Ithaca College Diversity Strategic Plan by Kath Tibbetts

ITHACA COLLEGE DIVERSITY STRATEGIC PLAN

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Ithaca College is committed to promoting diversity, going beyond merely accommodating it, with an admirable effort to create a culture that highlights, supports, and embodies diversity. Ithaca College’s established Diversity Statement and Diversity Strategic Plan reveal a dedication to embracing diversity. These efforts form a solid foundation for building a culture that incorporates and appreciates diversity among faculty, staff, and students at Ithaca College. As a group of Ithaca College faculty, staff, and graduate students participating in Cory Young’s Organizational Culture and Diversity class this summer, we felt our insight and input could constructively contribute to the continued development of Ithaca College’s Diversity Strategic Plan. We streamlined the original plan’s objectives, added complementary objectives, and worked to more completely align the plan with Ithaca College’s established Diversity Statement. The following revised objectives aim to further enhance the diverse culture of Ithaca College’s campus and the surrounding community. Objective 1: Increase enrollment and graduation rates of students that are categorized as diverse per Ithaca College’s Diversity Statement Objective 2: Improve campus life, climate, and environment to better incorporate diversity in order to increase the retention of students that are categorized as diverse per Ithaca College’s Diversity Statement Objective 3: Increase recruitment and retention rate of faculty and staff that are categorized as diverse per Ithaca College’s Diversity Statement Objective 4: Develop mandatory and incentivized opportunities for all students, faculty, and staff to increase education, understanding, and acceptance of diversity as defined in Ithaca College’s Diversity Statement Objective 5: Achieve universal access and meet the needs of students that are categorized as diverse per Ithaca College’s Diversity Statement throughout the campus Objective 6: Unite Ithaca College and the community in an effort to foster a culture that is mutually supportive of diversity These objectives align with and support Ithaca College’s Diversity Statement, which states: “Ithaca College values diversity because it enriches our community and the myriad experiences that characterize an Ithaca College education. Diversity encompasses multiple dimensions, including but not limited to race, culture, nationality, ethnicity, religion, ideas, beliefs, geographic origin, class, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and expression, disability, and age. We are dedicated to addressing current and past injustices and promoting excellence and equity. Ithaca College continually strives to build an inclusive and welcoming community of individuals with diverse talents and skills from a multitude of backgrounds who are committed to civility, mutual respect, social justice, and the free and open exchange of ideas. We commit ourselves to change, growth, and action that embrace diversity as an integral part of the educational experience and of the community we create.” An institution that develops its diversity enhances the experiences of all of its stakeholders. Diversity in an academic setting promotes a superior intellectual and cultural learning environment. By working towards implementing and achieving these six objectives, Ithaca College can further its goal of being a college that promotes and celebrates diversity.

Organizational Culture and Diversity Final Project Contributors Kelly Barclay Rachael Bowman Andrea Clark Mallory McCullouch Jack Mrozinski Cara Nichols Risel Ramirez Alexis Rosamilia Kath Tibbetts Jessica Venezia Dan Williams June 2013

