DIVERSITY
ADVISORY COUNCIL
MINUTES
Members Present: Linda Rosenthal, Maria Hesse, Deborah Krumtinger, Lynette Jim, Debbie Bies, Herman Walker, Ruth Yandell, Arunee Grow, Pat Honzay, Christine Hall, Teresa Toney, Joseph Pearson, Steve Boring, Arnette Ward, Filmer Lalio, Bonnie Gray, Janet Felton, Jane Saldana, Jason Martinez, Roxie Holmes, Jeanne Lombardo, Ladonna Lewis, Genevieve Watson, Ernie Lara, Gail Shay, and Pat Wyler.
I.
Welcome & Introductions
The group was welcomed by Linda
Rosenthal and Maria Hesse at
II. Minutes
Minutes of the
III. Reports
College Coordinators:
On behalf of Gerry Bradshaw and Beatriz Cohen, Pat Wyler
reported a meeting of the College coordinators was held in January, 2003;
materials are continuing to filter to them for preparation of a larger written
report to be made to the Diversity Advisory Council (DAC) at the
Jason Martinez reported on activities at
§ Black History Month presentation made by Former Senator Campbell about his book.
§ BSU held their annual luncheon and honored Dr. Gene Blue, OIC
§ Collaborating with Kristin Bennes, Director for Student Life and Leadership to offer activities that focus on campus clubs participating together; discussing beginnning a leadership institute for various programs.
§ Website has been developed.
§ Developed interview questions that were approved by the District Employee Services regarding diversity; now when being interviewed, everyone will be asked one diversity question.
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Minutes of Meeting
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Gail Shay made substitute report for Connie Rainey on
activities at
§ Held successful Soups of the World event that was put on for faculty and staff.
§ Events were held as well as distribution of information over the Web for Black History Month.
§ Held recent women’s luncheon.
Janet Felton made report for activities at
§ Held successful Black History Month events at campus.
§ Organizing activities and issues for Women issues month in March; holding a lunch on March 26 where Gov. Janet Napolitano will be guest speaker.
Ernie Lara made report for activities at
§ Several activities also held at EMCC for Black History Month, and several still planned to be held which included art, music and community activities.
§ Women’s celebration activities being planned for this month.
§ EMCC has built into its Strategic Plan where the diversity survey’s that were performed through the DAC and replicate them back to its campus to see how we are doing. Continue to share diversity information back to the faculty so as to continue to integrate it into the curriculum.
Herman Walker made report for
§ Black History Month activities held were very successful.
§ Established a diversity art gallery and continue to update as pieces are obtained.
§ Diversity web page continues to be updated as needed.
Maria Hesse made report for Caryl Terrell-Barmiro for
§ A number and variety of activities were coordinated for Black History Month including a film festival and a visit by Clovis Campbell about his book.
§ Worked with faculty hiring committee to make them aware of issues they should be considering when they are hiring and done a considerable amount of advertising specifically to national and local publications key to the faculty positions.
§ New video produced on behalf of the “English as a Second Language” program; feels it will be of great benefit for recruitment.
§ New project in conjunction with the Town of Queen Creek working with migrant farm workers to a location in Queen Creek and CGCC ESL instructors will go out to teach initial non-credit English which will hopefully evolve to credit ESL courses; discuss College orientation and helping them to get over to the College.
§ Developing both Women’s History Month and International Foreign Language Week that will be upcoming at the end of this month.
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Minutes of Meeting
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III. Reports (Continued)
Arnette Ward made report on activities at District Office:
§ Black History Month luncheon held.
§ Working with faculty recruitment members to develop the faculty recruitment plan.
Special Interest Groups –
Lynette Jim made report of activities for UTEC:
§
Asked DAC members to assist UTEC by informing
students they will be holding the 3rd Annual Student Convocation,
recognizing our Native American student population and will take place
§ Participating in the National Indian Education Association Convention to take place in 2004 and requested any special projects that you want to have on display in downtown Phoenix during this time to bring them to their attention for display or distribution to accommodate anywhere from 2-3,000.
Arunee Grow made report of activities for
§ Reported they will be holding convocation as well.
§
Will be holding a recognition banquet on
§ Planning activities for April, which is Asian cultural awareness recognition month.
