Building Our Community: Dismantling Racism at UVM

1. Establish a University-wide exploration of diversity/race and culture:

• via curriculum
• via intellectual exploration in the disciplines
• via a day set aside

Donald Grinde of ALANA Studies has produced a proposal for developing race and diversity competencies for UVM undergraduate students.

The Center for Cultural Pluralism has applied for a grant that would provide faculty development around multicultural curriculum change.

The Psychology Department has planned a week-long exploration into the psychological aspects of bias behavior. This includes teach-ins in classes, guest lectures and research projects. This effort can serve as a model for discipline specific programs.

Next year´s BOC learning day has been scheduled for November 6, 1998. While it is not feasible to cancel classes, every effort will be made to encourage faculty to incorporate the theme of addressing racism into their curriculum on that day and to participate in the scheduled activities where possible.

2. Report bias-related incidents to whole community

• The department of Residential Life has changed their bias crime protocol to include broad e-mail and phone mail notification of acts of bias vandalism. These messages include a description of the bias act, the University´s action/response and learning opportunities scheduled to combat racism at UVM.
• To reach faculty and staff, the UVM Record is also publishing the events.
• Work must continue to identify new ways to reach all members of the community.

One of the five standing committees of the President´s Commission on Racial Equality (PCORE) will be charged to explore with curriculum issues. In addition, Donald Grinde of ALANA Studies has produced a proposal for developing race and diversity competencies for UVM undergraduate students.

4. Design consistent clear messages about UVM values ( Our Common Ground ) for student staff and faculty orientations.

The Board of Trustees adopted "Our Common Ground" at the February 1998 Board Meeting. The Executive Officer for Cultural Pluralism has been asked to devise an approach to incorporate Our Common Ground into all aspects of University programs.

5. Establish a new advisory resource group on diversity and multiculturalism. Set up in January.

In March, the President has established a President´s Commission on Racial Equality. She is accepting nominations from all governance bodies, student organizations and administrative units.

6. During budget hearings, consider package of services (e.g., ESL, professional development) for international students and employees.

This is in process through the Center for Cultural Pluralism.

Other Issues/Ideas:

How do we best support involvement of new citizens in campus community?

A) information in various languages
B) send energizing messages in all publications professional opportunities for 2nd/3rd shift
C) ESL program - full-time position
D) management/employee succession program
E) language translations available

In October 1997, a new Director was hired for the Office of International Educational Service. Part of his charge is to explore better services for international students and scholars. The Office has requested increased funds to better meet the needs of our international population and to increase the number of exchange and study abroad programs.

If the Center for Cultural Pluralism receives its request for an ESL coordinator, this position will be charged with finding solutions to language-based difficulties on campus.

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