TABLE OF CONTENTS 4 RATIONALE 5 AUDIENCES

OBJECTIVE 1

OBJECTIVE 2

OBJECTIVE 4

OBJECTIVE 3

OBJECTIVE 5

OBJECTIVE 6

18 PERSUASION 19 REFERENCES

RATIONALE As an educational institution and an employer operating in an increasingly diverse business and organizational climate, Ithaca College faces the challenges and benefits of accommodating diversity on many levels. The college has established a clear position in favor of fostering diversity, going beyond merely accommodating it with an admirable effort to create an organizational culture that highlights, supports, and embodies diversity. Ithaca College’s established Diversity Statement and Diversity Strategic Plan reveal a commitment to embracing diversity and form a solid foundation for building a culture that incorporates and appreciates diversity among faculty, staff, and students at Ithaca College. Ithaca College’s Diversity Statement and Diversity Strategic Plan serve to define diversity, communicate the value of diversity, and facilitate the development and maintenance of diversity within the college community. They also seek to unify and involve all stakeholders and constituents in the effort to implement diversity initiatives and perpetuate cultural evolution of Ithaca College’s diversity. We feel Ithaca College’s Diversity Statement and Diversity Strategic Plan are appropriate, thorough, and well-constructed, but could be further enhanced and supplemented. Centered on the established Diversity Statement, our group sought to further develop the Diversity Strategic Plan by streamlining the plan’s objectives, adding complementary objectives to more completely align the plan with the Diversity Statement, and including communication strategies to increase awareness of diversity initiatives and the value of diversity at Ithaca College throughout the campus community and beyond. As a group of Ithaca College faculty, staff, and graduate students participating in Cory Young’s Organizational Culture and Diversity class this summer, we felt our insight and input could constructively contribute to Ithaca College’s Diversity Strategic Plan. We are a diverse group of individuals, each of us invested in the success of the university, who have gained valuable knowledge about organizational culture and its relationship with diversity over the course of this class and through our own unique experiences. We are confident that our suggestions and revisions will help to facilitate the success of Ithaca College’s Diversity Strategic Plan. It is our hope that the suggestions we offer via the submission and presentation of this plan will further aid in developing and maintaining a culture that embraces and values diversity at Ithaca College, something we all feel is important to the success of the institution and of those affiliated with it. We hope our contributions will complement and further the great work that has already been done by the Diversity Strategic Planning Committee, the President’s Advisory Committee on Diversity, and through the implementation of the IC 20/20 initiative. Please do not hesitate to ask questions or provide feedback. We appreciate the opportunity to contribute to a worthy and important initiative, and hope that what we have to offer is both constructive and helpful.

AUDIENCES Administrators: Upper management at Ithaca College who will help facilitate the development and implementation of this diversity plan (eg: Executives, President, Provost, Department Directors and Chairs) Faculty: All currently employed academic staff of Ithaca College (eg: Chairs, Professors, Lecturers, Researchers) Prospective Faculty: Any individual looking to pursue a faculty position at Ithaca College Staff: All currently employed non-faculty, exempt and non-exempt staff Prospective Staff: Any individuals looking to pursue a staff position at Ithaca College Students: Currently enrolled undergraduate and graduate students at Ithaca College Prospective Students: Any individuals who may potentially enroll in and attend Ithaca College to study at the undergraduate or graduate level Students’ Parents and Guardians: Parents and guardians of current undergraduate and graduate students at Ithaca College Prospective Students’ Parents and Guardians: Parents and guardians of any individuals who may potentially enroll in and attend Ithaca College to study at the undergraduate or graduate level Community Members: Any individuals residing in Ithaca and the surrounding areas who do not currently attend or are not currently employed by Ithaca College Community Leaders: Leaders in Ithaca and the surrounding areas willing to engage in Ithaca College’s diversity initiatives, and those initiating diversity development within the community (eg: local entrepreneurs, politicians, celebrities, media, advocates) Global Community: Individuals across the globe who may interact with Ithaca College in some form (eg: apply to college, read published articles by faculty, attend a conference) Alumni: Any and all graduates of Ithaca College Donors: Any individuals who contribute financially to Ithaca College

OBJECTIVE 1 INCREASE ENROLLMENT AND GRADUATION RATES OF STUDENTS THAT ARE CATEGORIZED AS DIVERSE PER ITHACA COLLEGE’S DIVERSITY STATEMENT RATIONALE

Increasing the enrollment of diverse students will bring a variety of perspectives, lifestyles, and cultures to the Ithaca College community, resulting in a unique culture. Increasing the admission rate of diverse students will make Ithaca College stand out as a welcoming college for all people, attracting a broader range of students. By increasing the graduation rate of diverse students, Ithaca College will establish itself as an educational institution where all students can succeed.

MESSAGES

Ithaca College is a place where diversity is encouraged, respected, valued, and celebrated. We strive to create an environment that allows for the achievement and success of all members of the Ithaca College community. Ithaca College represents, enrolls and attracts a broad spectrum of individuals.

