DIVERSITY ADVISORY COUNCIL
MINUTES
February 20, 2004
Members Present: Linda Rosenthal, Maria Hesse, Steve Helfgot, Ladonna Lewis, Pete Kushibab, Ernesto Sanchez, Conrad Mills, Gerry Bradshaw, Jack Clevenger, Maria Harper-Marinick, Donna Schober, Christine Hall, Jane Saldana-Talley, Bonnie Gray, Arnette Ward, Halina Reed, Robyn Zei, Bret Sanchez, Zahid Arab, Teresa Toney, Genevieve Watson, Tonya Drake, Janet Felton, Gail Shay, Joseph Pearson, Pat Honzay, Jeanne Lombardo, Roxie Holmes, Karen Russo, Daniel Meader, Bara Pourladian, Steve Boring for Caryl Terrell-Barmiro, Nina Mares, Emi Ahn, Arunee Grow, Beatriz Cohen, Lynette Jim, Raul Sandoval, Marian Tadano and Pat Wyler.
I. Welcome & Introductions
The group was welcomed by Tri Chairs Linda Rosenthal, Steve Helfgot and Maria Hesse at 2:06 p.m.
II. Minutes
Minutes of the November 21, 2003 regular meeting were presented for review; any additions or changes should be forwarded to Pat Wyler.
III. Diversity Advisory Council Mission Statement Update
A change of language in the DAC mission statement to include the use of the word inclusiveness was discussed. A proposal was distributed by Jeanne Lombardo for consideration. Discussion held; motion by Arnette Ward and second by Dr. Bonnie Gray with consensus of the members to amend the DAC mission statement to read (change highlighted):
“The DAC promotes initiatives and makes recommendations that reflect the values of and actualize the Governing Board Diversity goal*.
We achieve this through review of policies and procedures, the identification of training opportunities, the monitoring of campus culture and climate, the dissemination of information through a variety of formats and a shared understanding of diversity and inclusiveness.
* Governing Board Diversity Goal: Students will be served by faculty and staff who reflect the communities we serve and who create an environment of equity and mutual respect.”
Diversity Advisory Council
Minutes of Meeting
February 20, 2004
Page Two
III. Diversity Advisory Council Mission Statement Update (Continued)
The amended version will be posted on the Diversity Advisory Council Web Page.
IV. Reports
College Coordinators:
Reports of college activities were made as follows:
· Rio Salado College – A report was distributed and discussed by Beatriz Cohen (copy on file). Highlights of report were: 1) Educational On-line Diversity Contest was held for students. 6 students received 3 Credit awards and 18 students received 1 Credit awards; 2) On-line workshop on “Inclusiveness in Teaching & Learning was held for faculty; 3) Monthly Diversity Brown Bag held; 4) Rio Way Training program continues to be held every semester for new employees; 4) Diversity Awards were given to employees in various categories.
· Chandler Gilbert Community College – A report was distributed and discussed by Steve Boring, representing Caryl Terrell-Bamiro who was unable to attend (copy on file). The report listed diversity events/activities held at the campus from September, 2003 through May, 2004.
· GateWay Community College – A report was distributed and discussed by Nina Mares (copy on file). Highlights of report were various events held from September, 2003 to April, 2004 such as: 1) Latino Heritage Celebration Events; 2) International Storytelling Event; 3) Gay-Lesbian History Month Brown Bag Presentation; 4) Disability Awareness Day; 5) Women’s Forum; 6) Soups Around the World (Staff Only); and 7) Trip to Museum of Tolerance in Los Angeles, CA.
· Mesa Community College – A report was distributed and discussed by Janet Felton (copy on file). Highlights of report were: 1) MCC International Education Department and the Center for Global Tolerance’s recent activities; 2) MCC Diversity Leadership Retreat held in October, 2003; 3) Activities held in celebration of African American History Month/Black History Month (February, 2004); and 4) International Film Festival activities.
· Scottsdale Community College – A report was made by Dr. Bonnie Gray representing Ginny Stahl who was unable to attend the meeting today; highlights of report were: 1) Started a monitoring support fund for faculty or staff to use on items of diversity and they can submit applications for funding their activities; 2) On-line contest held (questions regarding history, entertainment, sports, etc) and cash prizes were awarded to winners.
