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by NASH DUNN
Intern News Reporter
Appalachian State University’s diversity task force strives to expand the possibilities for change.
Initiated by Chancellor Kenneth E. Peacock in April 2007, the 46-member task force was created to prepare a new diversity strategic plan for Appalachian.
The task force, which is divided into six different committees from around campus and the community, designed the plan for spring 2008 and has recently vetted it with campus groups such as the Student Government Association, Staff Council, Dean’s Council and Faculty Senate.
Linda K.
Robinson, task force co-chair and associate vice chancellor for Equity,
Diversity and Compliance said task force members are currently
compiling information acquired from these groups in preparation of
presenting a final plan.
“We’re
almost a year behind our target for completion; however the task force
has been diligent in their efforts, and I feel certain we can count on
members to do the work to make this plan an important tool for our
university,” Robinson said. “Our hope is to present a plan to the
chancellor that truly represents the work of the task force and
reflects feedback from the university community by fall 2009.”
Global
diversification, student diversity preparation and the increase of
financial support for those of lower socioeconomic backgrounds are all
goals of the proposed plan, Robinson said.
The plan
also intends to attract students and employees of minorities,
international background and alternative religious faiths.
Robinson stresses creating a plan that focuses not only on statistics is a key to generating success.
“It’s
important to increase not only our numbers in terms of diverse students
and employees, but to develop a plan that makes Appalachian a better
place for all faculty, students and staff,” she said.
Although the plan is not finalized, Robinson said task force members are excited and hopeful about what the future may hold.
“We hope
the plan is just the beginning to helping members of the university
community to see what they can do to help strengthen
Appalachian
in terms of inclusion and diversity,” she said. “Hopefully [the plan]
will prime the pump and help people think about the possibilities.”
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