The Multicultural Staff and Faculty Network invites all members to the annual Fall Reception, Dec. 5, 5-7 p.m., in the Longs Peak Room in the Lory Student Center. The event will feature welcoming remarks by CSU President Tony Frank, followed by refreshments and networking.
“Our fall reception is a great way for CSU employees to meet and interact with other faculty and staff members of color from across campus,” said MSFN chair Jimena Sagàs, college liaison librarian at Morgan Library. “It is co-sponsored by the President’s Office every year.”
The mission of the MSFN is to serve as a catalyst and influence campus climate and culture through building community, facilitating critical dialogue around issues of diversity, professional development opportunities, and hosting social and networking opportunities.
MSFN membership is open to all faculty and staff who self-identify as other than white. The organization was created to serve multicultural faculty and staff so they can learn about upcoming events and issues the network is addressing; anyone not currently receiving MSFN emails can ask to be added to the list by emailing Linda Krier in the Office of the Vice President for Diversity.
“Anyone can opt out of the listserve at any time if they want, or they can choose to just receive the emails,” Sagàs explained. “Or they can come to one of our events or a membership meeting, and become as active as they’d like to be.”
She estimated that there are more than 300 members receiving the MSFN emails this semester; she said about 75 are active members, participating in some way.
Other events
Other events sponsored MSFN include the Deans and Vice Presidents Roundtable, two separate opportunities for members to ask CSU leadership about diversity efforts and plans for the coming year, which will take place in February 2017; and the Spring Reception later in the semester, which includes election of new board officers.
“We also offer a number of issue-focused discussions and professional development opportunities throughout the year,” Sagàs said. “And we present the MSFN Distinguished Service Awards during Celebrate! Colorado State University in April.”
In addition to Sagàs, the MSFN Leadership Team includes Past Chair Bridgette Johnson, director of the Black/African American Cultural Center; Chair Elect Shane Kanatous, associate professor of biology; and board members Shannon Archibeque-Engle, director of diversity and retention in the College of Agricultural Sciences; Greg Florant, professor of biology; Sonjia Graham, program assistant to the Front Range Director of CSU Extension; Teresa McClure, administrative assistant in the Graduate School; Arlene Nededog, director of inclusion for the College of Natural Sciences; Patrice Palmer, academic advisor in the College of Business; Patricia Vigil, director of university partnerships and student services for The Access Center; and Linda Krier, assistant to Vice President for Diversity.
For more information, visit the website at msfn.colostate.edu, look up Multicultural Staff and Faculty Network on Facebook, or email Sagàs at jimena.sagas@colostate.edu.
