A Framework to Foster Diversity at Penn State: 1998–2003

CONCLUSION

One of the goals articulated in the guidelines for developing strategic plans for the period 1998–2003 mandates the University

"To foster a caring University community that provides leadership for constructive participation in a diverse, multicultural world."

In clarifying the intent of this goal, four critical observations are offered:

1. The single most important key to opening the doors wider to all people is to create an environment in which everyone feels welcome. This expresses our commitment to access and underscores the values of basic human respect and freedom, and supports Penn State’s role in the global society.
2. Academic quality and commitment to community will be achieved through the inclusion of information and knowledge from the full spectrum of our collective human experience and through recruitment and retention efforts that continue to expand the participation of minorities and women.
3. Penn State’s educational programs and extracurricular activities will promote the development of multicultural understanding and cross-cultural competence.
4. Penn State’s working environment will value civility and acceptance of increased cultural diversity and sensitivity.

This vision simply reiterates that a prerequisite for Penn State to strengthen its leadership role in an increasingly global community is the complete integration of diversity enhancement efforts into all of the University’s core activities. The goals and action plans outlined in this document are designed to meet the challenges of transforming Penn State into a truly multicultural institution. It now becomes the responsibility of all of our constituencies to operationalize the plans set forth herein.