AUDIENCES

Administrators Faculty Prospective Faculty Staff Prospective Staff Students Prospective Students Students’ Parents and Guardians Prospective Students’ Parents and Guardians Global Community

METRICS

•Compare annual reports regarding enrollment and graduation rates of students that are categorized as diverse per Ithaca College’s Diversity Statement before and after the outcomes stated above have been implemented. •Monitor involvement of diverse students in the promoted mentoring programs. •Track by anonymous survey statistical data regarding diversity characteristics of students to develop a better picture of Ithaca College’s culture.

OUTCOMES

Enhanced and Specialized Advising To aid diverse students in graduating, specialized advisors will be available as a resource to these students to help them prepare for academic challenges as well as overcome any problems that may be associated with their diversity. Increased Utilization of Mentoring Resources The diverse student population will be encouraged to utilize mentoring resources that are offered on campus for any kind of assistance. Increased marketing and advocacy of such mentoring services will raise students’ awareness of and decrease hesitency to utilize these resources.

METHODS OF COMMUNICATION

Utilize brochures and marketing tools to depict Ithaca College’s commitment to diversity. Provide orientation information sessions that explain the availability of the stated resources and highlight the key messages associated with this objective. Increase the utilization of inter-campus communication (eg: Intercom) to show the resources and opportunities available to the diverse student population.

Development and Strengthening of Marketing, Depicting a Commitment to Diversity The marketing utilized to attract new students should realistically depict Ithaca College’s commitment to diversity. It will emphasize the value placed on diversity at Ithaca College.

OBJECTIVE 2 IMPROVE CAMPUS LIFE, CLIMATE, AND ENVIRONMENT TO BETTER INCORPORATE DIVERSITY IN ORDER TO INCREASE THE RETENTION OF STUDENTS THAT ARE CATEGORIZED AS DIVERSE PER ITHACA COLLEGE’S DIVERSITY STATEMENT RATIONALE

If Ithaca College wants to continue to recruit and retain diverse students, improving campus life, climate, and environment is crucial. The campus culture and atmosphere are highly important factors considered by students choosing which college to attend. Without a positive reputation regarding diversity, Ithaca College will fail to appeal to diverse prospective students and to accommodate current students who contribute to the diversity of the institution. Focusing on improving campus life, climate, and environment in order to better accommodate diversity at Ithaca College will unify students by creating a sense of universal inclusion.

MESSAGES

The Ithaca College campus, students, faculty, and staff are accommodating, accepting, and welcoming of all types of diversity. Ithaca College is a place where all students can feel safe, comfortable, and at home while they are away from home pursuing higher education. We encourage all students to participate in campus events and activities, especially those celebrating diversity. At Ithaca College, students are encouraged to get to know other students and to appreciate the diversity that each individual contributes to the university community. This appreciation of differences contributes to the powerful sense of unity among members of the Ithaca College community.

AUDIENCES

Administrators Faculty Prospective Faculty Staff Prospective Staff Students Prospective Students Students’ Parents and Guardians Prospective Students’ Parent and Guardians Global Community Alumni Donors

METRICS

•Monitor attendance at diversity related events and involvement in diversity related initiatives such as the Diversity Certificate Program at Ithaca College. •Compare annual reports regarding retention rates of all students and analyze the comparable statistics from anonymous surveys to assess changes in overall retention rate. •Benchmark Ithaca College’s diversityfocused student programming and diversity related accommodations against other comparable universities’ to gain a sense of where Ithaca College stands in the bigger picture. •Anonymously survey students to gain a sense of how the implementation of diversity related accommodations and programming has altered the university culture or influenced attitudes about diversity.

