UMatters

[The following was provided by the Chancellor’s Diversity Committee.]

The Chancellor’s Diversity Committee was established in July 2010 “to celebrate diversity in all aspects of university life, creating inclusive environments, culturally competent citizens and globally-oriented curricula and programs.” Their strategic goal is to embrace diversity, Goal 5 of the UMKC Strategic Plan. 

The mission of the Committee states:  Diversity at all levels is critical to UMKC’s mission of providing an environment defined by the belief that a multiplicity of values and beliefs, interests and experiences, intellectual and cultural viewpoints enrich learning and inform scholarship.  Respect for the cultures (in the broadest meaning) that make UMKC a dynamic teaching, research and service environment is a foundational value of the institution. The concept of diversity encompasses acceptance and respect.  It is about understanding each other and moving beyond simple tolerance to embracing and celebrating diversity.  The Diversity Committee’s goal reaches across the institution to promote access, respect, inclusiveness and community in all of UMKC’s working and learning environments.   

The committee consists of faculty, staff, students and community members and is co-chaired by Drs. Marita Barkis, director, Counseling/Placement Center and Marsha Pyle, dean, School of Dentistry.

The group’s working definition for diversity is all inclusive and states - “Diversity is an ongoing goal that should be nurtured and valued.”

During the 2012-2013 academic year, the committee will bring forth conversations and activities to engage the campus community in this discussion. Its five goals of the diversity plan are below, and the objectives will be shared later in the year.  Input will be broadly sought for the strategies and activities that will support UMKC in developing an Action Plan defining these goals.

Goal 1: Representation, Access & Success

Goal 2: Climate and Campus Environment

Goal 3: Diversity as a Competency Learning Objective

Goal 4: UMKC and the Urban Community in Partnership

Goal 5: Institutional Infrastructure and Resources

For additional information, visit Diversity Committee.