e-Value8

This is the latest edition of e-Value8, a monthly newsletter brought to you by the Division of Student Affairs and University Planning Value-U committee. Each month we highlight one of the eight student affairs values and explore how each is happening in the Division and what we might do personally and as a department to continue to practice each value. After distribution each newsletter will be archived on the SAUP blackboard site for future reference.

"We all should know that diversity makes for a rich tapestry, and we must understand that all the threads of the tapestry are equal in value no matter what their color."

Maya Angelou
(Author and America Poet Laureate)

We value celebrating our differences in appreciation of diversity.

Diversity reflects valuing and acceptance of differences; a diverse organization reflects sensitivity to maintaining an open, supportive and responsive environment and purposeful inclusion of all members. Examples of diversity in action include:

• Conducting targeted competency development programs to prepare staff for interaction with diverse student populations
  
  
• Establishment of a scholarship program for students from underrepresented groups
  
  
• Presenting campus-wide celebrations and educational programs on ethnicity, gender, and commemoration of national and international leaders
  
  
• Concerted efforts to attract and retain staff from underrepresented groups

e-Value8 your alignment as an

Individual

• What have I done recently that demonstrates this value is important to me?
  
• What have I done inadvertently to demonstrate this value is not important to me?
  
• What do I need to do to more fully demonstrate this value?
  
• In what ways am I inclusive and welcoming to anyone who I encounter? What more can be done to make sure these interactions will be effective?
  

e-Value8 your alignment as a

Department

• How is our department implementing the division’s diversity strategic plan?
  
• In what ways are our programs, services, and facilities inclusive and welcoming to anyone who enters? What more can be done to make sure everyone encountering our department will feel valued?
  
• What programs and services does our department provide that increase understanding and acceptance of diversity as a social and educational advantage? How else might the value of diversity be promoted in our functions?
  
• What can we do to achieve more diversity through staffing? How is our department valuing differences in hiring processes?
  
• What role does diversity play in performance planning within our department? How might performance planning be used more effectively in this regard?