Priorities for the Evaluation Subcommittee of the University Multicultural Council at Miami University

• The Evaluation Subcommittee of the University Multicultural Council has identified five priorities in order to assess the progress of diversity at Miami.  They are:

Enhancement of Diversity Awareness throughout the University

• Increase the number of opportunities for diversity training on campus
• Conduct site visits to other campuses to study assessment practices
• Conduct focus groups on diversity in all divisions and make results available in published form
• Work with the curriculum sub-committee and the Liberal Education Council (LEC) to establish a framework in the LEC's ongoing course review process detailing the multicultural components of courses

Refine Evaluation/Assessment Tools

• Develop reporting mechanisms on diversity for offices and departments where there are none or where information reported is sketchy
• Develop 8 - 10 benchmarks that can be followed on a regular basis (annually, biannually) to measure diversity progress
• Establish a timetable for administering the Michigan Survey to allow us to gather longitudinal data on which to build assessment
• Conduct an annual survey of courses that include diversity awareness as a part of course content and/or pedagogy

Establish Incentives for Diversity Awareness

• Develop additional opportunities for faculty, staff, and students to attend diversity training locally, regionally, and nationally
• Create incentives for first-time attendance at diversity training seminars for faculty, classified, and unclassified staff

Build Cooperation to Achieve Diversity

• Establish assessment strategies that reflect and complement university goals as highlighted by the Climate Committee
• Work in close cooperation with the various subcommittees of the University Multicultural Council to ensure accuracy in information and statistics gathered
• Work with the Office of Institutional Research to create a central depository for information and statistics regarding diversity issues

Encourage Personal Commitment to Diversity from University Faculty, Staff and Students

• Mentor first year students, new staff, and new faculty from minority communities.
• Provide role models with whom minority faculty, staff, and students can identify.
• Encourage each individual faculty and staff member to communicate through words, actions and body language that all persons, including those from minority communities, are part of Miami
• Offer classes which focus on diversity/multicultrural themes in a variety of time slots, so that students can choose from a full range of courses.