COMMISSION ON INCLUSION & DIVERSITY INITIATIVES
MEETING MINUTES
4/11/2019
1:04pm – 1:54pm
EU-101
In Attendance: Carlos Fuentes, Debra Hammond, Flavia Fleischer, Marcella DeVeaux, Mary-Pat Stein, Natalie Mason-Kinsey, Pastor Charles Humphrey
Discussion Items:
A. Campus Climate Survey Roll-out: The meeting began with a discussion regarding the roll-out of the survey results. Mason-Kinsey asked that commissioners share their vision regarding when and how the roll-out will begin. A commissioner recalled that in previous meetings, releasing a twitter campaign was discussed as a possible tool the commission could use to publicize the results of the survey. Mason-Kinsey shared that in previous discussions, the commission mentioned three stages in which the roll-out could progress. The first stage would be limited to social media platforms such as twitter. The second stage would consist of a podcast or interview of either the CDO or commissioners, and feature discussions related to the survey results.
A commissioner mentioned that while Susan Hua was the interim CDO, the commission had requested to create their own web site. The site would feature information and pictures of the commissioners, in hopes that students would recognize them on campus. This would provide students with an opportunity to engage with commissioners in an informal setting. Unfortunately, the commission had more pressing issues at the time and the website was not brought to fruition. A commissioner noted that the Chief Diversity Office has very limited staff and resources, but that they hope the university makes this a priority.
One commissioner nominated themselves to be tasked with the student social media aspect of the plan. They noted that there may be time to work with varying constituencies on campus, to have the interview released before finals week (5/11 – 5/17). The commissioner shared that most of the campus’ social media efforts are archived on the Sundial, and they suggested that perhaps the interview/podcast could be archived there as well. Another commissioner shared that as finals approach, it may not be the right time to begin the roll-out. Mason-Kinsey suggested that an interview could be recorded in advance, and released in fall semester. She also proposed that tweets could begin before finals to release some information, and continue until the release in fall – when the forums will begin. A commissioner suggested that the commission should request an account on every social media platform. Another commissioner pointed out that the accounts must be maintained, and having a student employee available to manage the accounts may be in the commission’s best interest.
Commissioners had suggested the forums in previous meetings, as opportunities for students to speak their minds and share their opinions with the campus community. Mason-Kinsey suggested that perhaps Pastor Charles and Carlos could mediate the forums. Having commissioners who are not administrators on campus may allow students to feel more comfortable with sharing their concerns. A commissioner shared their concern regarding the duration of current members’ charges. They mentioned that plans for next year may have to change if commissioners are replaced with new members.
A commissioner inquired about where the results of the survey might be posted. They explained that the survey was completed last April, and should be shared soon. MasonKinsey offered to make the results public on the Chief Diversity Office’s website as the commission waits to have their web site created. She asked the commissioners if there should be separate emails for students, staff, faculty and administrators which would make them aware of the survey results. The commission agreed that one email can be sent to all constituencies.
B. Upstander Campaign: Mason-Kinsey had requested that commissioners provide feedback in regards to the campaign, its website and promotional items. The feedback received noted that it would be best to implement the campaign over Fall semester. A commissioner questioned whether the campaign would be implemented and owned by the commission or the Chief Diversity Officer. Mason-Kinsey suggested that it may be more successful if it is moderated by the commission and campus partners, as it will be a campus-wide initiative. Commissioners shared their concerns regarding the extent of the campaign. The wanted to ensure that in addition to having promotional items, that the campaign will establish a series of events geared towards educating and connecting the campus community.
One commissioner suggested that other departments on campus be allowed the chance to provide feedback at this time. They stated that in order to increase participation from different departments, it is beneficial to include them in the development of the campaign. There was a discussion regarding collaborating with other departments, to learn what “No Hate” might mean to the constituency they represent. Another commissioner suggested that the commission could plan a few events for the campaign to get it started, and then ask other departments to join once it has been established. Furthermore, they suggested that student participation could be incentivized with punch-card programs or something similar. A fellow commissioner mentioned that staff and faculty participation should be considered as well.
C. Roundtable Discussion: A commissioner mentioned an event regarding Affirmative Action that would be happening on campus in April. Commissioners agreed to share event information with one-another in the future.
Action Items:
1. Natalie will inquire about possibly developing a commission email address, website and social media account.
2. Natalie will brainstorm interview topics, and provide the commission with an opportunity to provide their feedback.
3. Natalie will reach out to Dell, to learn if there are minutes or any recordings from the panel event she held after the last commission meeting. Additionally, Natalie will share information regarding Dell’s upcoming event.
4. Natalie will post the results of the Campus Climate Survey on the CDO website.
5. Natalie will draft an email that will be sent to the campus community, to let them know that the survey results are available online. The draft will be shared with commissioners before it is sent.
6. Azam will send a reminder for the next meeting.
End: The meeting concluded at 12:12pm.