was founded in 1972
  • African American Studies Department founded in 1972
  • Asian American Studies Hunger Strike 1995
  • Asian American Studies Program founded in 1999
  • Hispanic/Latino Student Affairs was founded in 2000
  • Asian/Asian American Student Affairs was founded in 2001
  • Multicultural Student Affairs was founded in 2004
  • The LGBT Resource Center was founded in 2004
  • Latina/o Studies Program was founded in 2009
  • The LGBT Resource Center joined MSA in 2012
  • LGBT became the Gender and Sexuality Resource Center (GSRC) in 2014

Campus Inclusion & Community Umbrella

2020-cic-org-chart.jpg

Click to view the full PDF of the CIC Organizational Chart.

On May 1, 2014 Multicultural Student Affairs became one of the departments under the new umbrella of Campus Inclusion and Community. The image on the right demonstrates the relationship of MSA for Campus Inclusion and Community.

Visit the Campus Inclusion and Community site for detailed information regarding our organizational structure.

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