§
Spring festival being discussed at
§
Ruth Yandell made report for
Genevieve Watson made report of activities for MCBAA:
§ Reported a very successful celebration Black History Month; e-mail messages were distributed districtwide for this activity; responded to positive and negative responses to this activity. Determined 80-90% of responses received were extremely positive regarding the information distributed through these message; MCBAA took leadership position for District Office Black History Month activities such as a luncheon event held, banner display, etc. which was offered free to attendees, accepting scholarship contributions from those who attended.
§ Scholarship application distributed over a month ago and is available to campuses for students to take advantage of.
§
Convocation is scheduled for
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Special Interest Groups Reports (Continued):
Linda Rosenthal made report of activities for Women’s Leadership Group:
§ Mentoring program was great success.
§
Preparing for April 1, 2003 Luncheon which will
honor women of distinction recommended/selected from all the colleges. Luncheon will be held
Jeanne Lombardo made report of activities for MAT Group:
§ Involved in redeveloping evaluations; Jeanne has advised the MAT Executive Council that they should expect something in the near future that should be inserted in the new evaluation with regard to diversity performance; nothing specifically developed as yet.
College Coordinators Reports revisited.
Debbie Krumtinger made report of activities for
§
§ Started a luncheon learning brown bag series this Spring that is predominantly faculty, sharing experiences they have had out of the country; very interesting cultural discussion during the lunch hour being shared.
No report provided from Deans or PSA.
Working Groups Reports:
Group #1 Report:
No report provided at this time; Ken Clark unable to attend the meeting; Ken volunteered to facilitate this group in place of Marie Parker who was originally assigned to facilitate. Linda Rosenthal discussed a co-chair may need to be assigned; Marie Hesse requested volunteers to serve as assistant to Ken Clark for this group; Janet Felton offered to serve.
Group #2 Report:
Report presented by Joseph Pearson; as requested from the last meeting the Student Survey conducted 2 years ago, available on by paper copy was distributed to members (copy on file); one part of this survey “diversity survey student questionnaire…..”, should be emphasized that part is non-randomized, is not a large sample and do not want to generalize it on the basis of 1,100 students; should be considered a “snap shot” of those students who took the survey.
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Work Group Reports (Continued):
Group #2 Report (Continued):
This survey could be administered at campuses if desired.
Employee questionnaire was second part of materials distributed, and was administered 1 year ago. Can be generalized from because this was administered on line as opposed as to the paper questionnaire for the Students. Good response received by 1,100 employees; results listed for all questions. The two questionnaires are essentially parallel but not perfectly; meant to “near” one another.
Statistical analysis for employee questionnaire/survey will be addressed in a report later in this meeting.
Linda Rosenthal encouraged and stressed importance that
all Work Groups for the DAC must meet between now and the
Group #3 Report:
Facilitator Teresa Toney reported the Workplace Sub-group
met on
Highlighted/prioritized 5 activities that they would like to concentrate on for 2003.
§ Followup to the employee climate survey
§ Explore diversity training for all employees; possible followup with consultant
§ Diversity training to be component of employee evaluations
§ Add diversity component to curriculum: EDU250-Cultural Diversity in Education
§ Review existing hiring practices (i.e., hiring of adjunct); possible followup with consultant
Efforts have been made to be sure that Dr. Glasper and Dr. Leyba are aware of the recommendations the subgroup.
Discussion held regarding adjunct faculty and legality regarding consideration of ethnicity when considering a candidate; is there an ability to identify; discussion of frustrations being experienced to assist in this part of the recruitment and hiring process.
Teresa Toney discussed some options/solutions being explored that may assist MCCD in these areas.
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Minutes of Meeting
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IV. Reports (Continued)
Infusion Program report made by Bonnie Gray; materials distributed (copy on file). Requested another student intern report be made; Linda Rosenthal requested this item be placed on the next meeting agenda.
Other Reports:
Filmer Lalio introduced; attending meeting on behalf of Jose Leyba who was unable to attend today; provided information on activities for the District in the area of recruitment; tracking system being explored for this area. Upcoming conferences/events being participated in and/or preparing for. Made report on the special groups they have been working and collaborating with (i.e., UTEC, MCBAA, AACHE, APIA etc). Information has been distributed about employee services to these groups as well as working with the groups and community collaboration efforts with MCCD to offer services and recruitment.
