HERSHEY -- The search committee for a vice provost for underrepresented groups has begun its work, and a Commission on Racial/Ethnic Diversity has been formed, the University's executive vice president and provost announced at this weekend's University's Board of Trustees meeting.

The vice provost position and the commission can monitor and coordinate minority-related campus groups and their recommendations for improving diversity, stated a social scientist report released March 7. The report was the result of a two-day December study on cultural diversity at the University, William C. Richardson said.

"(The search committee) is now in the process of seeking nominations and applications nationally from the greatest possible range of sources," said Richardson.

The search committee, formed Feb. 8, began accepting applications and nominations after its first meeting at the beginning of March.

As part of the search, the University is advertising the position in such publications as The Chronicle for Higher Education, Jordan said.

In the March 15 edition of The Chronicle, the two column-wide, more than one-half-page long advertisement stated applications would be reviewed in April and accepted until a candidate is selected.

Richardson said it was too early to comment on applications received as they will not be reviewed until April. No specific selection date has been set because the decision depends on the rate and nature of applications received, he said.

"Candidates' qualifications will include effective communication and organizational skills; excellent interpersonal skills, including demonstrated abilities to function across racial, cultural and gender barriers; understanding and support of the University's multiple missions and its commitment to cultural diversity and women's equity," the advertisement stated.

Headed by Vasundara Varadan, professor of engineering science and mechanics, the committee to evaluate applicants is "very strong," Richardson said, explaining that its 19 members -- a chairwoman, three students, nine faculty members and six administrators and staff members -- have diverse backgrounds.

Richardson also described the Commission on Racial/Ethnic Diversity as another equally strong group whose members represent racial and ethnic groups, all University locations, faculty, administration, staff and students.

The 25-member committee, which met for the first time last week, operates on a three-year-term appointment with one-third of the group turning over each year, Richardson said.

The group's responsibilities, as stated in a University news release, include:

-- Evaluating the efficiency of present University programs, policies and procedures, as they affect members of ethnic/racial groups.

-- Identifying areas in which new or revised policies, programs or procedures are needed to assure full freedom of opportunity within the University and removing barriers that impede learning, development, creativity or employment.

-- Recommending initiatives that will ensure racial/ethnic minority participation in University affairs and encouraging minorities to utilize their talents and professional skills for their own and others' enrichment.

-- Proposing initiatives that are dedicated to enhancing the climate for diversity and emphasizing the merits of diversity.