UNIVERSITY RELEASES FINDINGS FROM CAMPUS-WIDE DIVERSITY SURVEYS AND ITS PLAN FOR THE FUTURE

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - The University of Arkansas has released both the findings of its diversity surveys and the first phase of its three-year plan to enhance diversity on campus. These documents are the result of more than three years of research conducted by the Survey Research Center and the UA Diversity Task Force, a committee made up of 33 members of faculty, students and staff. The task force was chaired by Dr. Anne O’Leary-Kelly, a professor in the Sam M. Walton College of Business.

"Throughout this process, we have been privileged to work with a very dedicated group of campus members who put incredible amounts of time into this effort," O’Leary-Kelly said. "Also, we have received ongoing advice, support and financial backing from the Chancellor’s and Provost’s Offices throughout this extensive process."

Established by Chancellor John A. White in January 2000, the task force’s mission was to advance diversity on campus, one of the five overarching goals set forth by the administration. As part of the initial phase of its work, the group conducted surveys of students, faculty and staff to obtain a better understanding of their experiences on campus and their attitudes about the U of A. Concurrently, the task force formulated a three-year plan to integrate the findings of these surveys into campus life.

"The University of Arkansas is committed to increasing diversity in all facets of campus life," Chancellor White said. "With the findings of the surveys complete and a clear plan established, we have blueprints for future programs to ensure a campus that is inclusive to everyone who calls the U of A home."

The first phase of the diversity plan, which has been in place for almost one year, involves implementation of the task force’s recommendations in administrative units on campus. The University will now move forward with phase two of its mission: working with academic units on campus.

Printable copies of the diversity surveys and the three-year implementation plan are available at http://pigtrail.uark.edu/news/. Also, a limited number of copies of both the survey and the plan will be available at University Relations located on the eighth floor of Hotz Hall.