Council on Diversity and Inclusivity

October 11, 2012

Minutes

Present: James Brraswell, Cristina Cardenas, JD Mota, Susan Temple, Allatia Harris, Amanda Rose, Bobby Mixon, Steve Lopez

Business

The group discussed the old charter and suggested changes to the Assumptions and Deliverables.

  1. Changes to Assumptions included

Key Assumptions:

  1. The Council will demonstrate the college values in all its work.
  2. Diversity and inclusivity is a priority of the San Jacinto College Board of Trustees and the Strategic Leadership Team
  3. Diversity and inclusivity is a key aspect in attracting and retaining quality employees.
  4. A culture that values diversity and inclusion positions the college to be adaptable to changing demographics
  5. The work of the committee ensures a proactive approach regarding the college goal of furthering inclusivity and acceptance of diverse people, thoughts, and ideas
  1. The suggestion was that deliverables be made more concrete.

Deliverables from the Team:

  1. The Council will develop a vision for a diverse and inclusive San Jacinto College.
  2. Develop a database of activities from 2011-2012, Fall 2012, and anticipated activities for Spring 2013.
  3. Work with HR to develop recruiting and interviewing processes.
  4. The Council will develop a strategic plan with goals and timelines for implementation of professional development and other diversity initiatives.
  5. The Council will serve as an advisory committee to the Intercultural Competence Team.
  6. The Council will ensure that all leaders are trained in Modules 1 and 2.
  7. Develop a diversity plan for students
  8. The Council will provide regular communication and recommendations to the Strategic Leadership Team and the college community, including presentations at College Community Day
  9. The Council will ensure active partnerships with community, state, regional, and national groups.

Membership

The group is losing several members, as some are choosing to rotate off after a long term of service.

The proposal was that remaining members be given the option to continue to serve to provide continuity. Terms should be for 3 years, with periods of service staggered.

The group proposed names of people who might wish to serve.

The group wanted to maintain the diversity that it has had in the past – of job, campus, work group, race/ethnicity, gender, age, length of service with the college.

Diversity Plan for Students

The group discussed ideas for a diversity plan for students. Ideas included:

  • Regular column in student paper on aspects of diversity
  • Common reading selection
  • Film series
  • Website
  • Facebook
  • Curriculum infusion
  • Ensure visuals are diverse

Definition of Cultural Competence

Steve Lopez brought the group two documents that address and “define” cultural competence. One from the American Evaluation Association Public Statement on Cultural Competence in Evaluation defines cultural competence as:

“. . .a process of learning, unlearning, and relearning. It is a sensibility cultivated throughout a lifetime. Cultural competence requires awareness of self, reflection of one’s own cultural position, awareness of others’ positions, and the ability to interact genuinely and respectfully with others. Culturally competent evaluators refrain from assuming they fully understand the perspectives of stakeholders whose backgrounds differ from their own.”

The group commented on how well this aligns with the workshops we have selected, even though it is from a very different source.

Future meetings

The group wants to meet first Thursdays at 2:00 p.m. at District. This year, dates are:

  • November 1
  • December 6
  • No meeting in January
  • February 7
  • March 7
  • April 4
  • May 2
  • June 6