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|Regarding the Diversity Committee's Report
September 10, 2007
Dear Colleagues:
Last year, I convened a committee composed of faculty, staff, and students and asked for suggestions on how to celebrate our University's rich diversity in a meaningful way. The members of this Committee on Diversity and International Understanding have given me their recommendations for moving forward.
The committee's report is available online. Based upon this report, I plan to implement the following:
- A large globe-and-fountain structure, to be built on a common, well-trafficked, and highly visible part of campus. This will be permanent and compelling symbol of our diversity, and I hope it will become a campus landmark.
- A diversity-related speaker series, spanning various academic disciplines and social interests.
- Banners bearing names of nations and done in official University colors that will hang in the Nedderman Hall atrium.
Planning for these additions to the campus will begin immediately. It is my hope and expectation that some visible steps will be completed during this academic year.
The committee also recommended that a number of other steps be taken. Many require further study and the review of established governance bodies on campus, and I will make sure that these ideas are considered.
I want to thank the members of this committee-chaired by Dr. Frank Lamas, vice president for Student Affairs, and Dr. Sia Ardekani, professor and former chair of Civil Engineering-for their dedicated service to UT Arlington. They did outstanding work and distinguished themselves in the Maverick tradition.
Sincerely,
James D. Spaniolo
President
