UpDate - Vol. 12, No. 2, Page 1                                
September 10, 1992                                             
Special unit will address issues related to diversity          
                                                               
     The University's goal of providing a hospitable climate for its 
diverse population has taken another step forward in the creation of a        
Campus Diversity Office to unify support and programming services for
special groups on campus.                                            
     Centrally located in Room 307 of Hullihen Hall, the Campus      
Diversity Office, directed by Judith Gibson, assistant vice president
for affirmative action and multicultural programs, offers support and
referral services for faculty, staff and students who have particular
concerns about diversity matters.                                    
     "The new office enhances-not replaces-on-going programs,"       
President David P. Roselle said.  Under the umbrella of the Campus   
Diversity Office, the offices of affirmative action, multicultural   
programs and women's affairs will work cooperatively to address issues        
of race, religion, gender, ethnicity,  sexual orientation and physical        
abilities, he said.                                                  
     Members of the new unit will include Cecily Sawyer Harmon, Rourke  
Moore, Donna Tuites, Vernese Edghill, Elizabeth Bertera, Gary Smith, 
Jack Miles, Liane Sorenson, Judith Gibson and Maxine Colm.           
     These individuals will listen to concerns and problems, offer   
counseling as appropriate, make referrals to other administrative    
offices and help in the development of programs that improve the     
campus climate for diverse groups.                                   
     Stuart Sharkey, vice president for student life, said he and his
colleagues "enthusiastically support the new Campus Diversity Office 
and its potential to improve the campus environment for multiple     
student groups."                                                     
     "I am excited and pleased that we are developing an integrated  
approach to diversity issues, one that embraces the needs of faculty,
staff and students and that serves as an advocate for their interest,"        
Maxine Colm, vice president for employee relations, said.            
     In a memorandum to the University community announcing the new     
Campus Diversity Office, Roselle said it should make it possible "to 
move closer to our goal of providing a campus climate that is        
accommodating to all members of our community."                      
                                        -Sue Swyers Moncure