Report of the Strategic Planning ImplementationTask Force for the Office of Multicultural Affairs: December 1995

As stated in Goal 1 of the Strategic Plan titled "Beyond 2000: Change", the University of Connecticut is "A Center for Learning: Promoting Academic Achievement and Research Excellence." Objective 1.2 in Goal 1 states that the University is to "Prepare students for participation in and adaptation to a rapidly changing world." The specific charge to this Task Force is to make recommendations to Chancellor Emmert in compliance with Action Item 1.2a, which declares that the University will: "Establish an Office of Multicultural Affairs within the senior management of the University. Responsibilities include programmatic and financial oversight of cultural centers and institutes, and integration of multicultural social AND LEARNING EXPERIENCES THROUGHOUT THE University community."

The members of the Task Force are unanimous in recommending that the Chancellor create the Office of Multicultural Affairs at the University of Connecticut with an Associate Chancellor and appropriate staff responsible, on a full-time basis, for the office and the advancement of all multicultural affairs at the University of Connecticut.

We stress that the transformation of the University into a truly multicultural community ranks at the top of the University's highest priorities. The mission of the Office of Multicultural Affairs will require strong University support in the further planning, development, and implementation of the activities through which this transformation will occur. This development and expansion should implement the recommendations of the 1995 Multicultural Action Plan, which were based on an extensive 2-year study.

We emphasize that the creation and support of the Office of Multicultural Affairs is not merely timely but urgent. On the one hand, as the 1995 Multicultural Action Plan points out, "American society is witnessing both sweeping demographic changes, and a major transition from a manufacturing culture to a postindustrial age of accelerating change.....". But equally important is the particular situation at the University of Connecticut, where, for at least the last quarter century studies have repeatedly demonstrated the continuing failure of the University to attract and retain a multicultural population. The inadequacy of attention to multiculturalism in the curriculum and other University activities indicates that the time for further studies is past; action is now imperative. If the Strategic Plan for the transformation of the University fail s to include a central focus on multiculturalism, the University will alienate an increasingly disillusioned multicultural community and doom itself to the backwater of academe.

The members of the task force are convinced that the success of the Office of Multicultural Affairs requires an administrator with the title and full authority of Associate Chancellor reporting directly to the Chancellor. Furthermore, we urge that the Associate Chancellor for the Office of Multicultural Affairs must be assigned exclusively to the multicultural advancement of the University. This important new position must be filled by a person with senior faculty rank and significant experience in multicultural issues. Finally, the Associate Chancellor must have an appropriate staff and resources to help insure the success of the mission of office.

THE OFFICE OF MULTICULTURAL AFFAIRS

The members of the Task Force urge that the activities, responsibilities, and authority of the Office of Multicultural Affairs be based on the excellent definition of multiculturalism expressed in the 1995 Multicultural Action Plan:

"Multiculturalism speaks to the issues of human diversity, cultural pluralism, human rights, social justice, and alternative life choices for all people. It encompasses environmental (social climate), curricular/instructional, and administrative initiatives designed to help students, faculty, and staff avail themselves of the many roles, alternatives and opportunities that may originate from the full spectrum of cultures. The term is not a euphemism for racial, ethnic, religious or social discrimination, but a humanistic concept emphasizing the value of human diversity in all its manifestations. Furthermore, it conveys the necessity of developing and preserving an atmosphere in which human diversity will be recognized, respected, and nurtured.

It seems necessary and useful to add the Multicultural Action Plan specification that the terms "multiculturalism', "diversity", or "pluralism" as they apply to the Office of Multicultural Affairs embrace racial and ethnic minorities, women, people with disabilities, individuals of diverse sexual orientations, and individuals of varying social and economic groups."

Teaching and learning, and research are the central activities of the University, therefore the Office of Multicultural Affairs must focus on:

1. Curricular development

2. Faculty, staff, and student development

3. Faculty, staff, and student recruitment and retention

4. Integration of multicultural goals throughout the University community

5. Coordination of multicultural centers, institutes, and programs

THE ASSOCIATE CHANCELLOR FOR MULTICULTURAL AFFAIRS

In supporting the University goals of the Office for Multicultural Affairs, the Associate Chancellor will be the chief administrative officer for Multicultural Affairs while serving as the primary adviser to the Chancellor, the President, and other members OF THE UNIVERSITY COMMUNITY.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

LEADERSHIP - In order to promote improvements in the overall University climate, the Associate Chancellor will actively pursue the timely and successful implementation and coordination of system-wide multicultural-related policies and initiatives of the University. The Associate Chancellor will ensure that diversity-related issues are key considerations in all major budgetary, administrative, academic, and governance decisions. The Associate Chancellor will direct the University's efforts to provide outreach and service throughout the State.

MANAGEMENT AND ASSESSMENT - The Associate Chancellor will direct the work of all support and professional/administrative staff of the Office of Multicultural Affairs. The Associate Chancellor will develop methods for assessing the effectiveness and efficiency of programs, policies, and procedures in order to meet the established objectives of the Office. The Associate Chancellor will assist in the establishment and articulation of institutional go als and objectives and assessment of their outcomes.

The Associate Chancellor will establish and maintain collaborative partnerships with all multicultural groups as well as by serving as the institutional liaison for the campus to members of these communities and representing their interests and views within the University, as appropriate. The Associate Chancellor will also provide administrative support for established advisory groups, such as the President's Advisory Committee on Diversity and Equity.

CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT - The Associate Chancellor will foster the development of a curriculum which promotes an understanding of and respect for diversity and encourages genuine interactive pluralism.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS OF THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE

1. An earned Doctorate or other terminal degree along with outstanding academic credentials in teaching and scholarly activities that merit a faculty appointment in an academic department of the university.

2. Significant experience with the organization, governance, fund-raising, financial operations, and protocols of a university.

3. A demonstrated understanding and record of successful administration of programs designed to serve racial and ethnic minorities, women, people with disabilities, individuals of diverse sexual orientations, and individuals of varying social and economic groups.

4. An established record of accomplishments to enhance diversity in an institution of higher education.

5. Demonstrated leadership skills.

6. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

CONCLUSION

This position provides an opportunity for strong and imaginative leadership. Consequently, it must be emphasized that the successful candidate must possess demonstrated accomplishments as a leader; knowledge of current diversity issues and trends in a national context; writing and speaking skills; demonstrated commitment to affirmative action principles and outcomes; the ability to work effectively with a wide variety of constituent groups; an awareness of the importance of team building; and a philosophy, intellectual breadth and vision that will prepare the University for the 21st century. The person appointed will also possess the creative energy in bringing to completion the University's comprehensive plan to implement and sustain a thriving multicultural environment.

Respectfully submitted: