TULANE TALK

November 30, 2012

Good Morning:

The contributions of many people of diverse races, genders, ethnicities, sexual identities, physical abilities, religions and socioeconomic status have made Tulane University stronger and enhanced student learning. But I know we can do even better.

To achieve our fullest potential, the university appointed a task force of university faculty, students, staff and administrators to develop plans for creating a more inclusive and diverse campus community. This task force, co-chaired by Deborah Love, vice president of institutional equity, and Dr. Maureen Lichtveld, professor and chair of the Department of Global Environmental Health Sciences, has worked since last October analyzing the challenges and opportunities of diversity, developing strategic imperatives, convening focus groups and conducting pilot studies with various university schools and departments. At the same time, the task force is coordinating its work with the broader strategic planning initiatives now underway across Tulane, thereby ensuring that strengthening our diversity efforts will be an integral part of our newly formulated strategic plan.

Now we need your help. Please join me, Provost Michael Bernstein and moderator Maureen Lichtveld at Tulane’s inaugural Town Hall Dialogue on Diversity and Inclusive Excellence, from 4:30 – 6 p.m., Dec. 5 in the Kendall Cram Lecture Hall, on the second floor of the Lavin-Bernick Center for University Life.

After a short presentation, participants in the town hall meeting will break into small groups to discuss ways to embed diversity and institutional excellence in their particular units. They will also discuss how to overcome longstanding barriers to diversity and inclusiveness.

Our goal is to increase the diversity of our students, faculty and staff because we know this will have a positive impact on our mission of discovery, learning and global engagement.

I know together we can find pathways to greater success when diversity and inclusiveness become institutional strengths. I look forward to seeing all of you on Dec. 5. If you plan to attend, please RSVP to http@tulane.edu.