Office of Multicultural Student Affairs at The University of Chicago

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Alumni Newsletter | Spring 2006

In the summer of 2005, the Office of Minority Student Affairs (OMSA) joined with the University of Chicago Alumni Association to create a quarterly Alumni Newsletter to update alumni of color on diversity initiatives from OMSA and the University, as well as offer information that will assist alumni in engaging and connecting with the University community.

WHAT'S NEW?

Architect Selected for OMSA/Amandla Relocation

As mentioned in the Winter 2006 issue of the OMSA Alumni Newsletter, Provost Richard Saller and Stephen Klass, Vice President and Dean of Students in the University, announced that the Office of Minority Student Affairs (OMSA) and the Amandla Student Resource Center will be relocated to an expanded student-centered facility at 5710 S. Woodlawn Avenue. Recently, Urban Works Architects were hired to lead the 5710 S. Woodlawn design and construction process. Urban Works has been providing professional services of varying scopes to Universities and educational clients for over a decade. The firm's principal client base includes a broad Chicago population, including the Chicago Public Library, Chicago Park District, Chicago State University, and the Lincoln Park Community Shelter. They have put together a strong team that includes the Site Design Group, Ltd., landscape architects who will help us develop the outdoor space and look for meaningful ways to create connections with the rest of campus — including University Avenue.

Furthermore, after a great many thoughtful conversations over the past year, the University has decided to include an LGBTQ Resource Center within the new space. Joint occupation of the new center will hopefully produce a number of opportunities for collaboration and cross-cultural dialogue, not only among African American, Asian American, Latino and Native American students but LGBTQ students as well.

If you have questions about the relocation of OMSA and the Amandla Student Resource Center, please email us at omsa@uchicago.edu or give us a call at 773-834-4672.

VPDOS Diversity Education Program Launched

In an effort to build a stronger University of Chicago community based on mutual understanding through respectful cross-cultural dialogue, the Office of Minority Student Affairs initiated a diversity education program for the Office of the Vice President and Dean of Students in the University. The educational series began in May and will continue through August 2006 with additional modules ideally being offered throughout the academic year.

The educational series includes five modules: Student Voices, Understanding —Isms, U of C Policy & Diversity, Race 101, and White Privilege. Each one is designed to offer staff some insight into the concept of diversity as a multifaceted, multilayered construct with implications for the way that students define themselves and their identities within The University of Chicago community. A program of this nature has the potential to reshape the campus environment in a way that makes all students regardless of race, ethnicity, or culture feel that they are not only welcome, but that they belong at the University.

The University of Chicago at NCORE

For the first time since the launch of the National Conference on Race and Ethnicity (NCORE), The University of Chicago's Office of Minority Student Affairs sponsored six students to attend the conference. Via sponsorship, each student was granted the opportunity to gain a great deal of insight into racial and ethnic issues with specific emphasis on how they play themselves out in American higher education. One additional student, Ayodele Adesanya, served as a University representative for a student to student roundtable discussion entitled "Diversity at Chicago Area Colleges and Universities". As a part of this discussion, Mr. Adesanya was able to share his experiences as a first year in the College and learn more about the experiences of his peers at other universities.

The U of C as an institution also participated in the conference, offering a session on Wednesday, May 31st entitled "Enhancing Diversity at The University of Chicago — Lessons Learned, Strategies Employed, and our Vision for the Future". Presenters included Michael Behnke, Vice President for University Relations and Dean of College Enrollment; Ana Vázquez, Deputy Dean of Students in the University and Director of the Office of Minority Student Affairs; and Kenneth Warren, Deputy Provost for Research and Minority Issues, and Professor of English. Stephen Klass, Vice President and Dean of Students in the University moderated the panel discussion.

Staying Connected

Call for Mentors!

The Chicago Multicultural Connection (CMC) is seeking passionate and motivated alumni to serve as career mentors for the 2006-2007 academic year. Students of color in the College are matched with alumni, faculty, staff members or graduate students who share similar career interests and goals. The program, sponsored by the Office of Minority Student Affairs and the Dean of Students in the College provides career and academic workshops as well as social and cultural events throughout the year. On-going mentor training and support is provided. Contact Robin Graham at (773) 834-6826 or via email at rgraham1@uchicago.edu for more information or visit our website at http://omsa.uchicago.edu/mentorship/.

