Kansas State University

Arts & Sciences Students,

Happy New Year and Welcome back! I hope you had a relaxing and refreshing holiday break and that you are reinvigorated to start a brand-new spring semester. I’ve always loved the spring it is a great time of renewal and revitalization. This spring we have an opportunity to dig in and start the semester off very well, both academically and socially.

Some of the exciting things that are going on in diversity right at the beginning of the semester are the 2016 MLK Observance Week Events, Jan 25-29. Please find the calendar of events at http://www.k-state.edu/diversity/mlk/2016/mlkposter.pdf (Thank you, Office of Diversity and University Partners!) I invite you to attend as many events as your schedule allows and to encourage your friends to attend.

During that week, social justice and social awareness are very important topics that will be covered and having an understanding of them will increase your ability to thrive in the world we live in. I would like to place a special emphasis on the 2nd Annual College of Arts & Sciences Teach-In on Wednesday, January 27 which will address the state of civil rights in the U.S. in response to current events. It will occur at the Leadership Studies Building, Town Hall Noon – 1 p.m. If you have additional questions about this event, please contact: Dr. Kimathi Choma, kchoma@k-state.edu, 785-532-6900. I encourage you to join College of Arts & Sciences faculty members for this powerful discussion regarding teaching and research as it pertains to the pressing social issues of today and the legacy of activism at Kansas State University and beyond.

Finally, I encourage you to focus on your goals and to seek mentorship and support as needed. You have the ability to excel and the Deans’ Office is here to support you in that effort.

Sincerely,

Dr. Kimathi Choma
Interim Assistant Dean of Diversity, Recruitment, and Retention
Twitter:@KStateArtSciDPP
kchoma@ksu.edu
785-532-6900

The College of Arts & Sciences is hosting its first-ever Student Forum on Fees, Wednesday, January 27 from 4-5 p.m. in 114 Willard Hall. This is the latest effort from the college to educate and inform students impacted by the college Instructional Improvement Fee, and will be an opportunity to learn more about the proposed increase and ask questions.

Did you know that 92% of 2014 Arts & Sciences graduates are employed our pursuing an advanced degree? An additional 3% are pursing other non-career activities, which means a whopping 95% of last year’s graduates are pursuing their dreams and already making a difference in the world.

What’s the reason for their success? One large component is the value of an Arts & Sciences education.

In a recent issue of A&S Letters Magazine, alumni discuss how their ArtSci degrees have given them an advantage in their career, but, in short, the answer lies in the way our college envisions an education.

We believe that an education incorporating the arts, humanities, and social and natural sciences empowers you to think critically, logically and independently; write and speak forcefully and effectively; analyze and interpret data; frame difficult questions and find answers; assess values; and approach others with understanding and compassion. Most importantly, these learned abilities will equip you to make a difference in the world.

You are part of a long line of successful people who have graduated from our college and we have no doubt that when you take advantage of this opportunity, you too will use your Arts & Sciences education to make a difference in the world around you.

To find out more about the value of an ArtSci education and talking points for interviews, click here.