… as full participants in the construction of knowledge and critical thought. We are committed to enhancing the cultural and educational experiences of African Americans and other students while increasing their persistence and retention rates … Mattering is intersectional-cultural, social, political, civic, spiritual. Given the years of institutionalized educational inertia, which often includes potent doses of failure and disaffection, we are being asked to create learning … to engage f acuity, administrators and staff alongside and on behalf of their peers to voice their desire to achieve their educational dreams and goals. Our students, as leaders, are empowered to partner with faculty in the spirit of dual …