RATIONALE

Our society of the 21st century will increasingly bring people together who represent diverse cultures, religions, ethnicity, family structures as well as other differences, including various disabilities. Working with people who are in some way different than ourselves can create opportunities for genuine understanding and a rich exchange of ideas that will enhance quality of life. If our students, and others who are touched by the University, are to seize on opportunities created by an increasingly pluralistic society, we must ensure that the values of diversity are fully infused into our curriculum and instructional practices, as well as our own actions. As a College of Education, Health and Human Development, we must assume a leadership role in preparing both the current and future generations for full participation in a pluralistic society and to take advantage of the strengths inherent in diversity. Promoting the concepts of diversity in a region of the country, which is limited in its scope of diversity, is not only a challenge, but a challenge which should be pursued with vigor. Addressing the challenge should include clearly defined curricular goals as reflected in syllabi and teaching practices, opportunities to interact in meaningful ways with diverse groups, recruitment and retention of minority faculty, staff, and students, special initiatives to create understanding, and a very visible commitment to diversity throughout the College.

MISSION STATEMENT

The College will be seen by the campus and by the State as a leader in helping Montanans achieve the benefits of diversity within their own state and globally.

GOALS

Fundamental to achieving leadership in diversity is the development of a comprehensive diversity plan for the College. This plan should address the following items:

• Integrate the concepts of diversity throughout the curriculum in teaching practices, and in field experiences. Our commitment to diversity should be clearly evident in syllabi and in expectations for student outcomes.
• Achieve campus and State leadership as demonstrated by actions such as newsletters and forums on integrating diversity into the curriculum, e-mail chat rooms or help centers, and off-campus seminars.
• Demonstrate genuine efforts to attract a more diverse faculty, staff, and student body to the College, including programs such as "summer associates" (courses taught by visiting minorities) and continued efforts to create a receptive environment where diverse individuals can be successful.
• Develop a secure environment for all individuals.
• Develop and implement a dynamic comprehensive diversity plan for the College of Education, Health and Human Development.
• Implement a comprehensive in-service program to assist faculty and staff to implement the College diversity goals.
• Reduce prejudice and misunderstanding.
• Evaluate the impact of the College's diversity plan.
• Assist in creating a receptive and successful environment on campus and in the community for all MSU-Bozeman students.

COMMITTEE MEMBERS