By Jane R. Elgass

The University has made great strides since the implementation of the Michigan Mandate five years ago, but “we’re not doing as good a job as we could to reflect society,” President James J. Duderstadt told reporters at a briefing last week at which student of color enrollment statistics were released. Also released at the briefing was Moving Forward—The Michigan Mandate, a report on the first five years of the Mandate.

“To maintain our excellence, it is absolutely critical that the University both reflect the diversity of society and draw on that diversity.” This requires “a significant and permanent change in the nature of the University.”

Initial activities under the Mandate focused on recruitment of faculty and students of color. These activities must continue, the president said, but attention now must also focus on “building unity in diversity,” Duderstadt said.

Royster Harper, associate vice president for student affairs and dean of students, noted that “our number one goal is to improve the environment. We must create an intellectually stimulating environment that is also safe and secure.”

Included in efforts in this area, Harper explained, are:

The Program in Intergroup Relations and Conflict, which encourages dialogue among students, “moving them from knowledge to true understanding.”

The Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program, giving students an opportunity to have a different type of experience with faculty.

The 21st Century Program, “a learning/living environment that puts theory into practice.”

Harper also noted that “we are being more purposeful in developing programs, paying closer attention to intents and outcomes. This has implications for all students, not just students of color.”

Improving the learning environment, particularly in the classroom, also is a priority for Lester P. Monts, vice provost for academic and multicultural affairs, who plans to focus some of his efforts on curriculum reform. “That’s where the teaching and learning take place,” he said, adding that the Univer-sity “must move away from mono-cultural approaches in the curriculum.”

Also attending the briefing were John H. Matlock, director of the Office of Academic Multicultural Activites, and James C. Vanhecke, assistant director of admissions.

Editor’s Note: Copies of a report on the first five years of the Michigan Mandate are available from the Office of the President, 764-6270.

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