OUTCOMES

Diversity Certificate Program Similar to the Ithaca College School of Business’ Student Leadership Institute, this certificate program would be available to all majors and programs. Students attend a series of seminars discussing diversity and after completion will be awarded a diversity leadership certificate. Increased Diversity Awareness Opportunities Host monthly events showcasing diversity. These events can be educational and professional, or more informal and recreational, ranging from guest speakers and informational panels to karaoke nights and dances. Create intramural sports teams that enable and welcome anyone to participate, regardless of ability, class, gender, sexual orientation, race, or any other dimension that may imply an individual’s diversity. Offer more availability and assortment of ethnic and non-traditional food options throughout campus daily, at every dining hall during every meal. Campus-Wide Incorporation of Diversity Related Accommodations Install unisex bathrooms and showers throughout campus, not just in designated dormitories and buildings. Update buildings and residences that do not have braille incorporated into their signage and directory system. Make more rooms and dormitories handicap accessible, enabling all individuals broader access and less restriction within living accommodations.

METHODS OF COMMUNICATION Utilize brochures, social media, inter-campus communication (eg: Intercom), and other traditional marketing tools to publicize Ithaca College’s new programs, accessibility features, and renewed focus on accommodating and incorporating diversity in campus life, climate, and environment. Include information about universal accessibility within admission packets, university recruiting materials, and in presentations given at prospective student events, accepted student events, and orientation events. Display information about Ithaca College’s efforts to improve campus life, climate, and environment by better incorporating diversity in a more opportune, prominent location on the college’s website. Host an open house at the beginning of each semester that serves to highlight the value of diversity at Ithaca College, explain the opportunities students have to get involved in diversity events and initiatives like the Diversity Certificate Program, and encourage student participation. In addition to using inter-campus electronic communication (eg: Intercom), display posters and flyers on campus advertising events and encouraging attendance at diversity initiatives.

OBJECTIVE 3 INCREASE RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION RATE OF FACULTY AND STAFF THAT ARE CATEGORIZED AS DIVERSE PER ITHACA COLLEGEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S DIVERSITY STATEMENT RATIONALE

Increasing the recruitment and retention of diverse faculty and staff at Ithaca College will contribute to fostering an enriched campus environment by maintaining the presence of a broad range of worldviews, values, ideals, and norms. By increasing the retention of diverse faculty and staff, Ithaca College will be able to provide a more stable relationship between employees and the student body, which will likely have a significance in the enrollment and retention of diverse students.

MESSAGES

We strive to facilitate an environment where people show respect and all employees are valued for the work they contribute to the organization regardless of their position. We are committed to establishing a diverse college community that respects and values difference, and fostering a positive, inclusive, and healthy environment at Ithaca College. We encourage those who would add to the diversity at Ithaca College to apply for employment at the college.

AUDIENCES

Administrators Faculty Prospective Faculty Staff Prospective Staff

METRICS

•Track and analyze changes in employment and retention rates. •Survey new employees: Where did you hear about the position? What was the most attractive message Ithaca College presented to you? •Conduct employee satisfaction and exit surveys: What can Ithaca College do better with regard to diversity? Why are you choosing to leave the Ithaca College community? •Track attendance and feedback from faculty and staff diversity events.

OUTCOMES

New Employee Diversity Orientation Incorporated into new employee orientation, the diversity training will focus on integrating diversity into the workplace, conflict resolution, as well as emphasizing the value Ithaca College places on diversity. Increase Utilization of Available Resources Continue to and increase the marketing of Ithaca College’s commitment to diversity, focusing on the developed resources throughout this plan to make prospective employees feel that their employment would be a contribution to the culture and community of Ithaca College. Faculty and Staff Events Host monthly events that showcase diversity and are specifically for faculty and staff. These events allow for opportunities to express new ideas and concerns about the diversity at Ithaca College, whether it be in the workplace or student body.

Utilize media outlets to display Ithaca College’s commitment to creating a diverse and unified environment. Through popular on-campus media (eg: Intercom), encourage current faculty and staff to participate in the new employee diversity training program and monthly events.

METHODS OF COMMUNICATION

Expand the usage of specialized employment servers to reach a larger population about potential employment opportunities. Situate position descriptions so they include and emphasize the value Ithaca College places on diversity, encouraging all demographics to apply.

