Diversity office renamed intercultural relations
Derrick Wan
Issue date: 10/13/06 Section: News
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The reason behind the change in title is ideological, according to Kristine Reeves, administrative assistant in the Office of Intercultural Relations. The previous title carried an individualistic connotation that is not promoted by this office, she said.
"There is a component of similarity that we want to connote with the new title," Reeves said. "Instead of focusing on what makes us different in society, we want [our office title] to be reflective of what we're really about."
While it is the mission of every organization at Gonzaga to promote Jesuit, Catholic and humanistic traditions, the specific mission of the Office of Intercultural Relations is to extend that tradition to people with diverse backgrounds.
The Office of Intercultural Relations focuses on four distinct aspects. One those aspects is campus climate, in which the office works with residence halls and faculty to develop an environment that is friendly to everyone.
The office also coordinates with the faculty and staff, in conjunction with Gonzaga's Human Resources office, to educate faculty and staff about accommodating as many people with diverse backgrounds as possible.
The office also works with the Gonzaga admissions office, through which they strive to recruit and retain a variety of students.
In addition to serving the Gonzaga community, the office also works to serve the greater Spokane community. Dr. Raymond Reyes, the associate vice president of intercultural relations, is a board member of various organizations in Spokane that promote unity and education regarding diversity.
Four full-time staff members and one graduate student run the newly named office. Reeves suggested that her office could use a larger staff.
"It's not so much the feeling of being overwhelmed," Reeves said, regarding the demand for her office's services. "It is the feeling like there are not enough [staff] people to serve every need."