Just Asking

In this issue of the newsletter, we introduce a new feature, Just Asking, which offers an opportunity for alumni to get the inside scoop on what’s happening on campus. In each issue, an alumnus/a will ask a question about new University policies, initiatives, or concerns, and we will answer the question. For this issue, Ku Yoo ’00 asked the following:

What were the student concerns that compelled the University to create the dean of diversity and academic advancement position?

After a protest waged by several student groups in December 2004 and two campus-wide forums in response to the concerns presented during this protest, the University recognized the need for the implementation of of an Office of Multicultural Affairs within the Office of Dean of the College. Wesleyan then created a Multicultural Affairs Task Force comprised of administrators, faculty, and students. The mission of the task force was to provide recommendations to Maria Cruz-Saco, the dean of the college, on the responsibilities for a new Office of Multicultural Affairs. The committee embarked on a comprehensive process of gathering information on students concerns, including a review of past and current communication from students.

The committee recommended that the Office of Multicultural Affairs provide three main services:

• The dean would serve as a student advocate. Several of the University’s constituents expressed a need for a dean who would support students from underrepresented/marginalized groups.
• The office would facilitate and initiate campus wide multicultural education and programming.
• In collaboration with faculty and students, the office would provide academic resources to ensure that students from underrepresented/ marginalized groups achieve at the highest level.

The University posted the position of dean for diversity and academic advancement on January 13, 2006 and hopes to fill the position by July 1, 2006. The dean will serve as a critical advisor for the University on issues of diversity and multiculturalism; oversee the planning and implementation of Orientation for new students, giving particular attention to ensure sustained support during the First-Year Experience; and lead the Dean’s Office in providing academic support to students through the Student Academic Resource Network (SARN).

How is this position in line with University goals?

This position directly supports one of the goals outlined in the Wesleyan’s new strategic plan "Engaged with the World" which is to engage diversity as an educational asset. According to Dean of the College Maria Cruz-Saco, "the Office of Multicultural Affairs is a very timely institutional innovation." For a complete report of the Multicultural Affairs Task Force, please visit http://www.wesleyan.edu/affirm/multicultural_report.html.

 

To ask a question for the next issue of the AOC Newsletter, e-mail fcarnegie@wesleyan.edu.