What have we learned? Where do we go from here?

Mission Statement Unity College aims to have an environment in which each individual is treated with respect as part of the college community and to ensure that differences—including but not limited to race, religion, sex, gender, age, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, political ideology, socio-economic status, and Veteran’s status—are recognized with respect.

Committee Charge The Diversity Committee will work to provide leadership on campus diversity issues. Some of these include: Promoting a climate that accepts and engages diversity as intrinsic to the fabric of our culture; Aiding in the continued development of mutual respect and understanding among all members of the college community; Enhancing strategies for recruiting a diverse student, staff and faculty population and; Exploring curricular/co-curricular programming to ensure that students have access to the knowledge and skills necessary to function as global citizens.

Background Three questions designed to: 1)Identify diversity issues 2)Identify positive steps taken in support of diversity 3)Suggest further programming 42 respondents Students: 23 Faculty: 7 Staff/Admin: 10 Other: Survey

The Issues: Sexual Orientation (~50%) Intolerance toward individuals with disabilities Lack of ethnic and racial diversity Positive Initiatives Noted: Diversity flag display Roots Week Activities Safe Zone Increase in representation of minority students, faculty, staff Suggestions for Improvement: More diversity speakers Integration with course curriculum More events involving ethnic foods, music, etc.

Diversity Programming, ‘08-’11 Ethnic and Cultural Celebrations: Roots Week Ethnic specials in SC Belly Dancing, African Drumming Coffee House Performances Training and Education: Professional development (LGBTQ, ethnic diversity speakers) RA trainings Some curricular integration (travel courses, electives, Unity Experience) Library Resources Diversity and Equality Club Safe Zone Training

The Present 2011 Spring Survey 10 questions Aimed at: Assessing effectiveness of efforts since 2008 Gauging current campus climate on issues of diversity Measuring behavioral and attitudinal perceptions among students, faculty and staff 137 respondents Students: 89 Faculty: 20 Staff: 28

The Most Pressing Diversity Issues at Unity College Given the current campus atmosphere toward inclusivity and acceptance of diversity, what do you think are the most pressing diversity issues that need to be addressed at Unity College? Select all that apply : Ethnicity Gender National Origin Perspective on the Environment Religion Sexual Orientation Other

According to Students

According to Staff

According to Faculty

Consolidated View

Question: Based upon your own observations, is the college making progress in its efforts to support diversity within the campus community?

Examples of Positive Campus Efforts to Support Diversity Support for Diversity and Equality Club (13) Flags in the gym, including diversity flag (9) Safe Zone Training (7) Roots Week (7) Improved student sex ratio (3) Reporting hate crimes or racist acts, with proactive response (3)

Suggestions for Activities or Programs in Support of Diversity More serious administrative repercussions for slurs and harassment (3) Race and sexuality education outside of just a few classes Mandatory diversity and sensitivity training for offenders of race, gender, sexual orientation diversity Better training for RAs and instructors to stop harassment School needs to avoid discriminating against white males More support for religious freedom and tolerance More forums and open moderated discussion More diversity professional development for faculty and staff

Question : How would you rate ACTIONS towards others on campus with regard to the following: Ethnicity Gender National Origin Perspective on the Environment Political Ideology Religion Sexual Orientation The options for ratings were: Embracing Tolerant Indifferent Intolerant Don’t Know

Actions: According to Students Students perceive other students’ actions as: Most Embracing of: Gender and National Origin (32% each, n=24 each) Most Intolerant of: Sexual Orientation (31.9%, 8) Students perceive staff actions as: Most Embracing of: Gender and National Origin (43.5% each, 30 each) Most Intolerant of: Perspectives on the Environment and Political Ideology (2.9% each, 2 each) Students perceive faculty actions as: Most Embracing of: National Origin (50.7%, 38) Most Intolerant of: Political Ideology (8%, 6)

Actions: According to Staff Staff perceive students’ actions as: Most Embracing of: Gender (23.1%, n=6) Most Intolerant of: Sexual Orientation (32%, 8) Staff perceive other staff’s actions as: Most Embracing of: Ethnicity, National Origin, and Gender (36% each, 9 each) Most Intolerant of: Political Ideology, Religion, and Sexual Orientation (4% each, 1 each) Staff perceive faculty actions as: Most Embracing of: Gender (42.3%, 11) Most Intolerant of: Perspective on the Environment and Political Ideology (7.7% each, 2 each)

Actions: According to Faculty Faculty perceive students’ actions as: Most Embracing of: Gender (21.1%, n=4) Most Intolerant of: Sexual Orientation (44.4%, 8) Faculty perceive staff actions as: Most Embracing of: Gender (22.2%, 4) Most Intolerant: Sexual Orientation (5.9%), Political Ideology and Religion (5.6% each) Faculty perceive other faculty’s actions as: Most Embracing of: Ethnicity and National Origin (44.4% each, 8 each) Most Intolerant: Political Ideology (16.7%, 3)

Campus-Wide Scan The Big Four Sexual Orientation Ethnicity Political Ideology Perspectives on the Environment What Are We Doing? Where Are We Doing It?

What Have We Learned? The Issues Student Satisfaction-Needs Improvement (48%/20%/32%) Strengths-Celebrations, Gatherings, Some Education Weaknesses- Limited opportunities (those offered are mainly elective) Curricular integration Not taking on the tough issues?

Moving Forward The Opportunities- Build on existing efforts-Goal Setting Enhance Professional Development, Training through formal programs (?) Provide increased, regular opportunities for education, awareness, skill building on “the big four” and other Work with existing departments to embed diversity goals and deliver the charge, as appropriate Begin filling the gaps

To Learn More… November 30 th presentation in Student Center Survey results available in library (hard copy) Contact a member of the UC Diversity Committee: Candice Blodgett Kathleen Hale Don Lynch Melissa Merritt Lisa Nason Jen Olin Alysa Remsburg November 30 th presentation in Student Center Survey results available in library (hard copy) Contact a member of the UC Diversity Committee: Candice Blodgett Kathleen Hale Don Lynch Melissa Merritt Lisa Nason Jen Olin Alysa Remsburg