PURPOSE STATEMENT

Anderson University Diversity Committee

“Let us then pursue what makes for peace and for mutual up-building.” (Rom. 14:19, NRSV)

As a Christ-centered institution, Anderson University seeks to create and maintain an inclusive work-learning environment in which all persons feel welcomed and affirmed, and to provide students, faculty and staff with the experience of Christian unity in academic, workplace, residential life and extra-curricular programs. The university vision is to be recognized as a premier Christ-centered culture, supporting and leading in the reconciling mission of the church.

The Diversity Committee is a team of faculty, staff and students serving as a resource to university leadership toward realization of this vision. To fulfill this purpose, the committee will be involved in the following activities (to be evaluated annually)—

• Conduct assessments among students, faculty and staff to identify behaviors, facilities, practices, and/or policies that support and foster an inclusive environment.
• Propose qualitative and quantitative criteria for assessing the effectiveness of diversity activities and progress made toward unity and inclusiveness.
• Recommend to the Offices of Human Resources, Student Life and/or Academic Affairs training and development activities designed to promote the University’s vision of unity and inclusiveness.
• Raise awareness and sensitivity about the impact existing policies, procedures, operations and facilities have on the University’s commitment to unity and inclusiveness.
• Act as a resource to:
  • university leadership in appointing committees, task forces, decision-making and study groups that are representative of our diversity;
  • the Offices of Admissions, Student Life and Academic Affairs in recruiting, retaining and graduating students from diverse backgrounds;
  • the Offices of Academic Affairs and Human Resources in recruiting, retaining and promoting faculty and staff from diverse backgrounds;
  • the Office of Academic Affairs in advancing intercultural competencies by including issues related to diversity and inclusiveness in classroom curriculums (all disciplines);
  • the Offices of Academic Affairs, Student Life and Human Resources in facilitating resolution among faculty, staff and students that involve issues of diversity and inclusiveness (reconciliation);
  • to individuals—faculty, staff and students—seeking personal resolution or a forum for expressing diversity or inclusiveness concerns.
• Support and promote cultural events organized by student life and other campus and community groups that inform faculty, staff and students about our multicultural world.
• Commit to personal growth and understanding of diversity, inclusiveness, and reconciliation.

Denise Kriebel
March 21, 2005