NDSU: Diversity Council

Diversity Council ::: Meeting Minutes ::: September 12, 2003

Present: (in alphabetical order) Cathy Anderson, Joshua Boschee, Paul Boswell, Dr. Ann Burnett, President Joseph Chapman, Jaclynn Davis Wallette, Dr. Ahmed Kamel, Rhonda Kitch, Allyn Kostecki, Dr. Sandra Holbrook, Josh Malnourie, Heather Nesemeier, Dr. Charles Okigbo, Dr. Charles Peterson, Dr. Sue Rankin (consultant), Kerri Spiering, Provost R. Craig Schnell, Kerri Spiering, Kara Stack, Gene Taylor, Karla Thoennes, John Trautman, Rita Ussatis, Dr. Alan White, and Dr. Jim Wigtil.

I. Announcements

A. Membership changes: Heather Nesemeier (student), Gene Taylor (athletic director), and John Trautman (student) were welcomed as the newest members of the President's Diversity Council and encouraged to have photographs taken to be included on the Council's web page.

B. Informational table in Memorial Union: Council members who had shifts at the President's Diversity Council table Sept. 2-5 reported that many people stopped by to say hello.

C. TOCAR reunion luncheons: Joshua Boschee reported that he expected good turnouts at the two NDSU TOCAR reunion luncheons to be held at the Alumni Center on Sept. 16 and 17.

D. Upcoming training: Sandra Holbrook reported that there were a number of TOCAR (Training Our Campuses Against Racism) training opportunities offered on the NDSU campus in the near future. Council members who have not yet attended Level I or II training were encouraged to participate in sessions scheduled for Nov. 20 (Level I) and Oct. 31-Nov. 1 (Level II).

E. "Race: The Power of Illusion": Kara Stack reported that the University has purchased the acclaimed and provocative documentary series on the VHS format. Council members interested in viewing the three-hour/three-tape series were encouraged to contact Kara.

F. Hispanic Heritage Month: Sandra Holbrook distributed promotional information about several events scheduled during Hispanic Heritage Month, Sept. 15-Oct. 15.

G. American Indian filmmaker: Jaclynn Davis Wallette announced that Chris Eyre, the director of the motion pictures "Smoke Signals," "SKINS, and "Skinwalkers," will be visiting Fargo-Moorhead on Oct. 9-10. Eyre will present a special program at Century Theater, NDSU Memorial Union, at 1:30 p.m. Oct. 10.

II. Update on Climate Assessment
A.
Consultant Dr. Sue Rankin presented a report on the preliminary draft of the Campus Climate Assessment that includes information and data collected from NDSU students, staff, faculty, and administrators in Spring 2003. Rankin shared highlights included in the draft of the report, which will be released to the public later this fall.

Rankin said the basic steps in the process are: (1) evaluate the climate here at NDSU; (2) present evaluation findings; and (3) discuss possible steps or actions to take based on what we learn from the findings. She hoped the study will identify issues, raise questions, and help develop a strategic plan.

Overall, NDSU students did not respond in strong numbers but there were high response rates among faculty, staff, and administrations. Rankin was also happy to report that about 50 percent of the students of color on our campus responded to the survey. That response rate means that we can generalize about students of color from the data.

Rankin told the group that they are doing a great job and suggested that the Council become more visible about its work; she stressed that the very existence of a Diversity Council is a major strength for the University. Rankin also noted the support of the administration for this project. Rankin also cautioned that the way the Campus Climate Assessment results are presented will be more important than what the study says. She suggested a letter from President Chapman accompany an executive summary of the Campus Climate Assessment. Council members agreed that President Chapman's State of the University Address on Thursday, Oct. 9, would be the ideal opportunity to share highlights of the executive summary with the campus and the public.

III.Other business

A. Next meetings: Friday, October 17, 8:00 a.m., Meinecke Boardroom; Friday, November 14, 8:00 a.m., University Chamber; Friday, December 12, 8:00 a.m., Meinecke Boardroom