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Diversity Plan:
2003 - 2005
For the purposes of this exercise only three units of TISL
participated. They are University Computing Technologies (UCT),
Software Services (SS), and Instructional Technology and Media
Services (ITMS). The University Library will submit their
own response and Law Library will be included within the School
of Law response.
There was lengthy discussion about the service and academic
support role of these units and how to address the new USM
goals. It was difficult to generalize about the one-on-one
nature of the services provided in combination with non-regular
locations where these will be performed. In the end, we believe
that we have found a way to approach this important issue
with candor and honest effort.
There is a single objective for TISL - to continue to provide
excellent access to, and service for, the information and
technology needs of the all members of the University community
without regard to race and ethnicity, gender, disability,
sexual orientation, age, religion and class. The strategies
we use to achieve this goal will be many and varied - depending
upon the specific goal identified.
Below, is the list of USM's goals and after each of the goals
are the identified strategies, and examples of current practices,
we are using to achieve our overarching objective.
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.
- Support campus wide programs by communicating to all staff
and expressly supporting the goals of these programs.
- Aid in the design and delivery of accessible information
through the various mediums of technology.
- Train student and regular employees in the principles
of customer service that support the goals and requirements
of the USM Diversity Plan.
- Assist students, faculty and staff to "translate" technology
from a foreign technology to a format used at the University
(typically this involves converting software, video and
audio tapes foreign students receive from family so they
can enjoy the communication from home).
GOAL II: Academic Experience
The USM academic experience, which includes both
curricular and co-curricular activities, increasingly reflects
the multiplicity and diversity of communities and cultures
locally, nationally and globally.
- The web group works to educate the community about proper
design of websites for ease of use by all.
- Working with Publications to ensure that the official
USM web pages meet current standards.
- IT&MS and the computing units present workshops, through
the Center for Teaching and Staff Development, on the design
and presentation of information both on the web and within
the classroom to enable maximum access by all.
- All units assist students, faculty and staff to "translate"
technology from a foreign technology to a format used at
the University (typically this involves converting software,
video and audio tapes foreign students receive from family
so they can enjoy the communication from home).
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.
- All of TISL works with the Director of Academic Support
for Students with Disabilities to ensure that these students
receive the same access and use of information and technology
as all other students.
- TISL has established an Adaptive Technologies Specialist
to work specifically with students with disabilities. Additionally,
this position serves on a System-wide committee that reviews
and makes recommendations for the various campuses to follow.
- All of TISL provides access to information and technology
for all students to ensure that those who do not have the
means to purchase their own equipment will not be disadvantaged
by their economic condition.
- When hiring student employees, prior experience in using
technology is not a barrier or requirement. All student
employees go through a training period that encompasses
not only the technology but also the principles of good
customer service.
- TISL is an active participant in student visits and the
new student orientation programs. This involvement serves
two purposes. First is to inform the students of what is
available. Second is to help the TISL group become aware
of possible new services and needs required by the incoming
class.
GOAL IV: Faculty and Staff
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.
- All position descriptions are written to be neutral to
all considerations except the essential required tasks.
Employment Services assists in this by reviewing the descriptions
when a search is being started.
- Employment Services and the Coordinator of Employee and
Community Outreach are solicited for assistance when a vacant
position is to be filled.
- All advertisements for vacant positions indicate that
individuals from underrepresented groups are encouraged
to apply.
- Before any search begins the Coordinator of Employee and
Community Outreach is consulted to ensure it will be an
open and equitable process.
- Each supervisor has, and has read, the UMS Supervising
Policies and Procedures Manual.
- Departments have requested diversity training and required
staff to attend.
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