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Introduction
Essential to the mission of Northwestern State University is a commitment by members of the University community to foster an environment for learning and working where there is acceptance of diversity. Engaging in a process involving students, faculty, staff, administrators, alumni, and local supporters of diverse backgrounds, the University has espoused its vision, commitment, and action by developing a Diversity Plan. This plan coincides with the vision and mission of the University as well as addresses strategic goals established for the University.
This plan evolved from the University hosting a retreat with the theme, “Leading the Way to a University Diversity Plan” during the Spring Semester, 2005. Participants in the retreat were recommended to President Webb by the vice presidents, director of institutional affairs, and deans.
The plan includes a definition for diversity and the mission statement for the University’s diversity plan. Additionally, the plan was developed around the following annual themes:
Year 1: Leading the Way for a University Diversity Plan
Year 2: Determining the Needs
Year 3: Creating the Climate
Year 4: Recruiting for Diversity
Year 5: Retaining for Diversity
Strategies were identified for each year and theme. The Plan includes plans to monitor, report, and evaluate elements of the plan realizing the data will be used to update the plan annually as needed.
University Diversity Definition
Today members of our University Community are more likely to experience differences among people. Northwestern State University defines diversity as differences in age, gender, religion, language, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, ethnicity, race, exceptionalities, and geographic background. In our mission to acknowledge our differences, we also hope to realize our commonalities.
University Mission Statement
The University’s fundamental mission in addressing diversity is to cultivate and nurture diversity as a change agent, and to provide a student-oriented community with opportunities for cultural, intellectual, social, economic, and ethnic development. Recognizing this fundamental purpose, the University fosters an environment that encourages all members to acknowledge, respect, celebrate, accommodate, and learn from the human experience. The university is committed to excellence in recruiting, communicating, and maintaining a community of diverse people, ideas, perspectives, possibilities, and backgrounds.
5-Year Northwestern State University Diversity Plan
Year 1 (2004-2005) Leading the Way for a University Diversity Plan
1. Seek approval and funding from Cabinet to plan and organize University Diversity Plan Retreat. Conduct organizational and planning meetings for the retreat. Establish Diversity Plan Steering Committee.
2. Conduct retreat and gather information for Diversity Definition, Mission Statement, and 5-Year Diversity Plan.
3. Identify community and University members to collaborate and serve on the University/Community Diversity Plan Committee (long term).
4. Analyze data collected at the retreat and integrate into the Diversity Definition, Mission, and 5-Year Diversity Plan.
5. Diversity Plan Steering Committee to draft the elements of the plan for review by the University/Community Diversity Plan Committee.
6. Submit approved plan to the University Diversity Committee and Cabinet.
Year 2 (2005-2006) Determining the Needs
1. Develop and administer a Needs Analysis (including development needs).
2. Analyze data, develop a Community Profile, and report the profile to various diversity committees.
3. Engage University/Community Diversity Plan Committee to evaluate the plan and profile.
4. Submit the plan to the Diversity Committee and the Cabinet.
5. Develop a proposal (including funding) for campus-wide development activities.
6. Evaluate the University Diversity Plan.
Year 3 (2006-2007) Creating the Climate
1. Develop a schedule for the delivery of campus-wide development activities.
2. Implement a schedule of activities to engage faculty, staff, and students.
3. Evaluate the campus-wide development activities.
4. Evaluate the University Diversity Plan.
Year 4 (2007-2008) Recruiting for Diversity
1. Develop policies and goals (parallel to the University’s Mission and Strategic Plan: and Definition and Mission of Diversity) on recruitment to assure a diverse faculty, staff, and student body (Engage University/Community Diversity Plan Committee).
2. Collaborate with a peer institution on recruiting.
3. Identify best practices for recruiting.
4. Provide Staff Development on “how to recruit.”
5. Evaluate the University Diversity Plan.
Year 5 (2008-2009) Retaining for Diversity
1. Develop policies and goals (parallel to the University’s Mission and Strategic Plan: and Definition and Mission of Diversity) on retention to assure a diverse faculty, staff, and student body (Engage University/Community Diversity Plan Committee).
2. Collaborate with a peer institution on retention
3. Identify best practices for retention
4. Provide Staff Development on “how to retain.”
5. Evaluate the University Diversity Plan.
College of Education Diversity Plan Initiatives 2005-2010
National Organization of Multicultural Education
http://www.nameorg.org
Tolerance. Org
http://www.tolerance.org
Diversity Dictionary
http://www.inform.umd.edu/EdRes/Topic/Diversity/Reference/divdic.html
Diversity Web
http://www.diversityweb.org
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