November 27, 2007

University Planning Council

Minutes for November 27, 2007

Present: Melissa Acker, Amanda Alvarez, Gwen Ashburn, Elizabeth Bagwell, Lothar Dohse, Archer Gravely, Bill Haggard, Bill Haas, Jim Kuhlman, Bruce Larson, Judi Leffe, Bill Massey, Adrienne Oliver, Anne Ponder, Christine Riley, Barbara Svenson, Betsy Wilson, John Wood

Absent: Pat Hunt, Herman Holt, Barbara Svenson, Kathy Whatley

Guest: Ed Katz

UPC met in the Whitman Room from 12:15-1:45

1. Chancellor Ponder asked for UPC’s feedback on the diversity update provided at the last All Campus Meeting. There was a general consensus that this was an excellent topic for this type of meeting. UPC recommended that we should also communicate this type of information update via email and other venues.

2. Dr. Haggard gave a planning update on the Intercultural Center. He indicated that we are researching the physical presence of similar centers on other campuses and that our intent was to focus on the education of all students about diversity issues. He indicated that our objective is to locate the center in the Highsmith University Union.

3. Dr. Wood reported on the efforts of a UPC subgroup in collaboration with additional faculty to develop a definition of diversity. As part of this process, he noted the numerous elements of diversity cited in the current strategic plan document. UPC reviewed the list of diversity definitions and identified both desirable and missing elements. Dr. Wood noted a need for more concise language and precision and that numbers were not sufficient. Dr. Wood will work with DAC to continue to refine a definition.

4. UPC will hold a retreat on December 4, 12:30-4:30 pm at the NC Arboretum. The purpose of the retreat will be to review the strategic planning benchmarks and establish targets.