Penn State Lehigh Valley Diversity Strategic Plan 2010-2015 A Guide to Promoting and Tracking Diversity Goals and Actions on Campus Based on Penn State University s A Framework to Foster Diversity Developed Summer/Fall 2010
1 Challenge 1: Developing a Shared and Inclusive Understanding of Diversity Goal 1.1 Promote a shared and inclusive understanding of diversity throughout the Penn State Lehigh Valley campus and the community Year A. Produce and distribute marketing materials including bulletin boards, cards and flyers that promote diversity University Relations 2011 Marketing funds and support from University Relations +Bulletin boards completed monthly +Number of marketing pieces distributed per semester; goal of at least 2 per semester B. Create a diversity website and send regular emails that include event info and links to diversity resources University Relations 2011 No direct costs for website and emails; indirect costs of staff time devoted to maintenance of site and sending emails +Tracking of website traffic; goal of at least 250 visits to Diversity page per semester +Number of emails sent; goal of at least 3 emails per semester C. Ensure diversity representation in art gallery, incorporating artwork in conjunction with monthly diversity themes (LGBTA; Hispanic Heritage, etc.) Art Coordinator Diversity Committee 2012 Staff time of Art Coordinator to establish events +Opening of Art Gallery in September 2010 +2 art exhibits, with diversity focuses, offered per semester
2 Goal 1.2 Educate and promote awareness of campus diversity initiatives A. Institute diversitythemed professional development sessions for faculty and staff Human Diversity Committee Faculty Senate 2013 Funds to support presenter fees and any necessary materials/handouts +One PD session offered per semester +Tracking of faculty/staff attendance; goal of 10 participants per session +Program evaluation B. Incorporate increased diversity programming for students Diversity Committee 2010 Funds to support programming; staff time to develop and implement programs and evaluation +One diversity program offered per month +Evaluation of effectiveness based on Student Satisfaction Surveys (question 4: sense of belonging) and Student Focus Group feedback
3 Goal 1.3 Provide student services for underrepresented populations; provide advocacy for diverse students A. Assign staff member as specific liaisons to various minority and diversity populations as represented on campus 2011 Administration support of staff time devoted to liaison position +Establishment of this new initiative through the assignment of staff as liaison B. Form a diversity committee that holds monthly meetings to advocate for the diverse community 2011 Staff dedication and time to meet monthly; support of department heads +Diversity Committee meetings held monthly; minutes taken to record progress and information
4 Goal 1.4 Provide students access to global programs, introducing them to diverse global cultures, populations and perspectives or Projected Cost A. Provide diverse opportunities for study abroad Academic Affairs Office of Study Abroad 2014 Development time for faculty/staff to identify opportunities; ongoing work with UP Study Abroad Office +10% increase in study abroad opportunities B. Promote global trips throughout the semester Academic Affairs 2014 Faculty encouragement of global trips to students +10% increase in global trips by completion date
5 Challenge 2: Creating a Welcoming Campus Climate Goal 2.1 Foster an open, safe environment and promote a campus climate of respect or Projected Cost A. Create specific space(s) for diversity and diversity-related programming Administration 2012 Dedicated space +Opening of Lounge in September 2010 +One diversity programs held each month +Tracking of attendance to ensure participation (small group goal of 10-15 participants; large group goal of 75 participants) +Program evaluations to ensure quality B. Create a diversity response team to respectfully respond to diversity-related issues (based on concept of previously planned Ombudsman Position) Diversity Committee 2011 Support of Administration and department heads for faculty/staff member time and participation +Creation of team +Number of reports to which team responds +Faculty/Staff Climate and Student Satisfaction Survey Feedback (question 4: sense of belonging and question 5: safety and security) to assess effectiveness C. Increase number of campus community members in the LGBTQ alliance & support network University Relations 2012 Support and representation of campus community; marketing of network to campus +50% increase in membership by 2012
6 Goal 2.2 Increase accessibility to resources representative of the diversity throughout the campus community A. Represent diversity resources (i.e. designated alliance groups, specific campus contacts, etc) on the PSULV website University Relations 2011 No website costs; staff time dedicated to website maintenance and updating of resources +Creation of web links to resources and number of resources available; goal is at least 8 resources +Tracking of website visits and use; goal is at least 250 visits per semester B. Post and promote staff diversity liaisons to campus community University Relations 2011 Minimal staff time to post diversity liaisons +Posting of liaisons +Student Satisfaction (question 4: sense of belonging) and Faculty/Staff Climate survey feedback C. Promote faculty and staff open-door policy, and communicate office hours to support a welcoming campus environment Academic Affairs 2011 Faculty adherence of policy +Target is 100% compliance by completion date D. Incorporate diversity as part of program reviews Academic Affairs 2013 Faculty awareness; possible funding to support initiatives or PD opportunities +Number of completed program reviews that integrate global curricular connections, study abroad opportunities, and/or curricular linkages within the external community
