Diversity Council ::: Meeting Minutes ::: December 10, 2004
Present: H. Bastow-Shoop, G. Berry, A. Burnett, S. Holbrook, A. Kamel, R. Kitch, J. Larson, P. Lundstrom, H. Nesemeier, C. Okigbo, C. Peterson, C. Schnell, K. Spiering, G. Taylor, K. Thoennes, R. Ussatis, and A. White
I. Announcements
• Introductions
• Congratulations to Paul Lundstrom—he is graduating in December.
• Guests:
o Mr. Stephen Silberfarb, Executive Director, Jewish Community Relations Council of Minnesota and the Dakotas
o Ms. Molly Altorfer, Director of Communications and Community Security
o Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) of Minnesota and the Dakotas web link: http://www.minndakjcrc.org/
o Mr. Silberfarb and Ms. Altorfer came here in response to President Chapman’s and the Diversity Council’s response to recent hate activity on campus and in our community
o Mr. Silverfarb expressed gratitude for the stance we have taken.
o The JCRC can serve as a resource. Their primary area is in the Twin Cities; smaller numbers in the Dakotas.
o JCRC strives to be the public affairs voice of Jewish people. Their four main programs are:
-Middle-East (initiative to advocate for the peace and security of Israel through education, information and community action)
-Tolerance Minnesota (interactive programs in schools)
-Justice Squared (social justice outreach program)
-Safeguarding our Community (security measures program)
-JCRC is active on several campuses.
-Can assist in making climate safe and welcoming
• Discussion regarding holiday parties, decorations, etc.
o Holiday parties—a preferred and more generic way to address the holidays
o The goal is to celebrate each other’s cultures and customs, rather than suppress the cultures.
II.Strategic Plan Update
• Email written feedback for each of the five components to Sandy by January 13, 2005
• Subcommittee Reports:
o Institutional Commitment—Alan White
--Generic questions about chart, re-thinking some of the column titles, adding statements in progress column, looking at action step numbers and sub-numbers
o Curriculum and Pedagogy—Craig Schnell
--Will meet soon
o Research and Scholarship—Ann Burnett
-- Added a few suggestions, vocabulary changes
o Recruitment and Retention—Charles Okigbo
-- Will meet soon
o Inter/Intra-group relations—Gene Taylor
-- Found some global issues, wording changes to update
• After subcommittees finalize their work, three new subcommittees will be formed:
o Assessment Measures
o Performance Indicators
o Plan Evaluation Teams
• Goal is to wrap up subcommittee work by March
• Present to President’s Cabinet in March
III. Updating Webpage http://www.ndsu.nodak.edu/diversity/
• Pictures of new members - go to Publications Services ASAP 9:30 - 11:30 am any Wednesday
• Reminder: send spring diversity-related events to Amy.Ochoa@ndsu.edu for calendar
IV. Meetings next semester – all meetings will be in Meineke Board Room in the Union.
Friday, January 21 - noon to 1:30 pm
Friday, February 18 - noon to 1:30 pm
Friday, March 11 - noon to 1:30 pm
Friday, April 15 - noon to 1:30 pm
Friday, May 20 - noon to 1:30 pm
Friday, June 17 - noon to 1:30 pm
Next meeting is January 21 at 12:00 p.m. in Meineke Board Room.
Minutes recorded by R. Kitch