The History of AFCA

AFCA, the Administrators and Faculty of Color Alliance was founded in 1986 under the name Minority Student Affairs Committee (aka CASM when the letters are reversed.)  The goal of the committee was to provide informal support to Wesleyan's then limited number of students, administrators, and staff of color.  CASM was formally recognized by the University in 1988 through the efforts of former Deans of the College Edgar Beckham and Janina Montero, and former Director of Residential Life, Frank Tuitt.  Over the years, the organization has served as a resource for students of color at Wesleyan while also providing professional support and development for administrators, faculty and staff of color.

Today, AFCA is an organization comprised of administrators, faculty, and staff who encompass a wide and multifaceted range of professional responsibilities and personal perspectives.  In addition to meeting institutional expectations by virtue of occupation, AFCA members strive to meet the needs and expectations of Wesleyan's ever-growing, ever-changing community of students of color.  The methods reflect our uniqueness as professionals and individuals: we interact with students socially, politically, culturally and spiritually in formal and informal settings, at their request and at ours.  As higher education professionals, Wesleyan alumni and concerned individuals AFCA members offer guidance, support and career advice for students.

AFCA members believe that student of color organizations are vital to the multicultural mission of the University.  They make a significant contribution to and have a strong impact on the cultural, political and social atmosphere on campus.  AFCA contributes to the development of leadership skills for students on Wesleyan's campus.

In recognition of our personal and professional commitment to student development in the academy, many members belong to professional organizations such as the SOAR (Society Organized Against Racism), the NECBAC (The New England Consortium of Black Admission Counselors), CALAHE (Connecticut Associations of Latin Americans in Higher Education, Inc.) and NASFAA (National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators), to name a few.  We rely on one another, as well as colleagues at other institutions, for support and advice in regard to addressing issues of concern within our professional and individual communities.

As we continue to foster a strong relationship with the Office of the President, the student community and our colleagues; we hope that our organization can act as a resource both in times of University crisis and calm.  We believe all members of the Wesleyan community should work together to maintain and nurture the diversity that is the core of our success.