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A Framework to Foster Diversity at Penn State: 2004-09
SPOTLIGHT ON DIVERSITY:
Diversity Potluck Luncheons The original ICA Diversity Council hosted two Diversity Potluck luncheons in 2004-05 and 2005-06 for all members of ICA and staff of the Bryce Jordan Center to kick-off the start of each new academic year. These functions were helpful in introducing all departmental employees to the Council members and provided and opportunity for the Council to share their agenda and make employees aware of the work that they had planned. It was beneficial for employees to get a unique perspective and shared vision into the importance of Diversity within the department and across the University. Many different cultural foods and deserts were prepared and served by attendees and door prizes were raffled off throughout the event by the Council members and Director of Athletics. Diversity is of central importance to Penn State University and is a key component in both short and long-range strategic planning. The importance of diversity is exemplified by both the pervasiveness with which it is being addressed across the University and in the meaning that has been attached to the term itself. To Penn State, diversity refers not only to the inclusion of racial/ethnic minority groups and women in the University community, but all traditionally underrepresented groups. More important than the desire to include such groups; however, is the reasoning behind the desire. Penn State fully recognizes the value to everyone (faculty, staff, and students) in living and working in an environment that provides opportunities for crosscultural experiences as well as an environment in which those experiences are welcome. Penn State Athletics continues to focus on initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion by supporting a variety of programs and strategies that contribute to the University’s diversity goals and demonstrate progress related to the seven challenges, within four dimensions of diversity, as outlined in A Framework to Foster Diversity at Penn State 2004-09 and summarized in the margin on the left of this page. The new Athletics Council for Diversity and Inclusion (ACDI) provides: expanded leadership opportunities among staff, more stability and consistency among members, involvement from representatives outside of athletics, working committees that focus on specific target areas, and an advisory board to review diversity related issues that arise within the department and provide feedback and recommendations to the Director of Athletics. We are confident that this new structure will enable us to better align our diversity efforts with those of the University, NCAA and Big Ten Conference and provide a model program both locally and nationally. The four ACDI working committees that are part of the new arrangement will help us continue making progress in our diversity programs and services. University Wide Framework Goals
REPRESENTATION
EDUCATION & SCHOLARSHIP
INSTITUTIONAL VIABILITY & VIATLITY
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