Feedback requested on draft of diversity framework

As the spring semester reaches its midterm, the University of Wisconsin–Madison’s Ad Hoc Diversity Planning Committee has completed an initial draft of a new campus framework for diversity.

Based on over a year of reflection and collaboration, the draft of “Forward Together: UW–Madison’s Framework for Diversity and Inclusive Excellence” also includes recommendations and ideas gathered through a series of campus and community engagement sessions undertaken during the fall semester.

Download the draft framework

Now, the committee is preparing for a second round of campus and community engagement sessions, beginning on Monday, April 7.

“With the feedback we received during the fall 2013 sessions, we’ve aligned this draft around seven goals, with a list of recommendations that we would like to receive feedback on,” says Ruth Litovsky, professor of communication sciences and disorders and co-chair of the committee. “The initial draft that we are sharing with our campus community and the Madison community is intended to serve as the centerpiece for discussion and for determining the most effective and efficient ways to implement change as we move forward.”

The current draft includes a documentation of the history of UW–Madison’s diversity planning and a rationale for goals, where change is needed. Within each goal, the draft lays out recommendations organized by several categories: Stakeholders; Implementation (and who will do so); Short- and Long-term Measures; and Rationale.

All members of the UW–Madison community – students, faculty, administrators, academic and classified staff – and members of the greater Madison and Dane County community are encouraged to share feedback through a second round of engagement sessions.

Committee co-chair Ryan Adserias, graduate student in educational leadership and policy analysis, stresses the importance of hearing from all corners of the UW–Madison experience.

“We are very grateful to all of you who have engaged with us to date,” says Adserias. “We’re looking forward to continued feedback on this living document, getting closer to being able to adopt a framework that is novel, transparent, engaging, implementable and sustainable for our campus.”

The committee looks forward to hearing community responses about the following topics:

• What are the strengths of the recommendations outlined in this draft?
• What improvements could be made to increase clarity, meaning, and usefulness?
• What roles can campus and community units play in bringing these recommendations to life?

Engagement sessions are scheduled as follows:

• Monday, April 7, 11a.m.-1 p.m. in Varsity Hall II, Union South
• Tuesday April 8th, 4-6 p.m. in the Concerto Room, Gordon Commons
• Late night session: Tuesday, April 8, 11 p.m.-12:30 a.m. in rooms 1220-1222, Health Sciences Learning Center
• Thursday, April 10, 7-9 p.m. in the Mendota Room, DeJope Residence Hall

Community sessions:

• Monday, April 7, 7-9 p.m., Fountain of Life Covenant Church, 633 W. Badger Rd.
• Wednesday, April 9, 7-9 p.m., United Way of Dane County, 2059 Atwood Ave.

Registration is appreciated, but not necessary.

For more information, contact organizers at jointhediscussion@cdo.wisc.edu or 608-262-0579. To request ASL interpretation, large-print or Braille materials, please email accessthediscussion@cdo.wisc.edu or call 608-262-0579.