The committee met from noon to 1:00 p.m. in the Chrystal Center conference room on the lower level. Present were: Giovanni Cortez, Katya Gibel Azoulay, Kristin Lovig, Mary Phipps, Michael Sims, Laura Sinnett, and Melanie Yazzie.
The committee continued their discussions from the previous meeting, focusing on a survey of students of color.
The first discussion was about how students view diversity. It is believed that all students are for diversity, but it's the kind of diversity that affects their views. When asked about diversity, some students speak of political, economic, intellectual diversity and the like. When asked directly about racial diversity, it seems that evasive answers are provided or that the respondent is uncomfortable in speaking about the topic.
The committee moved on to discuss a survey of students of color. The following points were made:
- The survey needs to be specific. We need to ask direct questions.
- It would be interesting to know how students define diversity in relation to their economic status, gender, and the different constituencies by which they belong.
- Some of the goals of the survey include:
- Knowing more about domestic students of color
- Determining the regional differences between students
- Understanding why students choose the classes they do
- Evaluating the differences between urban/suburban/rural students, public/private school students, and 1st generation/2nd generation college students
- The committee wondered if there are funds available to obtain the services of an outside consultant to assist in the formulation of the survey. It was mentioned that it would be helpful to obtain an objective viewpoint from outside of the institution.
The committee agreed upon the following goals:
- Survey of students of color
- Meet with the academic department chairs to discuss diversity
- Explore options for diversity training for the faculty
The committee decided to meet again next Friday, March 7 in the 2nd floor conference room at Nollen House, to further discuss the survey.
Respectfully submitted, Kristin Lovig