Efforts being made to develop a resources guide to assist with recruitment; new information continually being added to this resource and distributed to campuses for reference. Working with faculty, staff, public relations and marketing for advertising and information to local organizations on opportunities available at MCCD; encourage applications being made on-line. Faculty recruitment and applications being received; need to be sure the adjunct applications are getting to where they need to be for consideration.
IV. Items for Discussion / Action
Gender Identity:
Ladonna Lewis distributed materials (copy on file) regarding gender identity issue discussed at last meeting with regard to GLHRA encouraging the DAC make recommendation to the Governing Board in adding the term “gender identity” to the non-discrimination statement.
No official report was prepared by Legal Services on this issue for this meeting. However, Ladonna reported she met with Pete Kushibab; he agreed should could report to DAC on their discussion about the matter. Two things Pete identified regarding adding gender identity in terms of the legal issue is any time you add something to that the non-discrimination statement, you are bound by it. Right now the way the statement is, it includes all those federally mandated groups required, and also includes sexual orientation, that is not federally mandated. This addition was made a couple of years ago after recommendation was made by the DAC to forward it to CEC, and to the Governing Board who adopted to included it.
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IV. Items for Discussion / Action (Continued)
Gender Identity (Continued):
First concern is everyone should be aware that sometimes when additions are made, unforeseen things may come up as a result that you would have to address (i.e., when sexual orientation was added to the non-discrimination statement, the District then had to provide benefits to partners).
Second area of concern, having learned from past experience regarding decisions like this, they should be made based on what is best for the institution, not based on the legal ramifications unless the Legal Services has wrangled that part out; educational institutions cannot make decisions based solely on the legal ramifications but rather what is best for the institution. Issue he brought up that may of concern is that of bathroom usage; solution possibility for declaration or establishment of uni-sex bathroom facilities and it this doesn’t already exist on the premises that one may need to be made available.
Teresa Toney indicated prior to consideration of this addition to none-discrimination statement, have any incidents occurred in this regard. Ladonna responded there had; GLHRA had not aware of the issues until after the process to have an addition to the statement had already begun.
Upon conclusion of discussion with groups and responses that had been received from respective colleges, Linda Rosenthal advised per DAC Policy, it needs to recommend the matter to CEC, and if deemed appropriate by CEC, the matter would then be recommended to the Governing Board for consideration. Teresa Toney reinforced importance that when DAC recommends moving matters forward to the next level for consideration, the justification is key.
Motion by Bonnie Gray to create a formal statement in the matter of adding the term gender identity to the non-discrimination statement and that statement should be forwarded to the CEC for their consideration; second by Deborah Krumtinger; voice vote taken of members with no opposition.
Safe Space Program:
Ladonna Lewis described what the Safe Space Program is. GLHRA has obtained funding assistance to hold a conference which is planned to be held on April 4, 2003 at the Phoenix Airport Hilton; anyone can attend to provide an opportunity to go through the Safe Space Program Training should they be interested with preapproved for 7 clock hours of professional growth for credit. Announcement will be going out via e-mail so that anyone interested may respond, or contact Jayne Goldstein or Ladonna Lewis.
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IV. Items for Discussion / Action (Continued)
Diversity Advisory
Jeanne Lombardo reported on materials distributed (copy on file) which were developed by the sub-committee for the mission statement development; group discussion held on suggestions/modifications. Teresa Toney referenced use of the materials distributed (copy on file) regarding the definition of diversity previously adopted by the Governing Board that was developed by the DAC, known at that time as the Diversity Steering Team.
Based on discussion and suggestions made it was recommended the subcommittee meet again between now and the next meeting to bring it back for final review. Members of the sub-committee are Jeanne Lombardo, Roxie Holmes, Pat Honzay, Janet Felton, Debbie Bies and Bill Collins. The next version should be sent to the DAC members before the next meeting to have had a chance to the review and prepare for discussion next time.
Maria Hesse and Linda Rosenthal recommended the definition of diversity adopted by the Governing Board appears on all DAC materials (i.e., agendas, minutes, etc.) to confirm that such a thing exists.
Diversity Newsletter:
Linda Rosenthal and Maria Hesse discussed the history of this material; The Expressions Newsletter was developed and supported by Rio Salado College who is now unable to continue that service. As the information is valuable in the sense of getting district wide diversity activities, employee and constituency group activities and various issues of interest in this area out to everyone to promote/increase awareness that efforts toward this matter exist, and what is getting done. Expressions Newsletter was accomplishing this and it is being recommended to bring it back. Group discussion held as to who would be willing to undertake the project; reported this matter was discussed at the March 7, 2003 meeting, and that Rick Degraw and his staff at District could at least offer the ability to assist in the process of “layout” for materials in newsletter format.