OBJECTIVE 4 DEVELOP MANDATORY AND INCENTIVIZED OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL STUDENTS, FACULTY, AND STAFF TO INCREASE EDUCATION, UNDERSTANDING, AND ACCEPTANCE OF DIVERSITY AS DEFINED BY ITHACA COLLEGEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S DIVERSITY STATEMENT RATIONALE

Understanding and acceptance of diversity by all audiences is necessary to maintain and grow as an institution. Ithaca College is responsible for helping to prepare students, faculty, and staff for the multitude of scenarios that arise in different diverse environments. In an increasingly diverse educational and organizational environment, Ithaca College must ensure that faculty and staff are prepared to effectively serve the needs of a diverse student population and facilitate the development of a productive culture surrounding diversity.

MESSAGES

Ithaca College highly values diversity and strives to develop education, understanding, and acceptance among all members of the Ithaca College community. Participation in diversity awareness initiatives is strongly encouraged, so all Ithaca College community members appreciate one another and can cooperate in diverse environments. Ithaca College understands diversity plays a key role in the success of the institution, and administrators support any and all efforts to promote diversity awareness and education.

AUDIENCES

Administrators Faculty Prospective Faculty Staff Prospective Staff

METRICS

•Track participation rates in training sessions, events, and incentive programs. •Evaluate the amount of money spent on the incentive rewards, and compare it to the amount of money spent on other incentive programs. See what progress occurs over the course of 5 years. •Conduct satisfaction surveys for both students and employees to gain feedback and perceived efficacy of these initiatives. •Collect qualitative data about student and employee perceptions of what diversity is to them, and why it is important.

OUTCOMES

Cross-Training and Transboundary Opportunities Among Institutional Departments Provide social as well as formal events and meetings for all college employees to interact and learn together, developing a stronger sense of community and understanding. Allow continuation and development of opportunities to integrate all hierarchical levels. Mandatory Employee Diversity Training Similar to “New Employee Diversity Orientation” listed in Objective 3, diversity training will be available to all current and future employees of Ithaca College. Training will give Ithaca College the opportunity to introduce its diversity programs and resources Supervisory Academy Diversity Topics Include a presentation or speaker that is tied to diversity, as consistent reminder and source of information for supervisors. This information would come from top administration and would then be filtered down to all employees through their supervisors. Diversity Education Requirement for all Students The new ICC incorporates this into the requirements for incoming freshman and transfer students starting in Fall 2013. This should continue to be mandatory and be a focus for the college. A similar requirement should also be established for graduate students. Create a first-year orientation workshop for all incoming students providing an introduction to Ithaca

College’s diversity and related efforts, including all of the services, events, and initiatives offered for students. Incentive Programs Encouraging Participation in Diversity Initiatives Create separate programs for students and employees with point systems for attendance and participation, where individuals can redeem such points for rewards (i.e. Mind Body Me program). Align with proposed “Traditions” programming for all students to encourage participation in campus and community events.

METHODS OF COMMUNICATION Coordinate all-college meetings to develop and disseminate information about diversity awareness initiatives. Orientation sessions and first-year programming will be an additional point at which students learn about diversity as well as the diversity initiatives of Ithaca College. Utilize current media outlets (eg: website, Admission packets, newsletters) to further disseminate information about Ithaca College’s diversity initiatives to prospective students, employees, and the global community. Develop communications that come from the higher administrative levels of the college to show support and alignment of initiatives with the business goals of the college.

OBJECTIVE 5 ACHIEVE UNIVERSAL ACCESS THROUGHOUT THE COLLEGE WHILE MEETING THE NEEDS OF STUDENTS, FACULTY, AND STAFF THAT ARE CATEGORIZED AS DIVERSE PER ITHACA COLLEGE’S DIVERSITY STATEMENT RATIONALE

All students, staff, and faculty members involved with Ithaca College should have equal access to all building and services that best meet their needs. In the case of inaccessibility, an equal alternative should be provided. Visibility of Ithaca College services, physical aesthetics and cultural representation need to be included in universal access as they contribute to the display of diversity at Ithaca College.

