In my September 6 Intercom message, I outlined some of the steps Ithaca College has been taking to move us forward in becoming the community of learning, personal growth, and mutual respect that it is intended to be.
Since that time, we have continued to encounter episodes that challenge our goal of creating a respectful and inclusive culture in which we identify difference as a source of strength rather than division. There is no place at Ithaca College for actions, whether they be through words or deeds, that denigrate or marginalize any individual or group on the basis of race, religion, sexual identity, or social status.
I understand that many on campus are frustrated that they have not seen any advancement on our goals of respect and inclusivity.
This will be a slow process. Away from the headlines, members of the administration, staff, faculty, and students have been working together productively to understand the dimensions of the problem and identify actions to move us forward.
With facilitation from consultants TFC (Training for Change) Associates, the Residential Life/Office of Public Safety Work Group has been meeting to help reestablish trust and build effective teamwork.
It is especially important to recognize the good work of the Council on Diversity and Inclusion (CODI), which will hold its third meeting of the semester on Monday. CODI is co-chaired by Dr. Belisa Gonzalez and Dean Linda Petrosino, with representation from students, faculty, and staff.
CODI is currently reviewing its charge, goals, and responsibilities in order to establish an action plan and priorities for making recommended changes in institutional policies and practices. It is also considering expansion of its membership to better ensure the group’s effectiveness.
In consultation with Dr. Roger Richardson, the Associate Provost for Diversity, Inclusion and Engagement, the leadership of CODI will establish a working group this semester to assist our consultant, Rankin & Associates, in developing the campus climate survey.
The council will provide critical guidance as the college develops programming for the campus community to facilitate honest dialogue and learning. In all instances, it will work collaboratively with other individuals and organizations in the campus community to help foster the implementation of relevant initiatives, as no single group can or should have responsibility for bringing about meaningful change.
I am particularly grateful for the active engagement of the Alumni Association Board of Directors in these issues. During Alumni Reunion Weekend in late September, a subcommittee of the board met on Friday afternoon with faculty, staff, and students to gain a better understanding of our challenges around diversity and inclusion. At an open meeting the following day, alumni and students sat together in groups to discuss the difficulties of culture change. For some, the conversation lasted into the evening as current and former students talked together about ways to help improve our community.
Our Board of Trustees is deeply concerned about this topic. The agenda for the upcoming board meeting includes discussion of our recent challenges, with a focus on how we can move forward together and how the trustees can be part of the solution.
We are working on an updated version of the diversity website currently hosted by Student Affairs and Campus Life. The relaunch will include regular updates on all initiatives so everyone can see where progress is being made.
Talk alone will not help us accomplish our goals. We have much unfinished business in making Ithaca College the inclusive community of civility and respect that we can all be proud of. If we work on this together, trusting of the deep commitment that animates all of us, I have no doubt we can be successful.
Tom Rochon
President
