Diversity forum to address areas of success

Last year’s diversity forum planted the idea that UW–Madison’s drive toward excellence is tied to the diversity of the institution.

This year, organizers will build on that idea, focusing on a theme of “Cultivating Excellence: Nurturing the Seeds of Success.”

“We to continue to expand on the idea of excellence,” says Damon Williams, vice provost for diversity and climate. “We really wanted to validate the notion that there are several things going on that are incredibly positive and going forward, we’ve got to nurture those things.”

The forum is scheduled from 8 a.m.–4 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 30, in the Wisconsin Union Theater in the Memorial Union. Participants may attend all or part of the day’s events.

Provost Paul DeLuca will kick off the program at 9 a.m., to be followed by a comprehensive update from Williams on the university’s strategic diversity efforts, including a question and answer session with the audience.

Keynote lunch speaker Arthur L. Coleman, managing partner of the Education Counsel in Washington, D.C., will offer a provocative view on higher education access and graduation issues facing the nation at the federal level, as well as local efforts to close the achievement gap for minority students.

Coleman also will share his view on the key strategies needed in higher education using his close work with court rulings and colorful personalities on the U.S. Supreme Court.

In the afternoon, Coleman will lead a discussion about courts of law and the court of public opinion.

Other afternoon discussions will address the grade gap in certain introductory courses; how our diversity committees are advancing Inclusive Excellence, an update from past recipients of the Outstanding Women of Color Award; and the racial and cultural aspects of this year’s Go Big Read selection, “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks.”