Diversity Task Force Initiative

As a result of the 2012-2013 Diversity Task Force report, several initiatives for faculty, staff and students are being considered.  Updates will be posted here.

Preview PDF copy of the 2013-14 Diversity Task Force Initiatives here.

Diversity Task Force Initiatives for 2013-2014

1.    Expansion and Support of the Intergroup Dialogue Program: (Art Dean)

• Create steering committee comprised of faculty and staff members:
• Establish the committee’s Five Focus areas: (Structure, Capacity/Training, Curriculum, Branding and Marketing and Assessment).
• Develop a new strategic plan (completed by spring 2014).

2.    HR/Search Committee: (James Robinson and Diane Yerian)  

• Develop standards and best practices for recruitment, selection, hiring and mentoring of new faculty and staff.
• Create training for Chairs of search committee (timing and content).
• Develop exit interviews best practices.
• Make recommendations of the resources needed in HR for a university advertising plan for positions (not determined by each department).
• Establish a Committee to develop this information composed of Diane Yerian, James Robinson, Jack Knight Jennifer Kester, Casey Carter and Michael Stoloff.
• Submit Recommendations to the Senior Leadership Team in spring 2014.

3.    Communication and Marketing: (Andy Perrine and Art Dean)   

• Create partnership with University Marketing (Andy Perrine) and the Special Assistants to the President for Diversity.
• Develop University standards/suggestions for print and web promotion of Diversity. (Proper images for aspirational and current status).

4.    Diversity Council Chairs:(David Owusu-Ansah and Art Dean)

• Work with each VP to determine the appropriate representation on the Diversity Councils. 
• Assist with the formalization, purpose and mission of each diversity council.

5.    Area Studies: (Dr. AJ Morey and Provost’s Diversity Advisory Committee, “PDAC”)

• Dr. AJ Morey is chairing the PDAC to do the following:
  • Review Area study minors that could be moved into majors.
  • Review vibrancy of our current minors.
  • Review the marketing of our current majors/minors that offer content/pedagogy around diverse topics/interests.
  • Research curricular opportunities to respond to needs within the Commonwealth of Virginia (ex. provide a Major in Latino Studies).
• Add a member of the Faculty Senate to the PDAC.
• Casey Carter from the Diversity Task Force will also join the PDAC.
• PDAC will report back to the Provost May 2014.

6.    Curriculum Conversations: (David Owusu-Ansah, Bob Kolvoord, and PDAC)

• Dr. David Owusu-Ansah will have ongoing conversations with CFI about the creation of workshops on how to enhance diversity content in the curriculum.
• Recommendations will be forwarded to PDAC.

7.    Expansion and Elevation of Diversity Resources: (Christie Liu and Art Dean)

• Develop a list of resources to be added to the Library’s collection for faculty to access for teaching and scholarship.
• Develop ways to promote these resources created by JMU Libraries in CFI, CIT and academic units and departments.
• Create a process for faculty to submit new recommendations to the Libraries and Educational Technologies.
• Promote the existing websites located in CFI and L&ET that provide support for scholarship and teaching.

8.    Provost Diversity Scholarship Excellence Award:  (Bob Kolvoord, David Owusu-Ansah and the Provost Leadership Team)

• Provide a modest amount of money to support a Provost’s Award for Diversity Scholarship.  This would encourage diversity scholarship among faculty and raise the profile of diversity scholarship on campus.  Those selected would receive a $1,000 stipend and be required to present their work during the next Noftsinger Celebration of Madison Scholarship. (Provost’s Leadership Team).

9.    Diversity Scholarship Capacity Building Grant:  (Bob Kolvoord, David Owusu-Ansah and the Provost Leadership Team)

• Establish capacity building grants for Instructional and AP Faculty to create networks of JMU and external researchers to pursue diversity related scholarship.

10.   Classified Staff Apprenticeship Program: (Rick Larson and James Robinson)

• Review the model developed in Facilities Management and Public Safety to determine if the program can be replicated in other divisions.

11.   JMU Research Scholars Program:  (Bob Kolvoord, David Owusu-Ansah, Art Dean and the Provost Leadership Team)

• Explore the creation of a JMU Scholars Program designed to prepare under-represented undergraduate students for careers in the professorate at JMU and other institutions. 
• Review and explore the ability to leverage JMU and state institutional relationships to create access.

12.  Accessibility: (James Robinson, Art Dean, Towana Moore, Valerie Schoolcraft, and Casey Carter)

• Ensure information and resources are available to all constituents of the University (website, new employee orientation, key access points).
• Establish and maintain accommodations and support for faculty, staff, students, and the broader JMU community including visitors and guests.  
• Conduct a review of buildings, accessible entry points to the University and develop a plan to determine the high priority areas, the cost and a timeframe to continue upgrading the accessibility of the campus.

13.  Training: (Bob Kolvoord, Art Dean, David Owusu-Ansah, Jennifer Campfield, Carol Hurney, and Valarie Ghant)

• Develop peer to peer student trainers.
• Develop a team of faculty/staff trainers for all types of diversity workshops.
• Coordinate workshops and training opportunities through Center for Faculty Innovation and Training and Development with a goal of creating sustainable and coordinated opportunities in advancing all efforts/aspects of diversity.

14.  Partnerships with school districts and organizations: (Donna Harper, David Owusu-Ansah, Michael Walsh, Art Dean, and Bob Kolvoord)

• Research and build connections with Commonwealth programs that serve large numbers of low SES and first-generation students.
• Connect with JMU alumni involved in these efforts.

15. International Programs: (Bob Kolvoord, David Owusu-Ansah and the Office of International Programs)

• Expand the Fulbright and International Scholars program.
• Assess transitions, academic persistence and scholarships for international students.

16. General education:  (Bob Kolvoord, David Owusu-Ansah, PDAC and University Studies)

• Continue to review and enhance diversity in the curriculum.
• Determine what resources and support are needed to continue to enhance diversity within General Education.

17.  GLBTQ:  (James Robinson, Art Dean, Rob Alexander and Beau Dooley)  

• Continue conversation with students, faculty and staff to reinforce current support and determine needs and resources for additional support.

18.  Expansion of the Diversity Conference Local Partnership: (James Robinson and Art Dean)

• Explore partnerships within our local community; (eg. Merck, Miller Coors, Local School systems, Bridgewater, EMU and BRCC).