Call for Speakers!

Are you working in an interesting or unique job? Would you like to speak to current University of Chicago students about your field or educational path? Speaking opportunities are available throughout the year for alumni who are willing to share their experiences. Please contact Robin Graham at (773) 834-6826 or via email at rgraham1@uchicago.edu for more information.

Spring Quarter Highlights

OMSA Events

Recruitment Initiatives

OMSA sponsored two dinners for admitted students of color on Monday, April 10 and Thursday, April 20 at the Alumni House. The dinners, which were sponsored in conjunction with the University's overnight programs for admitted students, provided an opportunity for recently admitted students to meet each other, talk with current students across the campus, and hear from University of Chicago alums as guest speakers. At the April 20th program, Soul Umoja performed for the dinner attendees.

Throughout the spring quarter, OMSA also sponsored tours for three student groups. Fourth graders came from Chicago's Shoop Academy of Science, Math and Technology. The Harlem Educational Activities Fund brought tenth graders from New York. Lastly, John J. Pershing West Magnet School in Chicago sent sixth through eighth graders.

Building Community

There were two new OMSA events this quarter that inspired a great deal of excitement within the student body: Coffeehouse and Movie Night.

On April 18th OMSA held the first quarterly Coffeehouse at the Amandla Student Resource Center. Coffeehouse is an open mic night/ talent show that affords students the opportunity to express their artistic and musical talents. During the first Coffeehouse students recited poetry, sang, danced and even performed martial arts routines. Over fifty excited students attended, all of whom were delighted to see such an event take place. Many mentioned they were looking forward to future events of a similar nature. In addition to taking in some amazing performances, students also had the opportunity to indulge in delicious deserts and refreshments. This was definitely a night of artisitic exchange and cultural celebration, allowing students to wind down after a long day of studying.

OMSA also held a series of free movies every other Tuesday night at the Amandla Student Resource Center during the months of April and May under the simple, but appropriate name, Movie Night. Movie selections were varied and dynamic. The energy around this community building program was high and encouraged students to engage in captivating discussions well after the movies had ended.

It should be noted that neither of the events mentioned above would have been possible without the hard work and dedication of Latricia Booker, a first year student in the College and OMSA Student Assistant for Community Building. These and other OMSA programs promoting community will further efforts to foster a safe and welcoming environment for students on campus.

OMSA Year-End Dinner

The first annual OMSA Year-End Dinner was a great success with nearly one hundred guests in attendance. This event was launched in order to celebrate the accomplishments of the University's spring graduates in the College, graduate divisions, and professional, in addition to thanking students who have made significant contributions to the work of the office by participating in the Allocations Board and Advisory Board. At this year's dinner, the Chicago Multicultural Connection (CMC) mentee and mentor of the year awards were also presented. Dwight Hopkins, Professor of Theology at the Divinity School, delivered the keynote address, which celebrated new beginnings for the graduates.

OMSA also thanked Stephen Klass, Vice President and Dean of Students in the University, for all of his work and support throughout the years on increasing diversity at the University. OMSA invited a student, fourth year in the College, Yenisey Rodriguez, to say a few words about her experiences working with Vice President Klass. Her touching address resonated with all in attendance.

This festive occasion showcased student accomplishments across the board. The office looks forward to an equally fulfilling evening next year.

Chicago Multicultural Connection (CMC) Year End BBQ

The Chicago Multicultural Connection, a career mentoring program sponsored by the Office of Minority Student Affairs and the Dean of Students in the College, hosted its Annual Year End BBQ on June 4th from 2-4PM in The Hutchinson Courtyard, 5706 South University Avenue. Current mentors and their families as well as alumni were invited to attend. The CMC mentoring program is a new initiative that provides one-on one career mentoring, as well as social and personal support for students of color in the College. Contact Robin Graham at (773) 834-6826 or via email at rgraham1@uchicago.edu for more information.

Students: Exploring Culture at the U of C

The OMSA Alumni Newsletter is a joint project of the Office of Minority Student Affairs and the University of Chicago Alumni Association. Please send your comments and suggestions to omsa@uchicago.edu