Student Assembly

Dear President Skorton,

I would like to formally communicate Student Assembly Resolution 9, “Establishment of the Student Diversity Affairs Coalition,” sponsored by S.A. AAP Representative Ulysses Smith. The resolution passed unanimously (23–0−0) at last Thursday’s S.A. meeting.

The resolution seeks to create the Student Assembly Diversity Affairs Coalition, a new body through which the S.A., the diversity councils of the undergraduate schools and colleges, the Office of Academic Diversity Initiatives (OADI), and the Center for Intercultural Dialogue can coordinate their efforts to address diversity through academic initiatives. The solution-based group would focus specifically on creating strategies to consistently implement each of the menu items selected from the Toward New Destinations plan across the schools and colleges, and serve as the venue where college-specific initiatives can be shared. S.A. members voiced that the current bodies which address these issues, such as the University Diversity Council, as well as some diversity councils and other committees on campus, lack student representation and the Diversity Affairs Coalition would be a central place where students can give their input on these important matters.

The primary responsibilities of the Diversity Affairs Coalition, as outlined in the resolution would be: (i) to examine and analyze the actions, decisions, and initiatives of the UDC; (ii) to discuss and devise strategies for the consistent implementation of these initiatives across the schools/colleges; (iii) to monitor the progress of the implementation strategies through goal-setting and benchmarking; (iv) to assist in coordinating the initiatives of the various diversity councils; and (v) to devise strategies for consistent diversity education and improvement.

I have attached Resolution 9 for your reference. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions about the resolution.

Best,
Adam