Virginia Commonwealth University has adopted a five-year diversity plan as part of its 2020 Vision for Excellence strategic planning process. This diversity plan focuses on campus climate, faculty recruitment, retention, and development, and staff recruitment and development. But there are also elements that relate directly to supporting diversity in the VCU student population. The full diversity plan document can be found at http://www.diversity.vcu.edu/documents/FiveYearDiversityPlanFinal.pdf
The School of the Arts is asking for student input on the goals and objectives of the plan in general, and specifically those that relate to the student community (objectives 5.1 - 5.4 below). Specifically, we are asking members of our Student Advisory Council to read this document and be prepared to offer input and feedback through our conversations on our Washington trip on 3/7/2011, in a Blackboard discussion forum for those who are unable to make the trip, as well as during a final meeting spring ‘11.
The full 86 page plan provides a lot of useful background for those who want to read it, and would be helpful in expanding your knowledge base for any informed discussion. However, the 2 page section included below is particularly relevant to student discussion.
Please review the following and be prepared to comment on your thoughts.
Goals Summary
Summaries of the Six Strategic Goals of the University Diversity Plan
GOAL 1: VCU will create a working and learning environment where differences are welcomed and valued to ensure a climate that offers opportunity for, and support of, the success of all faculty and staff.
GOAL 2: VCU will increase the diversity of faculty and staff in university leadership and decision-making roles.
GOAL 3: VCU will increase the presence of diverse faculty members at all ranks and levels.
GOAL 4: VCU will increase the presence of diverse staff members in the higher pay bands.
GOAL 5: VCU will maintain a student body reflective of the diversity in college bound students in the Commonwealth of Virginia by ensuring a climate that offers access, opportunity and support for the success of all students.
GOAL 6: VCU will strengthen the capacity of university and community partners to engage in mutually beneficial partnerships that respect diversity, and include groups with diverse backgrounds.
Specifics of Goal 5:
GOAL 5: VCU will maintain a student body reflective of the diversity in college bound students in the Commonwealth of Virginia by ensuring a climate that offers access, opportunity and support for the success of all students.
Rationale: Goal 5 of the Equity and Diversity Plan is directly supported by Virginia Commonwealth University's Mission Statement and supporting goals. "To value and promote racial and cultural diversity in its student body, faculty, administration and staff to enhance and enrich the university," is a goal which specifically sets the tone for Goal 5. Theme II of the VCU strategic plan, VCU 2020: Vision for Excellence, provides further groundwork for Goal 5 of the Diversity Plan by stating that VCU will "achieve national recognition as a learning-centered research university that embraces a world-class student experience," and that ―VCU will prepare students to thrive in a complex, interdependent, diverse, and constantly changing world, and to be prepared to continue learning throughout their lives.‖ Dr. Rao's Diversity Statement, posted on VCU‘s Diversity website, provides support for Goal 5. Dr. Rao states, ―Among the most important assets of Virginia Commonwealth University is the vibrant diversity of its Final Five-Year Diversity Plan November, 2010 students.‖ In articulating his expectations, Dr. Rao emphasizes capitalizing on the University‘s opportunity to graduate underrepresented students at all levels.
Objective 5.1
Examine recruitment programs for expanding ways to promote diversity and inclusion.
Objective 5.2
Identify academic and social support strategies to assist students with persistence and graduation from the university.
Objective 5.3
Develop mechanisms to encourage underrepresented undergraduate student transition to graduate and professional schools.
Objective 5.4
Encourage the development of a climate for diversity that promotes access, opportunity and support for student success.
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