This post is to provide an update on the progress of some of the initiatives that the Division of Student Affairs has been working on as of late. Please feel free to reach out to Dr. Siscoe (Vice President for Student Affairs) or any of the Division’s staff, should you have questions or comments (studentaffairs@missouristate.edu).
· The new Multicultural Resource Center Annex renovations are complete and the annex is open for student use. Naming of the annex was finalized on the student ballot this past week and I am thrilled to tell you that officially, the MRC Annex will be named in honor of Ms. Mary Jean Price Walls. There will be an official Open House on Friday, April 22nd from 1:00-3:00 pm in the new space. Stop by and have some refreshments and tour the new student programming space. Dr. Lori Patton Davis, national expert cultural centers and Consultant to the University, will be present at the Open House to meet with students, faculty and staff as well.
· Staffing of the Multicultural Resource Center (MRC)– Dr. TaJuan Wilson has been serving as the Interim Director of the MRC and Ms. Charlotte Hardin, Assistant Vice President for Multicultural Programs Emeritus, has rejoined our team during the transition of hiring a new director. A search is underway for the new Executive Director of Multicultural Programs. The search committee for the new director are working very hard to receive and review applications for the position. Once candidates have been identified for campus visits/interviews, we will post that information so all interested students can participate. We anticipate interviews in late April.
· The Dean of Students Office has put together a team of students, faculty, and staff to respond to instances of perceived hate or bias, which includes a system for reporting such incidents on-line, phone, or in-person. When a bias-related incident occurs, a coordinated, and timely university response will be implemented. Through voluntary participation in bias incident response teaminterventions, the team intends to help foster a sense of civility, respect and understanding to support an inclusive and diverse campus community. For more information:http://www.missouristate.edu/dos/268885.htm.
As always, we are interested in student opinions so please participate in campus events and email us your thoughts. Your voice matters! Go Bears!