Diversity Memo

Thursday, April 19, 2001 TO: Members of the Colby Community FROM: William D. Adams As we began work on a strategic plan for Colby last fall, the topic of...See more » Thursday, April 19, 2001 TO: Members of the Colby Community FROM: William D. Adams As we began work on a strategic plan for Colby last fall, the topic of broadening diversity and improving the institutional culture in support of campus diversity was, as it should have been, high on our list of priorities. At that time I said I would make a report to the community on this subject by the end of the academic year. In the interim, diversity topics have been discussed in nearly every venue of the planning exercise -- in various College committees, among members of the senior staff, and in the President's Planning Group. Even while planning work continues, we have already identified a number of new initiatives that will help us move forward in this important area. Many of them can and will be implemented before the final plan is drawn. We began our planning around diversity issues by identifying three principal goals and objectives. First, we must improve substantially the campus climate for all underrepresented groups and assist every member of the community in appreciating the value and challenges of an increasingly diverse community. Second, we must enhance the vigor, consistency and effectiveness of Colby's recruitment and retention policies and practices (for students, faculty and staff) in light of our diversity goals. And third, we must revise Colby's institutional policies and practices in ways that will support these goals. In many discussions with various groups throughout the year, we have identified a number of new initiatives, the responsibility for which will be specifically assigned to senior administrative leaders. While these initiatives do not by any means conclude our thinking about this important area, they are deserving of immediate and resolute action.See less »