DIVERSITY INITIATIVES COMMITTEE
Wednesday, March 28th Minutes

Attending: Virginia Breen, Shaka McGlotten, Jennie Uleman, Tara Blackwell, Peter LaMantia and Sandy Garcia.

Chair: Jay Minh Alt

The meeting was called to order at 3pm.

1) Pete distributed the following trend reports and explained how to read them:

• 1-year retention and 4-,5-, 6-year graduation rates for first-time, full-time students by ethnicity
• EOP and MAP retention and attrition
• 1-year retention by gender for first-time, full-time, new transfer, continuing, re-admits and graduates
• 1-year retention by residency for first-time, full-time, new transfer, continuing, re-admits and graduates
• Applicants/admits/enrolls by ethnicity over a 5-year period

2) Tara distributed the summary for the diversity surveys that were recently distributed (Distributed in December, due by February 28th). The feedback has been compiled into a comprehensive record of activities that support diversity and multiculturalism and is available online via the www.purchase.edu/diversity link. Approximately 70% of the offices outreached have responded. The document is an ongoing one that can be updated as needed. The remaining offices and academic units that have not responded will therefore have an opportunity to have their information included, as it is provided to us.

3) Jay reviewed the next steps for the committee. The first work group has completed its task. The second work group is currently working toward its goal. Virginia provided a folder of hard copy samples of diversity assessments used at other institutions. These samples focused on institutional climate and perception of services available. Purchase College and our committee will look into creating a survey of our own and determine an appropriate timeline for distribution. Jay noted that due to the large influx of surveys currently being administered, next Spring of 2008 might be the earliest potential timeframe.

4) Because the outputs from the first and second work groups are integral to the foundation of the third work group, this group will not begin its work on a comprehensive plan for promoting diversity at Purchase College until the fall semester.

The meeting was adjourned at 3:45pm.