Charge to the Diversity and Pluralism Council
The role of the Council will be to serve as a think tank and working group assisting the Chancellor and Vice Chancellors in developing strategies designed to foster a campus climate that supports diversity of race, culture, gender, sexual orientation, disability, religion, age, socio economic class, and country of origin across our student body, faculty and staff. In addition, the Council will help to develop inclusiveness as a deeply embedded campus value.
CHARGE (What)
MEANS (How)
TIMING (When)
1. Develop a Diversity Strategic Plan for the campus.
Review the UMass Dartmouth Strategic Plan objectives related to diversity & draft a final Diversity Strategic Plan
Spring ‘09
2. Assess current campus climate on diversity
On-line survey of faculty, students and staff via Survey Monkey
Feb. 09 for pilot survey administered; March 09 for full survey; and April 09 for analysis & baseline report on results
3. Oversee and assist in the implementation of the strategic diversity plan
Identify a point person from the Diversity & Pluralism Council on each strategy to work with sub-groups. Monthly progress check-in & support strategy.
Begin Fall ’09 and on-going thereafter
4. Assess effectiveness of services & programs that promote diversity and inclusiveness
Add to the Diversity Strategic Plan as a strategy under Goal I - Objective A.
Begin process in Fall semester 09
5. Track/benchmark progress made
Develop annual report card to be used starting in AY 09-10.
On-going and with annual report card, end of May each year
6. Recommend actions (programs/activities/initiatives) to enhance campus diversity climate
Review baseline data from the campus climate survey; Implementation of Strategic Diversity Plan
Include in Initial report for early May 09 and on-going
7. Provide status report to the Chancellor
Written report to the Chancellor once a semester
January and June
Definition of Terms
Diversity – While there are many dimensions of differences that exist between groups of people, at UMass Dartmouth we define diversity to consist of race, culture, gender, sexual orientation, disability, religion, age, socio economic class, and country of origin. We value the presence of these social group differences on campus because they contribute to creating an enriched learning and working environment and more effectively preparing our students to live and lead in a global society.
Pluralism – Underrepresented groups participate fully in the dominant society, yet maintain their cultural differences.
Race - a social rather than a biological construct that group people by common heredity and physical distinctions.
Culture - the behaviors and beliefs characteristic of a particular social group, e.g., ethnic, gender, age, sexual orientation, etc.
Sex – physical sexual identity one is born with, e.g., male, female and transgender.
Gender – the socially constructed characteristics and roles attributed to men and women.
Sexual Orientation - one's natural orientation in sexual partners & intimate relationships, e.g., homosexuality, heterosexuality, or bisexuality.
Disability – physical, psychological or mental challenges that could prevent a person from achieving their full potential.
Religion - a set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe and spiritual orientation.
Social Justice – is about preventing human rights abuses and promoting fair treatment of people; refers to the concept of a society in which justice is achieved in every aspect of society, rather than merely in the administration of law.
People of Color – a collective term for men and women of Asian Pacific Islander, Black/African American, Latin/Hispanic and Native American ancestry, in contrast to the collective “White” for those of European ancestry. The term people may be replaced by students, staff, or faculty to designate membership in a specific campus group.
Multiculturalism - generally refers to a state of racial, cultural and ethnic diversity within the demographics of a specific organization such as a school, business, neighbourhood, city or nation.
