Enhancing inclusive praxis in student affairs

Social justice, equity, and inclusion are core values within our profession. Given this, the Multicultural Institute provides opportunities for student affairs educators to gain new knowledge and actualize these core values. Underscored by theory and practice, the Institute provides practitioners with opportunities to enhance their own inclusive practices and knowledge bases. 

As higher education faces a changing demographic and struggles with issues of access and inclusion, a college degree is increasingly important in a knowledge base economy. Student affairs educators are on the front lines in supporting student success and persistence with the goal of helping students thrive not just survive college. 

The Multicultural Institute provides student affairs educators with the opportunity to engage in conversations, workshops, and personal reflections on how we can help students thrive in college. What follows is a conversation between two of the planning committee members as they talk about the strengths and benefits of the Institute. 

Carrie Kortegast: I must confess I am attending the 2015 NASPA Multicultural Institute for the first time in December. As an active NASPA member for the past 15 years, I haven’t missed an Annual Conference and have attended several regional conferences. After making the decision to be a part of the planning committee as well as attend the Multicultural Institute in Miami for the first-time, I’m curious about what makes this Institute so special. Herb, this December will be the third time you attend the Multicultural Institute. What is it about the Institute that makes you want to return?

Herb Jones:  For me I think what makes this Institute special is the opportunity to engage and interact with individuals who have a commitment and focus to doing the work of diversity and creating welcoming and supportive communities for our students and staff. For me, it provides additional energy and additional focus for the work that I specifically do. 

CK: Please share about a specific speaker or session that impacted how you think about social justice and student affairs.  

HJ: During the Institute held in Vegas, I had the opportunity to watch the video If These Halls Could Talk. The documentary filmed students discussing race and ethnicity and the impact of racism. They [the students] got pretty raw to the point where they engaged in conversations and challenged each other. To me, that was a great moment where students interacted with each other, challenged each other, and came away with a better understanding, which is what we, what I hope, that I can achieve through the work that I do on campus. And so I think for me that was one of the great moments that impact the work that I do. 

CK: What was one of your favorite moments from the Institute?  

HJ: I think it’s when you have a moment to interact, sit down, have a meal with colleagues from different institutions, and to talk about their experiences and the work they do and to listen to the passion they have. To me that is what I really enjoy about the Institute, connecting and learning from new people. 

CK: One of the professional competencies for student affairs is Social Justice and Inclusion. How did attending the Multicultural Institute contribute to enhancing this professional competency within your position? 

HJ: It creates that awareness, it challenges me to think outside the box, provides me with those best practices that I can explore, new ways of doing things, and learn about the things that we’re doing that may not be working. The Multicultural Institute challenges me to develop and enhance my skills and knowledge in terms of social justice and inclusion. As I immerse myself in the institute, the experience brings to light new issues that other institutions are facing and gives me a different perspective as well as a different focus. 

CK: Why do you think student affairs professionals in this field should attend?  

HJ: I think others should attend if they are passionate about developing community connections on their campus. If they are willing to engage, if they are willing to listen to others. I think individuals will come away with partners that they can collaborate with— near and far away. But it’s also an opportunity to learn about what you as an individual are doing, sharing what you are doing with other individuals to help them be successful in what they are doing but at the same time learn what you can do different. It is very helpful and impactful to be able to have that exchange, so that you can think outside of the box because sometimes we get so focused on what we are doing. By attending this Institute, it gives one the ability to explore, engage, and interact with individuals with new perspectives, new ideas, and also new opportunities.

Whether this is your first time attending or your fifth, we encourage you to join us in Miami, FL Dec. 10-12 for the 2015 NASPA Multicultural Institute.  This year’s Institute will provide an interactive forum combining thought-provoking keynote speakers, challenging educational sessions, and opportunities for resource and idea sharing between multicultural educators across the academy including academic affairs. Don’t miss this opportunity, register today!

We hope to see you in Miami!

- Carrie and Herb