MESSAGES

We strive for individuals to feel comfortable and accepted for their differences at Ithaca College. Ithaca College encourages those who self-identify with diverse characteristics to apply, attend, and participate in campus events, contributing to the dissemination of knowledge and the importance of diversity. We want Ithaca College to be known as a leader in implementing ideas to highlight and showcase the value and impact that diversity has on academic institutions.

AUDIENCES

Administrators Faculty Prospective Faculty Staff Prospective Staff Students Prospective Students Students’ Parents and Guardians Prospective Students’ Parents and Guardians

METRICS

•Track and evaluate participation rates at events. Successful events include significant participation rate among the campus community. •Conduct satisfactions surveys, asking participants whether or not they feel particular events are successful. •Continually solicit and monitor feedback from prospective and current students, faculty, and staff about the success of perceived universal access at Ithaca College

OUTCOMES

Display of Ithaca College’s Accessibility Create a campus map highlighting the college’s accessibility, showcasing ramp access points, elevator access, as well as “best travel routes” to navigate through campus. The map will also note unisex bathrooms and other diversity related accommodations. Structural Updates Braille will be available in all buildings, featured on entrances, doors, offices, bathrooms, classrooms, elevators, and bus schedule locations. Diversity accommodations will continue to be a requirement in new infrastructures and in updates to any older buildings located on campus. Equal Alternatives If there are areas of campus that are deemed inaccessible, the resources located in that building will be accessible elsewhere, in another location, via the internet, and/or by telephone. Diverse Aesthetic Atmosphere Create a physically aesthetic interpretation of diversity by recruiting the audiences to contribute personal artwork reflecting their diversity to be used as decor throughout Ithaca College. Artwork will be available for viewing online as well.

“Discovering Diversity”: Each department or building on campus will promote a specific culture or topic of diversity by decorating and providing information on their topic in the main lobby. The displays will be made available for one week, and will be open to the public for viewing on a certain day. Faculty will be encouraged to take students through each display to help increase and publicize the value of diversity at Ithaca College and beyond.

METHODS OF COMMUNICATION

Promote through social media, newsletters, and ads the availability of resources and commitment to universal access and an environment where diversity is accepted and celebrated. Advertise informational sessions on campus tours and during employee and student orientation sessions. Inform audiences about upcoming events through email blasts, newsletters, flyers, and social media updates. Utilize the Ready campaign to promote the idea that “Ithaca College is Ready to support diversity.”

OBJECTIVE 6 UNITE ITHACA COLLEGE AND THE COMMUNITY IN AN EFFORT TO FOSTER A CULTURE THAT IS MUTUALLY SUPPORTIVE OF DIVERSITY RATIONALE

If Ithaca College wants to recruit and retain diverse faculty, staff, and students, the surrounding community needs to be able to support and make welcome these individuals. Without a community that can provide for and comfortably accommodate the unique needs and wants of diverse individuals, Ithaca College will not be able to attract or keep the diverse populations it desires. Creating programs within the community will help to de-isolate the college, removing students from the ‘bubble’ and exposing them to the diversity that exists within Ithaca and the surrounding communities. By increasing the college’s involvement in the community, community members will be exposed to the (hopefully increasingly) diverse student, faculty, and staff population at Ithaca College. This will help create a healthy semiotic relationship focused on diversity within and beyond Ithaca College.

MESSAGES

Ithaca College wants every individual to be involved in the development of the relationship between Ithaca College and the surrounding community. We want diverse faculty, staff, and students to feel welcome and comfortable at Ithaca College and in the community. We are willing to work hard and make changes in order to ensure that this occurs. Establishing a connection with the community and making diverse students, faculty and staff feel welcome is an important priority for Ithaca College.

