Fundamental to education is the inculcation of an understanding and appreciation of diversity and its value in the pursuit of lifelong fulfillment. To fulfill this obligation the campus must provide opportunities to learn about diversity in its many forms and to make available events that celebrate diversity. It is also an obligation of campus leaders to encourage an understanding of diversity initiatives and their relationship with the stated campus mission and vision.
Diversity, in this sense, has several dimensions. Foremost among the dimensions of diversity to be considered are age, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, physical abilities, and national origins, among both domestic and international groups. Other dimensions will include income, military experience, religious beliefs, family status, education, work background, geographic location, and relationship status. By identifying the issues of diversity we may begin to better understand their impact on campus life, along with how they shape perceptions and interactions.
The President has charged the Diversity Working Group with the following tasks. They will meet on a regular basis to discuss ideas, share data and information, and draft specific proposals.
- The group will advise the President on matters of importance pertinent to campus diversity issues.
- The group will assist in developing programs, which have the potential to enhance diversity awareness.
- The group's efforts will focus on diversity as a campus-wide issue.
- A white paper articulating the campus' commitment to diversity will be developed for distribution.
- Campus-wide goals and objectives will be developed and distributed.
- The group will assist with developing strategies for incorporating goals and objectives into the campus five-year plan.