Because a lot of valuable information is being lost regarding diversity efforts, Maria Hesse called for a volunteer to work with Pat Wyler and the District Marketing Office on a temporary basis to develop at least one issue this Spring for distribution; Janet Felton offered to assist in the development of one Spring issue. Suggestion made by Arnette Ward that in the future maybe the assignment could be rotated to different college PR/Marketing staff who are more knowledgeable in this coordination/development area and could help make this an easier process. Recommended issue could be developed for distribution in early April, 2003 if possible.
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Minutes of Meeting
March 7, 2003
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IV. Items for Discussion / Action (Continued):
Diversity Newsletter (Continued):
It was requested this matter be returned as an item on the May 2, 2003 DAC agenda for update and further discussion, i.e., future development of this newsletter, its frequency and future issues.
Where We Are:
Linda Rosenthal discussed the question being raised as to where we are as a council, what are we doing and are we making and progress; reported on recent meeting she, the other Tri-Chairs and Teresa Toney had with the Governing Board President and the fact that question was raised by him. Discussed how reporting of activities/accomplishments of the DAC has been made in the past by a report being prepared each year, adding to information previously recorded from the beginning of the group (since 1994).
The DAC needs to determine where it is going and how will we know when we get there, and will we ever get there. Members who are the ones out in the MCCD college and individual communities are requested to begin thinking and prepare to verbalize their outlook on where we are.
Comments made from members;
APIA representative, Ruth Yandell suggested maybe a report should be developed from DAC that could be distributed; Linda Rosenthal suggested faculty could be responsible for putting such a report together.
MCBAA representative, Genevieve Watson stated their group members believes there has been very limited progress, saying this from having reviewed the results of the on-line climate survey that was conducted amongst their members. Response of 46 from a membership of some 270 black employees in the District; result of some of the comments from the survey were reported as follows:
§ Even though members are aware or know where you go for help if discrimination has occurred, indicate that there is not a good support system for African American employees.
§ Believe professional growth opportunities are better for whites and other minorities than for black employees.
Comment from Maria Hesse in regard to these items as well as other as to the type of recommendations that DAC may need to suggesting doing investigating to get done next year in regard to these concerns that are coming up.
Diversity Advisory Council
Minutes of Meeting
March 7, 2003
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IV. Items for Discussion / Action (Continued):
Where Are We (Continued):
Additional comment from Genevieve Watson she felt important from MCBAA is members also believe the Maricopa Community College District has attributed very little to the diversity multi culture that within our institution. Maria Hesse inquired as to the definition of the what was being meant by “the district”; Genevieve replied based on the question asked its members on whether or not they felt they were being respected in the district, they indicated they felt they are respected but the Maricopa Community College District as a whole, but respect has to start from the top administrators all the way down before it can be effective.
Jane Saldana discussed things being accomplished at PVC and indicated a strategic plan is being developed. Reported focus has been important and key to being able to get things done; priorities being established and met. She indicated this concept stemmed from their enrollment management committee and their own strategic plan and offered to share it.
Joseph Pearson inquired whether the Executive Summary of the Employee Audit going to be widely distributed or shared with people beyond CEC. Maria Hesse recommended this be an agenda item for the May, 2003 DAC meeting.
Deborah Krumtinger inquired on a status for the District Diversity Coordinator position as it has served key to the other coordinators in that it helped to define the coordinators role as well as provide a way of support. Also the need to actually have a defined diversity office, officer, etc at the district level.
Based on discussion held, the following items were requested to be placed on May 2, 3002 meeting:
§ Discussion of District report, a summary of that.
§ Discussion of District Coordinator position (Marie Parker’s former position).
§ Further discussion of DAC goals for next year.
§ Further discussion of DAC and where we are going.
§ Monitoring
V. Other
Next Meeting: May 2, 2003, 2-4:00 p.m. – District Office Employee’s Lounge
Plus Delta:
Plus: Good Facilitation and in-depth dialogue
Delta: Room temperature.
Meeting Adjourned: 4:03 p.m. Presented to DAC at Meeting Held on 5/02/03