NOTE: This message was sent to commission members on August 14, 2007.

To: Multicultural Concerns Commission Members
From: Kris Rugsaken, Chair

Greetings from the MCC Chair,

Summer 2007 is almost over and I hope your summer has been restful and productive. I just want to share with you what has happened and what is going to happen within the Multicultural Concerns Commission (MCC) and NACADA. 

MCC Participation —

• Beginning in December 2006, a few other MCC members and I volunteered to serve on the review team of the second edition of the Academic Advising Handbook that is scheduled to be published in early 2009. The work was demanding but very educational. 
• At about the same time, a few other MCC members and I also volunteered to serve on the review team that selected exemplary practices for the upcoming NACADA Special Populations monograph (due out later this fall) in the areas of LGBT and multicultural concerns. It involved volumes of readings and several phone conferences, and again I found it to be very educational. 
• Some other MCC members and I also served on the Content Review Board for the Foundations of Advising CD3, Understanding Cultural Identity and Worldview Development. 
• In addition, a few other MCC members and I assisted in the formation of guidelines and strategies for the Emerging Leaders Program. 
• While I was overseas in May, two MCC members, Doug Spencer and Ana Carolina de Araujo, worked diligently and completed a vignette for the upcoming revision of the Faculty Advisor Training Video on behalf of the Multicultural Concerns Commission.

Upcoming Events — Hope you have received information about the 2007 NACADA Annual Conference in Baltimore by now and hope to see you there.  If you are attending the Conference, I hope you plan to attend the Commission Meeting, get to meet others, and make your voices heard. Our Hot Topic this year is “What Is Multicultural Advising and What Makes Advising Multicultural?” to be presented by a panel of experienced advisors/administrators on Sunday, October 21, 10:30-11:30am. Please plan to join us there.

Future Plan — My term as MCC Chair will end in October 2008. During my first year in this capacity, I found my experience to be both enriching and enchanting. The contributions I have made to NACADA, though little, have brought me a great sense of fulfillment.  I want you to think about taking over the MCC leadership and run for this office next year. I will be right behind you and give you my full support all the way. Click HERE for information on the 2008 elections, including an online nomination form.

Have a healthy and productive year!

Kris T. Rugsaken, Ed.D.
MCC Chair