Diversity Advisory Council
Minutes of Meeting
February 20, 2004
Page Three
III. Reports (Continued)
College Coordinators (Continued):
· Maricopa Skill Center – A report was made by Ernest Sanchez. Highlights of the report were: 1) Planning stages about posters being placed in the cafeteria that can be read while students and staff are enjoying their meals; 2) The chef is preparing various dishes/foods for a variety of cultures; 3) They are looking for a speaker for the MSC faculty and staff for a lunch being planned regarding diversity.
· Phoenix College – A report of diversity activities and their sponsors that were either held or anticipated for the campus from January to May, 2004 was distributed on behalf of Raul Sandoval (copy on file).
· Paradise Valley Community College – A report was distributed on behalf of Ken Clark (copy on file) who was unable to attend the meeting. Highlights of the report were: 1) A report of campus Diversity committee activities reported. It has introduced a Selection Committee Training Guide which is being reviewed before finalization; 2) Outline of diversity activities held in October and November, 2003; 3) Discussed Diversity Lecture Series and Keynote Speakers anticipated for the campus starting in January and February, 2004 (i.e., Surviving the Holocaust, Interment of Japenese Americans, Nontraditional roles of Female Labor Relations Leader, Rufus Glasper to speak during Black History Month, Salsa Dance Workshop in February, etc.).
· South Mountain Community College – Daniel Meador indicated their report was still in process.
· Glendale Community College – A report was made by Karen Russo on behalf of Debbie Krumtinger. Highlights of the report were: 1) Brown bag sessions being held on a variety of topics relating to diversity; and 2) Successful gospel fest held on campus; written report to follow soon.
A report of the College Coordinators meeting held February 20, 2004 was distributed and discussed by Pat Honzay (copy on file). Suggestions of the coordinators reflected in the report were discussed:
· Suggest the Diversity Advisory Council travel to the Museum of Tolerance located in Los Angeles, CA; GateWay Community College is currently coordinating an overnight trip for a group of their employees and students.
Research needs to be done regarding costs related to a trip of this nature/possible grant availability to assist in providing funding. Arnette Ward will follow-up and report back to the DAC.
Diversity Advisory Council
Minutes of Meeting
February 20, 2004
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IV. Reports (Continued)
College Coordinators (Continued):
· Suggest the DAC tri-chairs recommend April be designated “Community College Month”. Purpose would be to provide an opportunity to celebrate our own student success stories.
Following discussion it was agreed that for now the month of April, 2004 can be used for Asian Pacific Islander celebrations, recognitions and information, and probably at the end of April, or whenever the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) recognizes Community College Week, we too can have some celebration of students. If it is determined a need exists to carry it over to end of the year events it can be done then.
Work Groups:
· Recruitment & Employment –
A report of January 23, 2004 meeting was distributed and discussed by Jane Saldana-Talley (copy on file). Some of the report items discussed were: 1) A report was made to their group by Gerry Bradshaw on the Affirmative Action (AA) Plan and Report; 2) A new reference checking form being developed; 3) Job posting and interview question examples were discussed; these areas are being handled by the small group developing the search committee training; any good examples for this group can be provided to Pat Honzay; 4) Group was determined its future focus would be on the AA program, workforce analysis, identification of job groups and establishment of goals and worktables.
· Communications –
A report was distributed and discussed by Jeanne Lombardo (copy on file). Items discussed from report were: 1) Website evaluated and cleaned up (i.e., duplication of information at site, some items discarded as no longer needed, improved access to Constituency Groups links, etc.); design of site to remain the same with some changes to improve useability. Pat Wyler will continue to maintain the DAC site; 2) other areas reviewed by group: Expressions Newsletter, Calendar of Diversity Events, Speaker’s Bureau and Awards and Recognition. Thanks were extended by Jeanne to the group members for the work accomplished. There was a call for volunteers for next year to look into the awards and recognitions ideas. Jane Saldana-Talley, Maria Harper-Marinick and Maria Hesse will review this next fall.
Diversity Advisory Council
Minutes of Meeting
February 20, 2004
Page Five
IV. Reports (Continued)
Work Groups (Continued):
· Working Conditions –
A report was distributed and discussed by Joseph Pearson and Pat Honzay (copy on file). Additional document regarding a Diversity Training Proposal based on the Richland Community College model, and on Drs. Milton and Janet Bennett’s model on the Development of Intercultural Sensitivity was distributed and discussed (copy on file).
The 6 year model developed for Richland Community College is being recommended for adoption by MCCD and would be implemented appropriate to MCCD’s culture. It should be implemented as soon as possible, beginning with all full-time board approved employees. Training would be presented by a team of one faculty, one administrator and one staff person.
