Trustees presented with diversity plan

A five-year plan concerning diversity at the University was presented Friday to the University Board of Trustees.

Titled "A Framework To Foster Diversity at Penn State: 1997-2002," the plan is undergoing final revisions. It was originally requested by the University Planning Council as a University-wide diversity agenda for the immediate future, according to a news release.

"The overall goal of the framework is to set forth in clear, understandable terms the issues we want to concern ourselves with in the next five years," said James B. Stewart, vice provost for educational equity. "We're trying to prepare students to recognize and appreciate cultural differences."

The draft version of the framework lays out seven specific goals to be focused on, including the creation of a welcoming campus climate and the development of a multicultural curriculum. The draft summarizes the five-year plan as "the actions . . . undertaken . . . to strengthen Penn State's efforts to promote diversity as an absolute requirement in its quest for greater excellence."

Thomas G. Poole, assistant vice provost for educational equity, said the planning committee is pleased with the drafted framework.

"Everyone seems to be in favor of the direction we're going," Poole said. "I think folks generally like the tone of the document and the philosophy that's behind it."

Poole stressed that the five-year plan, in addition to providing a framework for new ideas, also calls for the improvement of some practices already in place at the University. He also said one of the primary goals is to recruit and retain a more diverse student body.

Vice President of Black Caucus Luanda Johnson said she supports the framework's aims.

"I think that Penn State encourages and tries to recruit and retain a diverse student body," Johnson said. "So any efforts to continue to recruit and retain a diverse student body will be beneficial to the whole University."

Stewart said the plan will be subject to change if deemed necessary within the five years of its course.

"(The framework) doesn't prescribe outcomes," he said. "It provides opportunities for people to explore and develop ownership of their own responsibilities."