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).