Discussion was held regarding the model. Concerns about budgeting and who the program would include (board approved and non-board approved, one year only persons) were expressed; matter of mandatory vs. non-mandatory classes was also discussed. Linda Rosenthal indicated the program could be an item discussed further in upcoming Governing Board Strategic Conversations. A recommendation was made by work group to have the Tri-Chairs explore the possibility of funds for this training. Linda Rosenthal requested the proposed budget be reworked to bring it down from a $475,000.00 initial investment; Maria Hesse recommended modification as to how the training would be accomplished that could reduce this budget (similar to how programs are offered to students which could be a fraction of this cost). This way, with the help of the colleges, the cost would be more achievable. A meeting will be held by the Tri-Chairs, Pat Honzay and Joseph Pearson to examine these issues.
· Students –
Tonya Drake reported that there was no update since their last report but they are looking at surveys of campus climate as it relates to students; Additional discussions will also be held on other survey instruments that can be explored (i.e., Noel-Levitz student training, etc.). Recommendations are forthcoming. The group strongly believes that the current co-chairs, students and members are adequate to accomplish its
Diversity Advisory Council
Minutes of Meeting
February 20, 2004
Page Six
IV. Reports (Continued)
Work Groups – Students (Continued):
tasks but that a dean of instruction or faculty should also be included as a tri-chair of that group. Diversity issues for students don’t just happen outside the classrooms but also within and they wanted to insure that there was instructional representation.
· Community Outreach –
Steve Helfgot reported on the initiatives Chancellor Glasper has undertaken to create a series of community advisory committees, including Latino, African American, Asian Pacific Islander, Gay Lesbian Bisexual and Native American. He reported on which committees have already met to date and those anticipated in the near future. The response has been impressive; input and insight are positive. It appears that these groups will be a valuable asset.
Diversity Infusion Program –
· A report was distributed and discussed by Dr. Bonnie Gray (copy on file). Highlights of report were: 1) 2nd Annual Diversity Book Fair was held; 2) Memos have been sent out inviting faculty and student applications to the Infusion Program for next academic year (copy of application packet distributed to members – copy on file); 3) Infusion Program chose a logo created by students at Chandler Gilbert from the STAR program; 4) Website presentation made; 5) Infusion pins, door, wall/desk signs are being developed to be distributed and displayed by Program participants; has been a challenge given the different ways an area can display things at each of the campuses; 6) Acknowledged the following students attending meeting today and at least one of their outstanding accomplishments: a) Halina Reed, Robyn Zei, Zahid Arab and Bret Sanchez; 7) Currently working on creating new student and faculty assessment forms.
Other:
· Convocation Dates –
Updated information for constituency group convocation activities was distributed to the members (copy on file). Members were encouraged to provide any changes/updates to Pat Wyler so that an update to be distributed if needed.
Updated information should be distributed to the Governing Board members, and DAC members should be providing this information to their campuses/units also.
Diversity Advisory Council
Minutes of Meeting
February 20, 2004
Page Seven
IV. Reports (Continued)
Other (Continued):
· Status Report for MCCD Diversity & Equity Proposal –
Gerry Bradshaw provided a verbal update regarding preliminary audit report submitted by Bruna Pedrini. Highlights were as follows:
Report focused on four major areas:
1) Employment Practices
Report made on on-going training program development currently underway; a pilot program is anticipated to roll-out around April 1.
2) Diversity Message
DAC has already taken steps to clarify / revise its mission statement to address one of the issues in the audit. An issue from the audit was the hiring of a Diversity training coordinator; this position has already been rated, approved and is currently posted.
3) EEO/AA Office
Another issue in the audit was the reporting structure and composition of the office. Within the next couple of months a message will be sent either from the Vice Chancellor for Human Resources or Chancellor announcing what the reorganization for the areas of EEO/AA will be. Based on certain proposals being explored, the reorganization of these areas will be made with a reallocation of existing funds.
4) Recruitment.
A model on how to recruit is being presented to Human Resources at a retreat to be held in March, 2004.
The question of copies of the entire Pedrini Report being providedto the DAC was discussed; Gerry will follow-up on the status of that distribution with Dr. Leyba.
· District Diversity Training Coordinator Position Update –
A copy of the posting document for the Diversity Training Coordinator position was distributed to members by Pat Honzay. She reported where the position has been advertised, and applications are currently being accepted through February 27, 2004. The members were encouraged to distribute this information to anyone they felt may be interested in applying.