Diversity overview is encouraging, but there’s more to be done
Diversity in its many definitions is making headway at the University of Colorado as each campus approaches inclusion with unique strategies and programs, but there is still a great deal to be done.
Diversity officers from each campus highlighted programs and progress in the area of inclusion among students, faculty and staff, while conceding great challenges remain.
Kathy Nesbitt, vice president for employee and information services, said examples of outreach include CU’s recent sponsorship of Denver PrideFest 2016, engagement in the Las Raices Latina Gala and the Latin American Educational Foundation, myriad on-campus trainings, and involvement in the Martin Luther King Junior Awards.
She said the University of Colorado collectively enrolls 32 percent of resident Colorado students who go to a public four year institution. CU’s share of state minority students is 33 percent, she said – the highest percentage of each in the state. CU is followed by Metropolitan State University of Denver, which had 19 percent of the state’s students overall and 25 percent of minority students, and Colorado State University, with 17 percent and 11 percent respectively.
The regents asked for more solid numbers and formalized strategies that address all areas of inclusion, such as diversity of thought.
Regent Glen Gallegos, R-Grand Junction, also asked the diversity leaders to set a benchmark and to establish a timeframe for when the student and faculty minority population will parallel that of the state.
“Our strategies for diversity on campus are good for all kids. It really doesn’t matter what color they are,” Gallegos said. “I would like all campuses to determine a timeframe when our campuses parallel the state; mirroring what the state looks like.”
Regent Steve Ludwig, at large, asked that leaders further explore community partnerships.
“Why don’t we increase the pie of minority students who can actually get into the University of Colorado?” he said. “If we’re actually committed to increasing minority students through our doors . . . I think we need to break down mental barriers, we really need to be inspired. Let’s really change the game and create these partnerships as far down as we need to go.”
Nesbitt said their suggestions will be addressed in the long-range diversity and inclusion plan, which was announced in December 2015 and remains a work in progress.