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DAC Archived Reports: January 2007

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The DAC opened the new year focusing its work this month on exploring the ombudsperson position. In conjunction with the Minority Faculty and Staff Association, the DAC met on Jan. 10 for an all-day retreat on the topic. The two groups agreed to conduct subsequent meetings through February with a target date of Feb. 15 for a recommendation to the president. Research and discussions are underway as the two groups work on a proposed job description for what this post should encompass.

The DAC also launched the first Diversity Perspectives Spring Convocation with Prof. Allen Feldman of New York University. Feldman, also an anthropologist,  who spoke on "The Other Gaze: Images, Bodies, and Spaces of Violence" used images to convey violent contexts to the Catholic and Protestant struggles in Northern Ireland, the American period before civil rights and the present war in Iraq. More than 500 students, faculty and staff attended. The lecture sparked controversy and debate. The DAC held 5 follow-up sessions to answer questions and connect the talk to diversity values follwing bias incidents last semester.

Several DAC members have been invited to serve on all-campus academic and seach committees. Ruma Sen, Rena Bacon, and Yvette Kisor are now serving on new all-campus Intercultural Committee convened by Provost Beth Barnett. Karl Johnson will serve as the DAC representative to vice president for enrollment management search, and Sue Zhang  will represent DAC on the search for chief information officer.

Under academic projects,  Karl Johnson  launched "Dangerous Discussions" workshop series with his talk on the role of African American studies in a liberal arts education.  "Dangerous Discussions" is being co-sponsored by the DAC and the Faculty Resource Center.  A series of topics are scheduled through the semester.

DAC subcommittees are continuing to work on measurable outcomes for the action plan. Missy Long and Zhang, who form the new outcomes assessment committee, began work on refinign and sharpening the action items plan into measurable and "actionable" format.

Under new items, DAC members also raised a general question about the process for hiring administrative positions, and are getting more information.

Kay Fowler, Edna Negron, Shirley Knight and John Thompson heard a proposal from  the Cahill Center's request to partner with DAC at its March meeting. Donna Kauder requested that DAC and Cahill work together with its advisory board on a joint project to heighten awareness about the role of diversity in the workplace. A future planning meeting is in the works.

First Annual Diversity Perspectives Convocation

Convocation Follow-up Sessions: Let's hear it. What did you think of the speaker?
Feb. 1 - 1 p.m., Women's Center
Feb. 2 - Noon, Women's Center

The campus community is welcome to attend the First Annual Diversity Perspectives Convocation from 3 to 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, January 24, 2007 in Friends Hall. A remote location with video simulcasting will also be scheduled.

The guest speaker, Allen Feldman, Associate Professor of the Department of Culture and Communication at New York University, will present "The Other Gaze: Images, Bodies, and Spaces of Violence."

Faculty members are encouraged to bring classes or to consider the presentation as an experiential component for students. Please advise the Office of the Provost with the number expected by contacting Barbara Csejka-Trottere at (201) 684-7529 or at btrotter@ramapo.edu. Seating is limited.

This presentation is sponsored by the Diversity Action Committee, the President's Office and the Board of Trustees.

If you have further questions about the spring term Convocation, please contact Edna Negron at (201) 684-7186 or Kay Fowler at (201) 684-7565.

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