The University Ombuds Office

U of A Diversity Values Statement: In order to enhance educational diversity, the University of Arkansas seeks to include and integrate individuals from varied backgrounds and with characteristics such as those defined by race, ethnicity, national origin, age, gender, background, religion, sexual [affectional] orientation, disability [ability], and intellectual perspective.

U of A Diversity Website: diversity.uark.edu

U of A Five Major Institutional Goals: “Enhancing diversity among our faculty, students, and staff.”

The Division of Student Affairs Diversity Committee is committed to the diversity values statement and the major goals of the University of Arkansas. Our committee is a collaborative and dynamic team of diverse and passionate individuals, working together to model and promote inclusive excellence. Our membership includes representation from across the division:

Student Development
CEA – Annie Jannarone
PWHC/CAPS – Roslyn Davis

Dean of Students
University Housing – Tim Burkhalter
Student Involvement and Leadership
– Mary Coonley
University Ombuds Office
– Sue Theiss
Community Standards and Student Ethics
– Aisha Kenner

Institutional Diversity & Education
Multicultural Center – Cedric Kenner

Program Development
International Students & Scholars
– Michael Freeman
First Year Experience Programs
– Shelia Burkhalter
Off Campus Connections
– Sylvia Scott
Pre-College Programs
– Carol Altom/Keith Brink

VCSA
Assistant to the Vice Chancellor – Judd Harbin

Committee Support
Dean of Students – Danny Pugh
Assistant to the AVCSA/DOS
– Susan McCranie
Doctoral Assistant – Taj Cobbs

To advance the Division of Student Affairs in reaching the University of Arkansas commitment to diversity, the Diversity Committee is charged with:

Advisory Capacity

Research and identify learning objectives associated with diversity provisions of the University of Arkansas Experience
Establish “strategies” and “key performance indicators” as part of division strategic plan.
Create a formal relationship with Human Resources to develop, market, and implement a diversity training program for Student Affairs employees that will reach all levels of the division.
Enhance the diversity of the university community by recruiting and retaining staff from under represented groups.

Advertising of positions.
Networking to increase diversity of the pool of candidates.
Multicultural resources directory for candidates.
Review of web sites for diversity appeal

Assessment

Review and report on divisional progress identified in the University of Arkansas Diversity Plan.
Identify and recommend best practices to VCSA, VCSA Executive Committee, and VCSA Directors.
Increase divisional accountability through assessment and evaluation of diversity needs and initiatives.

Performance evaluation of staff.
Departmental performance measures of diversity goals (quantitative and/or qualitative).
Annual review of diversity goals as identified in Division of Student Affairs Strategic Plan.
Survey prior to training and creating dialogues, then again after training and dialogues are complete to measure level of increased awareness.

Recognition

To identify and recognize staff, teams, and departments for exceptional progress/best practices supporting diversity.
To establish and award diversity grants for the Division of Student Affairs.

While the above areas comprise the responsibilities of the Student Affairs Diversity Committee, the whole of the division is ultimately responsible for the progress of our diversity goals. As such, our continued efforts in the following areas at the departmental and program level are vital to our future success.

To provide educational programs and training that will prepare faculty, staff and students for life in an increasing diverse society.

Professional development.
Campus wide forums.
Division workshop.
Infusing diversity into mainstream activities.

To enhance the academic mission of the University by providing different resources and materials in support of the curriculum.

Inventory of resources for division.
Classroom presentation/guest lecture.
Encourage teaching opportunity.
Service learning.
Research.

To provide resources that improves the quality and quantity of diverse programs and services for the University and Northwest Arkansas.

Review and/or reallocation of resources – diversity taskforce resources.
Grants.
Collaboration with departments/units.

NOTE: Italicized items come from a January 2002 Diversity Committee document recommending divisional responsibilities regarding diversity.