May 1, 2008

From the co-chairs of the recently appointed Diversity Task Force:

President Harker has recently appointed a Diversity Task Force to:

• review what is currently being done at University of Delaware to foster diversity and to evaluate what works, what doesn't work and what could be done better;
• identify best practices from other institutions; and,
• develop an action plan for enhancing diversity on the campus.

As co-chairs of the Task Force, we know it is important to get wide input from the University community to help us review what we are currently doing to enhance diversity (in all its forms) and to make recommendations about what we can do better. We will be interviewing a large number of groups beginning in the summer, but with most of these meetings in the fall when there are more people on campus. Our meetings will include faculty, students, staff, alumni, community members and other interested groups. We also invite you to send your thoughts, ideas and recommendations to us directly. You can do so using the link on the Diversity Task Force web site [www.udel.edu/taskforce]; you may do so anonymously if you choose.

Through engaging the entire University community in this discussion, we hope to realize the University's mission regarding diversity, as stated in the recent Strategic Planning Report. That report says:

“The University of Delaware will foster a robust educational environment in which all people are welcome and feel welcome - one that supports critical thinking, free inquiry and respect for diverse views and values. The University will embrace diversity as an integral and vital part of everyday life. It will enliven the campus community with visible symbols, activities, and other reminders that diversity is a cornerstone value of our University and, indeed, of the human experience."

We look forward to receiving your ideas, comments and suggestions.

Professors Margaret Andersen and Araya Debessay
Co-Chairs, President's Diversity Task Force