7 Goal 2.3 Increase diversity-themed dialogue on campus A. Implement diversity hot topic talks twice a semester to increase campus communication about diversity 2011 Staff time +Two talks held per semester +Tracking of program attendance; goal of 10-15 participants per talk +Evaluation of effectiveness through Student Focus Group and Student Satisfaction survey feedback (question 4: sense of belonging) B. Increase number of diverse clubs on campus 2012 Staff time` +Increase in the number of diverse clubs by 30% by completion date
8 Challenge 3: Recruiting and Retaining a Diverse Student Body Goal 3.1 Remain a leader within the Penn State system in regards to the enrollment of diverse populations A. Actively recruit at community colleges to enroll diverse students and adult students Office of Enrollment 2011 Funding for Recruitment Coordinator position; Support of +Hiring of Recruitment Coordinator +Track enrollment breakdowns each year (defined by gender, age, minority status, etc.) to ensure student body is representative of local community to ensure the maintaining of 20% minority students and 20% adult students B. Increase program offerings at the Penn State Center @ Overlook Park that provide pathways to a PSU education Continuing Education T Center Staff 2011 Funding to support programming (currently through HUD grant); additional grants to be sought +Increase of programs offered by 10% +Center data to track attendance and linkages to enrollment in other campus programming C. Work with local high schools to recruit a student body representative of culturally and socioeconomically diverse backgrounds Office of Enrollment 2012 Staff time to make connections with schools; support of school districts; moderate funding to support oncampus recruitment programs +Continuation of CareerLinking Academy Program and a 10% increase in the amount of high school programming offered at the campus by completion date +Enrollment information to track recruitment efforts and diversity of students
9 Goal 3.2: Increase adult enrollment to foster a more diverse student body A. Increase continuing education options for adult students B. Increase number of graduate programs offered on campus Office of Continuing Education Academic Affairs 2013 Analysis of CE surveys and adult student feedback; staff time to develop new options; support of University Relations to market new options Data to support Academic Affairs 2015 addition of graduate program; Support of University Park +Increase in options by 10% by the completion date +Increase by 1 graduate program by the completion date C. Address obstacles to adult education, including offering education about financial aid Office of Financial Aid 2013 Access to financial aid data; financial aid funds; faculty and staff representation on Enrollment Management Committee +Number of financial aid programs offered to adult students; goal is one per semester +Increase in the amount of financial aid available and/or awarded to adult students +Ongoing implementation of bi-weekly meetings of the Enrollment Management Committee to analyze trends and make recommendations to campus administration
10 Goal 3.3 Retain adult students from enrollment to graduation A. Increase Learning Center support services Academic Advising Administration 2012 Resource materials and/or additional funding for Learning Center +Increase in the number of Learning Center services; goal is one additional service per semester +Increase in the number of students using tutoring services (face-to-face and SMARTTHINKING online tutoring B. Provide more flexible scheduling for classes to accommodate work and/or family schedules C. Provide an effective orientation to college for adult students that addresses time management, family issues, etc. Academic Affairs 2015 Support of Registrar s Office and Academic Advising to provide information about scheduling options to campus administration and adult students 2014 Minimal funding to support orientation; development of FYE course for adult students +Tracking of the number of classes having at least a minimum of 15 students per class to ensure flexible schedules are adequately accommodating adult students +Offering of adult orientation, with effectiveness gauged by program evaluation +Offering of First Year Experience course that provides adult orientation information
11 Goal 3.4 Retain a diverse student body A. Increase access to ESL services Learning Center Technology Center Staff 2013 Funding for additional ESL services, including grant support +Increase in the number of ESL courses/services offered, including the offering of ESL courses to students at the Penn State Center @ Overlook Park; goal is 10% increase +Student evaluation data to ensure access B. Emphasize growth of established faculty mentor program and communicate availability of mentors for students Faculty 2013 Faculty involvement in mentoring program; training resources for faculty mentors; University Relations support to market program +Continued establishment of mentor program +Increase of students using mentoring program by 10% C. Provide access to scholarships, award scholarships, and facilitate application process for students with financial hardship. Office of Financial Aid 2015 Scholarship information; Scholarship funds +An increase in students applying for scholarships by 10% +Number of scholarships awarded +An increase in scholarship dollars
