Diversity Committee
State University of New York
University Faculty Senate
Special Committee for Diversity and Cultural Competence
Purpose:
The Special Committee for Diversity and Cultural Competence will voluntarily serve in an advisory capacity to the University Faculty Senate and to the Office of Diversity and Educational Equity (ODEE) of SUNY. This important Faculty Senate committee will support the efforts of the Faculty Senate and ODEE to diversify SUNY’s academic human resources and develop approaches to integrating diversity related to service, teaching and research into SUNY’s academic mission.
System Administration Goals:
• To assist with gathering of information on the status of campus specific diversity programs and initiatives to diversify SUNY’s academic human resources.
• Provide assessment of effectiveness of ODEE’s and the Faculty Senate’s efforts to diversify SUNY and input on proposed initiatives.
• Help to increase awareness of the importance of diversity to SUNY’s academic mission by inviting experts to speak at Faculty Senate meetings and other events.
• Assist in obtaining support of faculty and administrators in ODEE efforts to enhance the academic quality of campus specific diversity outcomes.
• Provide guidance to ODEE by conducting research on best practices and proven models utilized at other institutions and systems of higher education throughout the country.
• Facilitate meetings with faculty who are undertaking diversity related research or reforming the curriculum to enhance cultural competence and diversity awareness.
• Identify distinguished faculty to participate in evaluation of candidate applications for awards for faculty diversity awards/honors.
• Identify faculty to serve on advisory and selection committees for Empire State Graduate Educational Equity Fellowships, Undergraduate Access and Success Scholarships.
• Assist in advocacy efforts for the Office of Diversity and Educational Equity during relevant times throughout the legislative calendar e.g., SUNY Day and beginning of the budget cycle.
• Assist the Faculty Senate leadership and ODEE (as appropriate) with the planning of professional development opportunities/venues in the form of conferences, seminars and/or symposia for faculty, staff and administrators design to increase cultural awareness, knowledge, attitudes and skills.
• Advise on any/all alignment issues which may result in student success in the P-12 system, successful acceptance into post-secondary education, completion of degree programs and success in personal, civil and professional roles in society.