Chancellor's Council on Inclusion: Minutes for April 28, 2005

Members Not Present: Carlos Santiago, Amy Batiste, Simone Concei??o, Ester Johnson, Marc Levine

Ruth Williams provided an overview of the Enrollment Management Report. The entire report is on the Provost?s web site.

Joan Prince opened the floor to questions/comments

The following represents a synopsis of questions and comments that were asked:

Q: Why was the report not geared towards the largest group (minority)? Staff and faculty were not represented in the report, feels that minorities are being set up for failure.

A. We have to address all students as well as students of color; though it may not seem to be addressed in the report, that does not mean it?s not being addressed.

Comment: One stop advising center is ideal; the right balance between freshman experience and advising is needed. The report is weak when it comes to this.

Q. How does this report address issues concerning LGBT students?

Q: It appears that the report was based on academic failure ? Why?

Q. There appears to be a discrepancy between high achieving students vs retention.

A: UWM is surveying students who are not returning back to UWM to determine their experience on campus and why they?re e not returning, Rita Cheng stated that data driven decision making in regards to both the enrollment mgmt and Milwaukee commitment are the beginning of this assessment.

Comment: Professors talk to the student vs an advisor. There seems to be a lot in the report in terms of assessment, but nothing when it comes to accountability.

A. There is a component built for instructors to engage the student who is having trouble academically; please see the summary of several sub-committee reports. Each committee did address this.

Comment: A brief discussion ensued regarding a holistic admissions approach. Bias in ACT test exams was discussed. It was stated that a holistic approach is discretionary, and that we currently do not have the resources to review each file

Enrique Figueroa - Referred to the sub-committee report on the Enrollment Plan diversity committee he chaired. Three things to look at

1) Diversity Impact & Statements ? tied together

2) Accountability among dept chairs, deans, hierarchy

3) Harmony/Balance tone & content; why students are failing may be due to entire institution failing

Alicia Armstrong suggested the following points regarding freshman retention

?there should be encouragement feedback; ?At times students may be told that they are not college material, but with the help of programs/resources such as bridge programs, students can excel.; ?Pre-college programs should be emphasized; ?MPS system needs to be college prep like Rufus King HS; student organizations can help with making UWM more visible in the MPS system
III. Hot Topics/Month in Review since the last meeting

E-mail chain of events:

Mary Roggeman reported out that it is a police matter. Much discussion ensued around UWM Chapter 17 Conduct code. Guillerimo Cuautle ? indicated the Student Assn provided forums for students to express their concerns; suggestions were made to improving climate. He was asked about the role of the Student Association, and what they would do regarding this. He indicated that they are looking into upgrading office security. Antonio Ramirez indicated that a 7-point plan was submitted to the Student Association.

Enrique Figueroa ? Three points need to be asked.

1) Were there hate speech? if so, define it; 2) Should we allow hate speech; 3) if not, what are the penalties
Erika Sander – Discussion might focus on First amendment rights vs. academic freedoms

IV. Cultural Diversity Requirement

Currently, the cultural diversity requirement at UWM is 3 credits. Rita Cheng provided a document discussing the cultural diversity requirement. Gregory Jay inquired about the APCC agenda report. Rita Cheng indicated that no motion was made, and that it is currently on the agenda.

Joan Prince suggested that the next agenda include an update/discussion regarding the cultural diversity requirements, a discussion about approaches to climate issues (ombuds programs ? student and staff, race/ethnicity final recommendations..), a report back from the Provost regarding recruitment efforts for a diverse faculty, and a discussion regarding diversity education for campus (IDEAL). She will continue to add the Hot Topics item to each agenda.

Respectfully submitted,

Michelle Hamberlin
Partnerships and Innovation
04/28/2005