12 Challenge 4: Recruit and Retain a Diverse Workforce Goal 4.1 Develop a competitive workforce to serve a major metropolitan area A. Promote wide-ranging and timely advertising of positions Administration Human 2011 Funding for advertisements of positions; staff time to develop ads +Use of HR data to track advertising of positions B. Select candidates who add intellectual diversity (a range of academic and cultural interests and experiences) and cultural richness to campus community Human Search Committees of faculty/staff 2011 Information made available to search committee members regarding targeted diversity elements +Use of HR data to track hiring of diverse candidates C. Increase use of diversity applicant pool for recruitment. Human 2012 Support of UP for use of diversity applicant pool +Use of HR data to show increase in use of diversity applicant pool
13 Goal 4.2 Retain a diverse workforce A. Implement one professional development program per semester Human 2012 Funding for PD program, if necessary +One program offered each semester +Program evaluations and Faculty/Staff Climate Survey feedback B. Implement mentoring program for new faculty and staff that includes mentor training and assessment of mentoring program Academic Affairs Administration Faculty Senate Human 2015 Training resources and time for faculty/staff mentors and mentees +Mentee evaluation to ensure effectiveness of program +Retention numbers of new faculty and staff C. Encourage and support staff and faculty involvement in diversity professional organizations Academic Affairs Administration 2015 Administration and Department Head support of faculty/staff involvement; funding for membership fees/dues +Number of faculty/staff involved in organizations; goal is 50% participation
14 Challenge 5: Developing a Curriculum that Fosters Intercultural and International Competencies Goal 5.1 Increase program offerings to support cultural competencies, global understanding, and diversity perspectives A. Increase course offerings that offer gender, intercultural/ethnic, global and diverse perspectives Director of Academic Affairs Registrar 2014 Faculty support for development of course offerings +10% increase in the number of course offerings with diverse perspectives + At least 15 students enrolled in courses B. Increase opportunities for internships with global emphases Director of Academic Affairs Career Services 2013 Development of internship opportunities with faculty feedback and involvement; connections with local businesses and organizations +10% increase in internships that have global emphases C. Utilize the expertise and capacity of the Penn State Lehigh Valley Writing Project to link PSLV to global educational initiatives Continuing Education LVWP 2012 Linkages between LVWP and the National Writing Project to identify global programs +Global program connections created by LVWP
15 Goal 5.2 Develop additional study abroad opportunities or Proposed Cost A. Offer study abroad workshop at New Student Orientation, including information about scholarships and funding sources identified by Financial Aid and Development Financial Aid 2010 Staff time to develop and implement orientation; financial aid information +Workshop offered +Effectiveness gauged by student evaluations and interest in study abroad programs +Amount of funding available for study abroad students B. Offer national alternative spring break trip 2011 Staff time to develop and supervise program; faculty support to encourage student involvement +Tracking of attendance for program; goal is 10 students +Student evaluation of trip experience C. Offer additional study abroad programs (imbedded programs, shorter stay programs) Academic Affairs Program Coordinators 2012 Information and support from UP Study Abroad Office; faculty development of programs linked o courses +Increase in study abroad options and student participation by 10%
16 Challenge 6: Diversifying University Leadership and Management Goal 6.1 Increase representation of underrepresented groups A. Increase women and minority members on the PSLV Advisory Board Chancellor Advisory Board 2013 Recruitment efforts; linkages to diverse community members and organizations +Increase of women and minority representation on Board by 10% B. Increase diverse members of executive board of the alumni society Alumni Coordinator Alumni Society Board 2013 Recruitment efforts; linkages to diverse alumni +Increase diverse member representation on Board by 10% C. Include members of underrepresented groups on committees and senates Chancellor 2012 Ongoing assessment of the composition of groups by committee leaders +Policy in place that at least one member will be female or of underrepresented group
17 Goal 6.2 Establish diversity standards within employment selection processes A. Compose search committees with employees who are knowledgeable in diversity objectives Human 2014 HR information to inform committee members of diversity objectives +HR data to showcase the process of passing along diversity information to search committees B. Require applicants to demonstrate an understanding of diversity as a standard job qualification Human Search Committee Members 2014 HR information to inform committee members of diversity qualifications +HR data to showcase that diversity elements are included in job descriptions and interview processes
