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Diversity Plan:
2003 - 2005
GOAL I: Climate
USM continuously strives to make the campus a welcoming
climate inclusive in its understanding and integration across
multiple dimensions of diversity, including, but not limited
to, diversity based on race and ethnicity, gender, disability,
sexual orientation, age, gender expression and identity, religion
and class.
Present:
The School of Applied Science, Engineering, and Technology
(ASET) is committed to the positive aspects of a diverse campus
society. During the past three years the school has created
a new image by promoting access to its various majors including
advertising in the Portland Press and the USM Free Press to
inform all citizens and students that exciting career opportunities
exist in engineering, computer science, technology, and applied
medical science. We have also brought student groups on campus
for "technology" days, "engineering" days, and "science" days
which have included a diverse selection of students. Additionally,
Ms. Bonnie Stearns and Dr. James Smith have visited local
public schools to present the programs of opportunity in ASET
for all students, especially young women.
Indeed, last year's student commencement speaker Jelilat
Oyetunji, a Nigerian woman, was a graduate of ASET's Computer
Science Program. Role models like Jelilat represent the celebration
of diversity in the School of Applied Science, Engineering,
and Technology.
Future:
ASET will continue to support campus activities that are organized
to promote appreciation of cultural and ethnic diversity at
USM. We will continue to encourage faculty and students to
participate in activities and workshops organized by the International
Student Office and the Diversity and Equity office. We will
also continue to reach out to diverse populations based on
race and ethnicity, gender, disability, sexual orientation,
age, religion, and class through activities with our public
schools and sponsored events held on campus. We will also
continue to provide for all of our students the opportunity
to interact with a diverse population from the scientific
community through guest lectures in classes, seminars, and
research collaborations.
GOAL II: Academic Experience
The USM academic experience, which includes both
curricular and co-curricular activities will increasingly
reflect the multiplicity and diversity of communities and
cultures locally, nationally and globally.
Present:
The curriculum in ASET is very challenging because of its
heavy emphasis on science and mathematics. To help students
through the difficult first year, Ms. Bonnie Stearns has been
appointed to be Director of Student Services and Enrollment
Management. Bonnie serves as an ASET Ombudsperson who provides
early interactive strategies to make sure that our student
are not overwhelmed by academic and social problems. She has
created a team of administrative assistants who are a "first
response" group for helping students acclimate to college
life. In her first year she has recruited 38 non-declared
majors, advised 174 students, provided 78 interactions, and
31 referrals for other university service.
As a role model in a male dominated school, Bonnie has been
instrumental in creating a warmer climate for all members
of the student body, faculty, and staff. Additionally, Bonnie
provides advice to the academic departments on retention strategies
and how to make faculty aware of diversity issues and especially
the elimination of gender specific tops and non-sensitive
language in the curriculum and in the classroom. In her role
as ombudsperson, she provides conflict resolutions expertise
for all members of the student body and faculty and advises
the dean on school climate issues that need his attention.
Future:
The faculty will continue to highlight the accomplishments
of the scientific work of female and other minority research
investigators; including possible joint publications. Ms.
Stearns will continue to serve the role of our ombudsperson
and help promote multiculturalism through planned activities
for faculty and students. Interactive support will continue
for those students who need it and find it helpful. Continued
attention will be given to making sure that curricula and
instructional materials are gender neutral.
GOAL III: Student Recruitment and Retention
USM strives to increase the diversity of its student
body through active outreach and recruitment. USM increasingly
works to develop structures and mechanisms that support the
retention of all students, particularly students of color
and other underrepresented populations.
Present:
As mentioned in the previous section, Ms. Bonnie Stearns has
been appointed to a new position to help students in ASET.
During her first year she has been able to increase retention
by interacting with "students-at-risk" and advising them about
other options for university studies. Our philosophy is centered
around the concept that students can be academically successful
when placed properly and when interests are matched with academic
ability and potential.
Another goal for ASET has been to create a kinder and gentler
climate that recognizes strengths and potential and reduces
academic frustration at the freshman level that have traditionally
caused high levels of attrition. By moving more difficult
academic material to upper division levels, freshmen are given
the opportunity to get their feet on the ground; academically
and socially, resulting in increased retention.
Future:
Retention will remain a top priority for ASET. While ASET
does not have a large population of diverse students, care
will be given to make sure that support services will be available
and that faculty and staff are sensitized to diversity issues
based upon race and ethnicity, gender, disability, sexual
orientation, age, religion, and class.
GOAL IV: Faculty and Staff Recruitment/Retention
USM strives to increase the diversity of faculty
and staff, particularly faculty and staff of color, but inclusive
of other underrepresented populations as defined in Goal I.
Present:
The School of Applied Science, Engineering, and Technology
has hired three new faculty in the two years of which two
are white males and one is a white female. One of the white
male senior faculty positions was offered to a black male
who turned us down in the final offer. Three new staff positions
were filled with three white females. A white female was also
promoted to a professional position as Director of Student
Services and Enrollment Management.
ASET makes every effort to attract a diverse team of faculty,
staff, and professionals. When positions open up the diversity
office is notified and job notices are posted in diverse publications.
It is understood that the dean is a strong advocate of diversity
and that opportunities to make the school more diverse are
encouraged at all levels. During the past two years ASET has
provided workshops in safe zone and sexual harassment for
all members of the faculty, staff, and professionals.
Future:
ASET will continue to seek minority candidates for faculty,
staff, and professional positions. Additionally, present faculty,
staff, and professionals will be provided the opportunity
to attend workshops focused on diversity, sexual harassment,
and safe zones. Each member of ASET must embrace the celebration
of diversity as a strength that will help make ASET a USM
school of distinction and a place where everyone will want
to work, learn, and study.
INCREASE IN STUDENT OF COLOR AND ETHNICITY, AND OTHER DIVERSE
GROUPS BASED ON GENDER, DISABILITY, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, AGE,
GENDER EXPRESSION AND IDENTITY, RELIGION, AND CLASS:
The School has sponsored several student recruitment activities
with an emphasis on diverse backgrounds and career opportunities.
This effort has resulted in some increase of young women in
computer science, engineering, and information and communication
technology. Additionally, Ms. Bonnie Stearns and Dr. James
Smith have visited local high schools to help recruit diverse
student.
Future:
ASET will continue to recruit students of color and ethnicity
and other underrepresented groups through its proactive interaction
with our public schools and technical colleges. We will continue
to advertise ASET's opportunities for exciting careers both
on and off campus. In addition, we will work with Fairchild
and National Semiconductor to sponsor a technology/engineering/science
summer campus for middle school students. Special emphasis
will be placed on recruiting women and persons of color for
these summer activities.
Finally, ASET will continue to offer it's "Careers That Make
A Difference" series where public school students are invited
to campus for demonstrations and interactive activities designed
to motivate students to select careers in science, engineering,
and technology.
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