The University Record, October 29, 1997
Several families participated in a Yoga and relaxation group through the programs offered at North Campus. Photo courtesy of Counseling and Psychological Services
By Mary Jo Frank
Office of University Relations
Ten projects to enhance the climate for diversity at Michigan will be funded through the President’s New Century Fund.
Final selection of the winners was made by President Lee C. Bollinger, who commended the recipients on their creativity and commitment to diversity, as well as the potential of their proposals to make significant and lasting changes for the benefit of th e University community.
Provost Nancy Cantor, who also participated in the review process, and Lisa A. Tedesco, presidential associate for special projects, said selecting only 10 projects for funding from the 60 submitted was a challenge for reviewers because of the overall h igh quality of the proposals. Tedesco, who also is professor of dentistry and associate dean for academic affairs in the School of Dentistry, administers the President’s New Century Fund.
Last January, when then-Interim President Homer A. Neal announced the $450,000 fund at the Martin Luther King Jr. Symposium, he said its purpose is to support efforts to advance the goals of Michigan’s diversity initiatives and “to create programs that w ill accelerate the University’s progress toward the many-faceted goals for diversity at the U-M.”
The following projects were selected for funding:
“A Multifaceted Approach to Improving Campus Climate for Faculty, Staff and Students,” directed by David Schoem, assistant dean for undergraduate education, LS&A; Deborah L. Orlowski, staff development associate, Office of Human Resources/Affirmative Action; Teresa G. Brett, program associate, Office of the Dean of Students; and Charles F. Behling, lecturer in psychology.
Organizers will work with groups of faculty, staff and students to build communities and relationships and will address the barriers presented by structures that favor individual above community, competition above collaboration, and hierarchy above commo nality of purpose. Plans include faculty seminars, intergroup dialogues for staff, faculty-student academic and social communities built around undergraduate coursework, out-of-class activities, and classroom-residence hall connections for living in mult icultural communities.
“International Families Outreach Project (IFOP),” directed by Izumi Sakamoto, doctoral student in social work and psychology, and Mildred C. Tirado, associate dean of students and director of Counseling and Psychological Services.
IFOP will provide programs that help international families cope with the effects of cross-cultural stress. Colleagues from academic and service units across the University, including the Department of Psychology, School of Social Work, International Ce nter, Family Housing, North Campus Outreach, Counseling and Psychological Services and the Sexual Assault Prevention and Awareness Center, will work together to improve community support for North Campus international student families.
“Women in History: A New Guide to Manuscripts of the Clements Library from the Woman’s Perspective,” directed by John C. Dann, director of the William L. Clements Library.
The project will produce a book-length guide to the Clements Library Manuscript Division that will include previously ignored aspects of social, artistic, political and intellectual history usually associated with gender, race and ethnic studies. Becaus e the Clements’ original cataloging practices conformed to the norms set by historians when the library was founded in 1923, manuscript guides have focused on politics, military history, commerce and technology. The “Women in History” project will create a new, distinct guide to all the manuscript collections in the Clements Library.
“The Sphinx Competition,” directed by Aaron Dworkin, graduate student in the School of Music, and Stephen B. Shipps, associate professor of music.
African American and Hispanic undergraduate string musicians will be brought to campus for the Sphinx Competition. The competition will allow students to gain recognition and experience, perform with the Ann Arbor Symphony, interact with School of Music faculty, and explore graduate education and performance opportunities at the School.
“An Untapped Resource to Support Institutional Change: University of Michigan Alumnae,” directed by Abigail J. Stewart, professor of psychology and of women’s studies and director, Institute for Research on Women and Gender.
A two-year program of activities is planned to build and draw support from U-M alumnae for institutional change that promotes the advancement and development of women. Alumnae have been identified as especially interested in changing the institutions th ey attended and “making a difference.” As an untapped resource of ideas, skills, commitment and financial support, alumnae will be asked to share their experiences in the work world and in managing their personal and public lives so that students may ben efit. Materials for alumnae groups and for training staff and volunteers active in fund raising and alumni activities will be developed.
“Opening Minds Through Diverse Cultural Expression,” directed by Kenneth C. Fischer, director of the University Musical Society (UMS).
Special marketing efforts and discounted ticketing programs will create more opportunities for students to attend UMS performances and related educational activities that feature women artists, non-Western artists and artists of color. Through exposure to and interaction with these artists, students are expected to gain a greater understanding and appreciation of a variety of cultures and artistic expressions from these cultures, and of the contributions of women artists.
“K-12 Science Outreach,” directed by Jeannine I. LaSovage, program manager, electrical engineering and computer science, and Grace Kim, undergraduate student, College of Engineering.
The project will expand established programs that support the science and mathematics development of K-12 students from minority groups that are underrepresented in science and engineering disciplines. U-M faculty, staff and students will serve as tutor s and mentors to area youth. Goals include initiating and sustaining an interest in science among the participants, increasing their interest in higher education and helping them prepare for college, and improving communication so that support from Unive rsity-based programs can be ongoing for students in grades K-12.
“Improving the Climate for Graduate Students,” directed by Roger Doster, director of academic services, Horace H. Rackham School of Graduate Studies, and Jayne P. London, program representative, Institute for Research on Women and Gender.
The project seeks to improve the climate and quality of academic life for Rackham students, particularly women, students of color, and gay and lesbian graduate students. Plans include helping faculty and staff understand and address concerns and issues faced by different segments of the graduate student population; gathering and disseminating information about local resources and national practices to better integrate students into departments; and seeding new programs in departments interested in imple menting new practices.
“From Invisibility to Inclusion,” directed by Kenneth R. Blochowski, student services associate, Office of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Affairs.
The Office of LGBT Affairs will work with faculty, staff and campus offices to examine procedures, publications and other printed materials that should include recognition for lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender individuals. Educational programs will be provided about sexual identity development and sexual orientation in the workplace. The Office of LGBT Affairs Speakers Bureau will be expanded to address issues beyond the classroom.
“The Uncommon Partners Program,” directed by E. Royster Harper, associate vice president for student affairs and dean of students, and student leaders Lauren Shubow, M. Veronica Arriola, Cory Fryling, Shelby Brown, Probir Mehta and Timothy Wright.
This program will support projects co-sponsored by student organizations that would not otherwise work together. To qualify, student groups must demonstrate equivalent budgetary funding, and goals for a program that connect organizations in activities b eyond the boundaries defined by their immediate identities or constituencies. It is hoped that by working together student groups will foster a more accepting and educated campus community.