18 Challenge 7: Coordinating Organizational Change to Support Our Diversity Goals Goal 7.1 Create meaningful partnerships with underrepresented communities A. Continue to develop the Penn State Center @ Overlook Park to offer quality academic programming and services to inner-city residents Continuing Education Penn State Center @ Overlook Park 2011 Ongoing support of Center from campus Administration; continuation of HUD grant funds and other funding sources +Data from Center Strategic Plan and Progress Matrix B. Implement a Multicultural Affairs Board of community members 2012 Linkages to community members; recruitment of key individuals +Establishment of a Board +Evidence of range of diverse members C. Increase curricular partnerships with the external Lehigh Valley community Academic Affairs Continuing Education 2012 Linkages to the community; recruitment of key individuals and organizations to enhance curricular programs +Increase in the number of partnerships with local businesses and organizations (including community representation on Program Advisory Boards); goal is at least 3 partnerships
19 Goal 7.2 Establish connections between Administration and Campus Departments A. Implement broad communication strategies by using multiple methods to ensure the campus population is aware of diversity programming and diversity issues Chancellor 2012 Support from University Relations to develop and implement communication strategies +Evidence of programming and methods that serves as linkages between Administration and the campus (eg. all-campus day, staff advisory council, faculty lunch with campus) +Faculty and Staff Climate Survey feedback to gauge effectiveness of communication strategies B. Inclusion of a section in the Departmental Annual Reports to the Chancellor that relates directly to diversity initiatives Chancellor 2011 Assistance from and Institutional Planning to collect and compile feedback +Submission of Annual Reports, including diversity data C. Support the work of the Women s Commission to promote equity issues on campus Chancellor 2014 Possible funding for Commission programs, professional development, or conferences; assistance with data collection +Faculty/staff climate survey feedback +Number of women s commission meetings focusing on equity issues; goal is one per semester
20 ASSESSMENT PLAN OVERVIEW The campus has developed a comprehensive Assessment Plan for evaluating progress towards diversity goals as outlined in the 2010-15 Penn State Lehigh Valley Diversity Strategic Plan. Progress will be monitored by campus Administration and the Office of. Data and progress reports will be compiled in conjunction with campus Institutional Planning. Overall Systemic Assessment Tools include: +Student Satisfaction Survey: Information from the 2010 Survey will be used to provide benchmark data for satisfaction with diversity programming, services, initiatives, and campus climate. Subsequent surveys will assess progress and growth towards achievements of stated goals. Quantitative and qualitative data will be collected and analyzed. (Office of ) +Faculty/Staff Climate Survey: Survey to be conducted 2010-11. Survey will be used to provide benchmark data for satisfaction with diversity programming, professional development, and campus climate. Subsequent surveys will assess progress and growth towards achievements of stated goals. Quantitative and qualitative data will be collected and analyzed. (Administration and Institutional Planning) +Departmental Annual Reports to the Chancellor: Department heads will report diversity information each year related to faculty and staff involvement in diversity programming and outreach, memberships in community organizations, and development and implementation of diversity elements related to diversity goals. (Chancellor s Office) +Data Reports from the Penn State Center at Overlook Park: Compiled data will showcase faculty, staff, and student participation in outreach programs at the downtown center, Penn State student involvement in Center internships and other academic programs, curricular linkages to local community organizations and businesses, and potential enrollment of inner-city students at the campus. (Continuing Education) +Diversity Strategic Plan Progress Matrix: Updates each year will be collected on Progress Logs (in conjunction with Campus Strategic Plan Logs) to monitor progress of departments towards initiatives based on completion years. (Institutional Planning)
21 for Specific Goals and Actions include: +Enrollment and Retention Figures +Student (Traditional, Adult, Underrepresented) +Recruitment and Retention Rates +Faculty and Staff +Program Evaluations +Student-based +Professional Development +Percentages of Attendance, Memberships, Enrollments, etc. +Student Programs, Clubs, Service Events +Board Memberships +Outreach Services +Number (Increases) of Programs +Student +Faculty and Staff +Community-based +Number (Increases) of Options +Study Abroad, Internships, Course Schedules +Schedules and Records of Diversity-related Meetings +Diversity Response Team +Diversity Club +Enrollment Management +Human Resource Data +Hiring and Search Committee Information +Financial Aid Data +Scholarship and Financial Aid Information +Tracking of Diversity Website +Visits to and use of website and links