CAMPUS CLIMATE & DIVERSITY MESSAGE FROM THE DEAN

Dear Campus Community:

Over the course of the summer, the leadership team asked for extensive input to assess our campus direction in the important areas of diversity, campus climate, and affirmative action.  During these discussions three key needs were expressed: diversity coordination, civility, and curricular infusion. 

 The North Central Accreditation report indicates that we have programs, committees, and initiatives on diversity, but that we lack coordination. “The monitoring report should provide evidence that the University has conducted a review of the organizational structure as it pertains to the various offices, programs, and individuals responsible for advancing diversity at UW-L.”

 As noted above, the need for coordination was clearly articulated in the Accreditation report and numerous other settings including the Diversity retreat held May 2007.  One of the critical needs for this campus is coordination, administrative support, and an institutional plan.  To address these needs, we have reviewed our structure, resources, and gathered broad input from constituents.  As of September 1, 2008, we now have an Associate Dean for Campus Climate and Diversity charged with providing leadership and coordination of our diversity efforts.

 Associate Dean for Campus Climate & Diversity

We have realigned the responsibilities of the current Director of OMSS and elevated the position to an Associate Dean.  I’m very pleased that Barbara Stewart has agreed to take on these new responsibilities and to provide this campus with the leadership and coordination for our diversity and campus climate efforts.  Associate Dean Stewart continues to report to me in my role as Assistant Chancellor and Dean of Students; however, Barbara will also serve as a liaison to the Office of the Provost and the Chancellor’s staff.  We have asked Barbara to coordinate and provide the leadership on all campus climate and diversity initiatives.   This will include routine supervision, communication and facilitation of the various diversity departments and programs including:  Disability Resource Services (DRS), Office of Multi-Cultural Student Services (OMSS), Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Queer Questioning and Ally Services (LGBTQQA), Student Support Services, Upward Bound, as well as Campus Climate.  In addition, this position will serve as a liaison to Joint Minority Affairs Committee (JMAC), Individuals with Disabilities Advocacy Council (IDAC), Women’s Advisory Council and Eagle Equity.  Associate Dean Stewart will routinely convene and facilitate a Campus Climate and Diversity Council and collaborate broadly to provide leadership on an institutional plan and to establish annual goals.

 In making these changes, we need to ensure that OMSS has the leadership in place to continue the good work they do.  Thus we are also in the process of seeking funding from the GQA positions to elevate one of the anticipated openings in OMSS to a Director position to sustain the leadership and supervisory support in OMSS.  We anticipate a regional search during spring 2009 for the Director position.

In addition to this realignment of responsibility for coordination of our campus climate and diversity efforts, we have extended the LGBTQQA position into a full time position that will serve all campus constituents. Will Van Roosenbeek is excited about this realignment of responsibilities and will provide great outreach to all faculty, staff, and students.  We have great respect for the work of our faculty and staff and look forward to future collaborations.

 With this realignment, I know that many of you still have questions.  I’d like to take a moment to address some common questions that may arise in our areas of campus climate and diversity.  I also want to invite conversations and any suggestions so please don’t hesitate to contact me.

In partnership,
Paula M. Knudson
Assistant Chancellor & Dean of Students

Campus Climate & Diversity Questions Answered