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WINTER 2000

Thoughtful, knowledgeable, and effective educators for a diverse society

Moving Beyond Tolerance:

Involving Students, Staff, and Faculty in Affirming Diversity Across the Woodring College of Education

While other institutions in society are also fostering diversity, higher education is uniquely positioned, by its mission, values, and dedication to learning, to foster and nourish the habits of heart and mind that Americans need to make diversity work in daily life ... as a value and a public good.
&endash; Frank Wong, late chair, American Commitments national panel of the Association of American Colleges and Universities (AACU)

Since September 1998 the WCE Diversity Task Force and its several Action Groups have engaged in discussions and activities to reinforce and further the College's commitment to creating a climate that is comfortable, inviting, and engaging for a richly diverse community of students, faculty, and staff, which reflects the demographics of American society. Karen Hoelscher, associate professor in the Elementary Education Department, provided leadership for this group, and many faculty, staff, and students have contributed time and energy over these past months.

The Woodring Administrative Council (comprised of chairs and directors of the major WCE units) has recently approved the conversion of the Diversity Task Force to a permanent Diversity Committee. This action was recommended by Diversity Task Force members and is intended to elevate the College's ongoing commitment to sustain momentum and maintain continuity in its efforts toward three main goals:

To integrate diversity throughout the curricula and field experiences for all Woodring students.
To attract and support an increasingly diverse community of faculty, staff, and students.
To diversify the knowledge, skills, and attitude bases of individual members of the College community.

John Utendale, professor in the College's Adult and Higher Education Department, has agreed to chair the Diversity Committee, and many members of the Diversity Task Force have been appointed to the new committee.

We anticipate that diversity initiatives within Woodring College will have a significant and positive impact beyond the College, as faculty and students become involved in community activities, and graduates enter the world as professionals ready to serve in a diverse society.

Bonnie Drewes

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