Original Author: Jill Radwin/ Originally Printed in the Corcordy on 12/14/2008
“Last Wednesday Union issued in its newest Vice President for Multicultural Affairs, Muhammad Djata. Djata ran alongside candidates Peter Haviland-Eduah and Ian Clemente for the position. Junior student trustee, Shanique Kerr explains that, “”an unexpected vacancy arose for the Vice President of Multicultural Affairs position.”” This position will be filled by Djata for the remainder of this term before elections are held this spring for next year.
The role of the Vice President for Multicultural Affairs is to represent different cultural groups and individuals on campus.
Djata serves as a representative for these organizations as well as a go-to person regarding ideas or questions. In addition to working behind the scenes in student government, Djata is entitled to hold meetings bi-weekly in order to hear and address other members of the student body.
Djata explains that he decided to run for this position based upon his past experience and desire to lead Union’s cultural development. He comments, “”During my time here at Union College, I have been involved in the community on various levels. Whether it is serving on the President’s Commission to better Union, volunteering in Admissions, serving as a Residential Advisor, giving back to the community through Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., or serving as the Co- Chairman of the African and Latino Alliance of Students, I have always tried to be actively involved in Union’s development, cultural or otherwise.””
In the past, students in this position spent most of their energy on voicing the opinions of campus multicultural groups to Student Forum. Kerr comments that many of these leaders did not spend as much time on other responsibilities to these organizations. This is an issue which will likely be a priority for Djata as well as future representatives for Multicultural Affairs. Djata notes, “”I think the fact that I knew very little about what the V.P. of Multicultural Affair did is a problem, especially since I was in the clubs that this particular V.P. position governed. With that said, I feel communication is key, because without it I won’t be representing anyone.”””
Recent Comments