Enhancing Operational and Student Success in Intercultural Affairs: A Case Study on Clarity, Engagement, and Alignment

The Client: A four-year, mid-sized public institution on the East Coast

The Client (“University”) engaged our consultants to conduct an external review of their Intercultural Affairs (IA) unit to address operational inefficiencies, enhance student engagement, and create a unified identity for its diverse cultural centers. The IA unit, consisting of the cultural center, LGBT office, and the women and gender office faced challenges related to siloed operations, inconsistent programming, and a lack of cohesive branding. Our consultants provided strategic recommendations to restructure the unit, align its goals with institutional priorities, and better serve the University’s diverse student population.

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The Challenges

Key challenges identified during the external review included

Siloed Operations

Each cultural center operated independently with minimal collaboration, resulting in inconsistent service delivery and fragmented student experiences.

Lack of Cohesive Identity

The IA unit lacked a unified mission and branding strategy, leading to confusion about its purpose and offerings among students and faculty.

Resource Constraints

Limited funding and staffing shortages hindered program expansion and long-term strategic planning.

Student Engagement Gaps

The centers struggled to attract a broad cross-section of students, particularly Latinx, Asian, and Native American populations.

The Solution

Our consultants worked closely with University stakeholders to develop strategic recommendations addressing these challenges. The solutions included:

Structural Reorganization

Establishing a centralized leadership model with a dedicated Associate Director overseeing all IA units to foster collaboration and alignment.
Developing an IA Advisory Committee composed of students, faculty, and staff to guide strategic planning and decision-making.

Programmatic Enhacements

Introducing intersectional programming that highlights the diverse experiences of the students, including expanded collaborations across cultural centers.
Strengthening partnerships with faculty and student organizations to integrate IA initiatives into academic programming and student leadership opportunities.

Student Leadership Development

Revamping the student ambassador program by offering leadership training and mentorship opportunities to better engage underrepresented populations.
Expanding the student board’s role to include cross-cultural programming and advocacy efforts.

Assessment and Accountability

Implementing clear learning outcomes for IA programs aligned with institutional diversity goals.
Utilizing data analytics to track student participation, satisfaction, and long-term impact on student success.

Establish an Orientation Advisory Team

Form a cross-functional committee of 7-8 representatives, including faculty and student leaders, to guide program planning and assessment.

The Impact

Following the implementation of the consultants’ recommendations, the University experienced significant improvements in the IA unit's effectiveness, including:

Increased Collaboration

Greater synergy between IA units led to more comprehensive, student-centered programming.
Joint initiatives such as heritage month celebrations saw increased participation.

Improved Student Engagement

The revamped marketing efforts and enhanced programming led to a 30% increase in student participation across IA centers.
New initiatives, such as a dialogue series, provided safe spaces for students to discuss intersectional identity topics.

Stronger Institutional Support

Increased buy-in from university leadership resulted in additional funding and staffing support for IA initiatives.

Measurable Outcomes

Regular assessment practices allowed IA to demonstrate its impact on student retention, leadership development, and cultural competenc

Conclusion

The partnership between the University and our consultants was been instrumental in transforming the Intercultural Affairs unit into a dynamic, student-centered resource. By fostering collaboration, enhancing branding, and implementing strategic programming, the University has positioned itself to provide meaningful support for its diverse student population and promote an inclusive campus culture. These efforts have improved student experiences and aligned IA's work with the university's broader goals for diversity, equity, and inclusion.