Creating a World of Inclusion and Respect
By Lori Putnam
This year marks the fifth anniversary of the Center for Multicultural Engagement (CME), one of four centers that support the University鈥檚 mission of a student-centered learning experience. The CME, in particular, reflects a commitment to building a learning community where diversity is valued and respected, and civic engagement is encouraged.
The vision of collaboration begins with the CME鈥檚 own unique leadership structure which includes co-directors from faculty and Student Affairs. 鈥淥ur partnership fosters collaboration across divisions to infuse multiculturalism throughout student experiences鈥攊n and out of the classroom,鈥� said Kirsten Moss-Frye, CME Student Affairs Director.
Together, Moss-Frye and Julia Bal茅n, Associate Professor of English and Faculty Director, share information, coordinate initiatives, and leverage resources. 鈥淚t鈥檚 the synergy of thinking together that makes a difference,鈥� observed Bal茅n. 鈥淚 see the relationship as akin to the work we do with diversity,鈥� added Moss-Frye. 鈥淚t is a form of cross-cultural communication.鈥�
One outcome of the successful partnership has been the Women鈥檚 Recognition Lunch which honors women who foster the growth and development of the CI community through their leadership and service. The event, now in its 10th year, is sponsored by the Multicultural and Women鈥檚 & Gender Student Center. Other recent initiatives include Bal茅n鈥檚 work with anti-bullying and aligning her efforts with Student Affairs鈥� CI Civility Campaign. 鈥淚t started great discussions on how to engage others,鈥� said Bal茅n of our students鈥� classroom presentations on bullying to local religious and education leaders. 鈥淪o one project in a class, which in other places might have stayed in the class, can now be shared with a larger group.鈥�
The CME also encourages faculty to incorporate multiculturalism in their instruction through awards and stipends. For the last three years, the CME has focused on STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) faculty to help address cultural differences that may stop some students from seeing themselves as scientists or mathematicians. 鈥淎s a kid from a working-class background, I never saw myself as a professor,鈥� remarked Bal茅n. 鈥淥ther people saw me in that role and believed in me. Part of our STEM initiative is to help our students see who they could become.鈥�
As with other University centers, the CME has been impacted by the state鈥檚 budget crisis. 鈥淲ithout funding, none of this happens,鈥� said Bal茅n. So the directors continue to collaborate on what Bal茅n describes as a labor of love, and through their partnership they hope to amplify their impact in the CI community and beyond.