Cultural competence is a cornerstone of the Missouri State experience. It requires awareness of one’s own cultural worldview, recognition of one’s attitudes toward cultural differences, realization of different cultural practices and worldviews, and thoughtfulness in cross-cultural interaction. Missouri State University offers many ways to develop cultural competence and to engage with cultural differences and worldviews, and we value respectful interactions that help to expand our understanding of ourselves and others. We hope that you will utilize the diversity calendars coordinated by the Residence Life Diversity Committee as opportunities to learn about topics that are important to you, but also about topics that require you to step outside of your comfort zone to learn more about topics with which you are unfamiliar. Lean into new opportunities and challenge yourself to learn about others’ cultures, practices, beliefs, and customs. Respectfully engage in the community, and reflect on how your experiences expand your understanding of Public Affairs. Commit to being a person who values difference and who takes care to learn about others’ unique qualities while celebrating our similarities. Let’s make this a year of growth, compassion, and inclusion.

Learn more about Missouri State University’s commitment to cultural competence and the Public Affairs Mission at https://publicaffairs.missouristate.edu/.