“In December 2000, we published “The Challenge of Diversity and Inclusion at Tarleton State University,” (www.tarleton.edu/main/butterfly.pdf). In this publication, six initiatives were listed and described. To ensure that we address fully “The Challenge,” we must evaluate our progress in our pursuit of diversity and inclusion. To this end, we are publishing this report card that depicts our current progress and status. The assigned grades are the work of many. Making our progress public will give the University focus and will help define areas for resource allocation – two necessary ingredients for a successful effort to make our campus diverse and inclusive.” – Dennis P. McCabe, President

PASS is a summer program designed to recruit and assist students who need a "bridge" from high school to college. PASSPORT is a companion program designed to retain students through graduation.

Comments:

• Expanded program to accommodate more students
• Established programs in high schools within 100-miles radius of Tarleton
• Identified five "best customers schools" and concentrated recruiting efforts for PASS
• Progress has been good

This initiative seeks expansion of the curriculum to include courses which focus on the history, culture, and experiences and cultural differences will be developed.

Comments:

• A new course was developed and application to degree requirements was approved
• Few students enrolled
• Curricular strategies to impact a greater number of students are needed
• Progress has been adequate

This program is designed to attract, retain, and educate promising students, enabling them to work at the University as faculty or professional staff while they obtain their master's and/or doctoral degrees. The intent is for the student employee to remain at Tarleton upon graduation, thus contributing to the institutional objective of a diverse work force.

Comments:

• Existing program has been operational for eight years
• Participation in undergraduate and graduate levels has been disappointing
• Challenges facing program:
  Uncertainty regarding institutional hiring commitments
  Not all academic units have accepted this program
• Progress has been adequate

The intent of this program is to identify other universities and to enter into agreements with them to exchange faculty members. This arrangement benefits all partners by exposing faculties to new ideas, other cultures, and different methods of teaching. This program will be powerful recruitment and retention tool.

Comments:

• Unsuccessful attempts were made to establish agreements with two (2) schools
• Logistical arrangements such as living accommodations must be secured
• Additional contacts with other schools must be pursued
• Support for this initiative will be sought from The Texas A&M University System
• Progress has been lacking

With retention and graduation as clearly stated outcomes, Tarleton offers students a variety of tutoring and mentoring support programs

Comments:

Tutorial Program

• Improved access to services via on-line tutoring, expanded evening hours, and residence hall support
• Individualized service to support various learning disabilities and styles
• Expanded support of disciplines and courses
• Challenges include: need for more tutors, additional software support, supervisory training, and additional space
• Progress has been good

Mentoring Program

• Invited students to participate (75 participated)
• Sixty-one (61) faculty/staff/students served as mentors
• Assessment for first year of program scheduled for spring semester, 2002
• Progress has been good
  

This program provides the faculty and staff with activities and opportunities to promote understanding of people from different cultures. This type of dialogue enables a positive effect on working relationships and promotes a campus climate of civility.

Comments:

• Established the goal to teach the value of differences in race, age, ethnicity, and social status
• Over 200 employees evaluated the training programs very favorably
• Human Resources and Academic Affairs are developing opportunities for faculty in multicultural awareness
• Various campus departments and organizations presented diversity programs including: Hispanic Heritage Month, Black History, Women's History Month, African-American troupe, Ballet Folklorico, Campus Day of Dialogue, and Annual International Week
• Progress has been good