AUDIENCES

Administrators Faculty Prospective Faculty Staff Prospective Staff Students Prospective Students Students’ Parents and Guardians Prospective Students’ Parents and Guardians Community Members Community Leaders

METRICS

•Survey students about their involvement in the community and about how they promote diversity. Conduct survey before project implementation and annually from then on. •Conduct a survey, asking faculty, staff, and students if Ithaca College and the community adequately provide an accommodating culture, and how best to improve the environment. •Evaluate the success of implementing the initiatives developed. In addition, track the quantities of programs implemented, maintained and failed on an annual basis. •Track parcipitation rates of different stakeholders (eg: students, faculty, staff, community members) in specific diversity initiatives.

OUTCOMES

Long-Term Strategic Partnerships between Community and College Develop internship programs, projects, and formal opportunities for students to become involved with local organizations focused on diversity initiatives. Establish incentive programs to get students and staff involved. Incorporate extra credit to encourage students’ community involvement. Establish ‘homestay’ programs within the Ithaca community for foreign and diverse faculty and staff who may need assistance acclimating to the area, help connecting with others like them, or finding resources to fit their unique needs. De-Isolation of Ithaca College Through the Fostering of a Semiotic Relationship with the Community Surrounding Diversity Coordinate diversity forums involving high-profile guest speakers, students, and community leaders who are willing to share insight with those affiliated with both Ithaca College and the surrounding community. Increase visibility of and participation in diversity initiatives at Ithaca College by extending an invitation to community members. Establish networks to make diverse faculty, staff, and students comfortable within the community.

Publicize to Ithaca College faculty, staff, and students the resources within the community that accommodate individual needs.

METHODS OF COMMUNICATION

Host information sessions about the programs and initiatives that foster a semiotic relationship between Ithaca College and the surrounding community (eg: student orientation, Intercom newsletters, faculty and staff meetings). Include diversity initiatives in the “Traditions” programming. Use top-down communication to spread the word about diversity initiatives at Ithaca College and in the community. Advertise and promote the initiatives through traditional media (eg: ads, billboards, posters, radio, television) within the Ithaca community. Include information about Ithaca College’s community involvement and diversity initiatives in Ithaca College publications intended for prospective students, faculty, and staff.

PERSUASION

Ithaca College is an educational institution dedicated to its students and employees and to creating an accommodating, well-rounded, and diverse culture. Within a diverse environment, culture is dynamic. Aiming to enhance and strengthen such dynamism, this plan serves to assist the college in effectively defining and fostering diversity, and in communicating its value to all stakeholders. By developing and encouraging diversity, Ithaca College will be at a competitive advantage, enhancing its reputation and increasing its social responsibility.

The main benefits of adapting this diversity plan are: Improved collaboration, learning, success, and self-awareness Increased knowledge, awareness, and acceptance of diversity Ability to serve as a benchmark for other institutions that utilize diversity as an academic advantage Ability to creatively and critically accept different perspectives throughout the world A communication strategy that accommodates the challenges of a diverse audience Creation of a well-rounded and knowledgeable academic institution that benefits the students, employees, and surrounding community A semiotic and mutually supportive relationship between Ithaca College and the community in relation to diversity These recommendations aim to enhance the diverse culture of Ithaca Collegeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s campus and the surrounding community. The consideration and adaptation of this plan will serve to further develop the current Diversity Strategic Plan by streamlining the planâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s objectives, adding complementary objectives, and more completely aligning the plan with Ithaca Collegeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Diversity Statement.

REFERENCES

Conklin, W. (2006, Spring). Seven best practices in diversity communications. The Diversity Factor, 14(2), 11- 16. Hubbard, E. E. (2006, Spring). Measuring the effectiveness of your diversity communications: Strategies, tips, and tools. The Diversity Factor, 14(2), 17-22. Ithaca College (2013). Ithaca College. Retreived from http://www.ithaca.edu/ Ithaca College Diversity Strategic Planning Committee (2010, August). Ithaca College Diversity Strategic Plan 2010-2015. Retrieved from http://www.ithaca.edu/sacl/diversity/docs/DiversityStrategicPl/ Kreitz, P. A. (2008, March). Best practices for managing organizational diversity. The Journal of Academic Librarianship, 34(2), 101-120.