CONTACT: Roberto Ibarra 277-9199
Nov. 27, 2002 FACULTY COMMITTEE TO ADDRESS DIVERSITY IN ACADEMIC AFFAIRS University of New Mexico Special Assistant for Diversity Roberto A. Ibarra is contacting select UNM faculty members whom he is inviting to serve on a "blue ribbon committee" to address diversity issues in academic affairs. The committee, he said, will "work on a variety of diversity issues that include, but are not limited to, guiding special data reporting projects; enhancing traditional recruitment, promotion and retention activities; monitoring diversity tactics in the Strategic Plan; advising funded research projects on diversity, and promoting unique initiatives associated with a new multicontext model for diversity that is now emerging on campus." The formation of the committee is among other efforts Ibarra has begun. He said he is also working on the compilation of a "diversity report" that will provide an inventory of existing diversity programs on campus. Additionally, he is working to identify funding to support new diversity initiatives throughout campus. Ibarra said he is inviting faculty-including both main and branch campus faculty who have been nominated by their deans, Provost Brian Foster and/or President F. Chris Garcia-to serve on the blue ribbon committee. "For decades, administrators at most research universities have attempted to improve campus diversity through their human resources offices or with help from student services programs and personnel," he said. "Consequently, few universities have initiatives that address faculty diversity beyond the hiring and promotion process." Ibarra said diversity issues have grown more complex. "They involve larger concerns associated with academic culture and campus climate that require more systemic solutions and more sustained faculty involvement." That, he said, forms the premise for the creation of the faculty committee. Ibarra said he is scheduling two meetings to meet with the faculty members nominated to serve on the committee. The meetings, which will provide further information about the initiative, are scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 4, from 10 to 11 a.m. and Friday, Dec. 5, from 9 to 10 a.m., in the Roberts Room, Scholes Hall. More information may be obtained by contacting Ibarra or his assistant, Liliana Breton-Jojola, 277-9199 or lbreton@unm.edu, or by visiting his office, Room 113, UNM Hibben Center. # # #

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