George Fox University | Offices and Services | Student Life | Blueprint for Diversity

Introduction

George Fox University seeks to become a racially and ethnically diverse community. To this end, we desire to enroll and nurture a racially and ethnically diverse student population and to employ staff and faculty members who are persons of color. We believe that such goals are fully in keeping with our aims as a Christ-centered community for the following reasons:

1. The Theological Mandate: As a Christ-centered institution, we believe that all human beings have been uniquely, fearfully, and wonderfully made by God. As such, every human being is of infinite value and worth. The story of God's work is one of reconciling people to Himself and we are called to be agents of reconciliation as we reach people from every tribe, tongue, and nation.
2. The George Fox University Mission: The mission of the University is "to demonstrate the meaning of Jesus Christ by offering a caring educational community in which each individual may achieve the highest intellectual and personal growth, and by participating responsibly in our world's concerns." Moreover, one of the ten objectives through which the mission statement is further defined states that George Fox University will "cultivate awareness, respect, understanding and appreciation of cultural diversity throughout the University community to provide members of diverse races and cultures an affirming environment that encourages cross-cultural sharing in the context of Christian lifestyle expectations."
3. The Society And Culture In Which We Live And Work: The University believes that the racial and ethnic diversity of communities is an important resource in our society. The United States has become more and more diverse in terms of race and ethnicity. Even in the Northwest, the demographic makeup is changing. To pursue excellence and quality in this multicultural and global society requires an educational experience that acknowledges and appreciates the benefits of a diverse workforce and recognizes the reality of the world into which we send our graduates. As such, the George Fox University community must be diligent about learning how to create and nourish a racially and ethnically diverse community on our campuses.

Key Definitions

Defining terms for a document such as this is very difficult in light of the controversy surrounding terms such as "culture", "race", "diversity", "multiculturalism", etc. The American Psychological Association (APA) points out that race is "socially constructed rather than biologically constructed" and as such that it is "the category to which others assign individuals on the basis of physical characteristics, such as skin color or hair type" (2003).

Culture, on the other hand, is defined as the "belief systems and value orientations that influence customs, norms, practices, and social institutions, including psychological processes (language, caretaking practices, media, educational systems) and organizations (media, educational systems)" (APA, 2003). Finally, ethnicity is defined by APA as "the acceptance of the group mores and practices of one's culture of origin and the concomitant sense of belonging" (2003).

When considering a Blueprint for Diversity, it is possible to go in a number of different directions. Diversity of cultural experience and background as well as socioeconomic differences are possible points of conversation. Issues of gender equity are another very worthy and important aim of a diverse educational environment. Of course, diversity of ideas and expression within the academic environment is critical as well. However, for purposes of focus, conciseness, and clarity, the intent of this particular document is to discuss diversity as it relates to race and ethnicity, fully recognizing the limitations of such socially constructed terms.

Two caveats should be made regarding this document. First, there are times throughout this document where broader issues of cultural understanding contribute meaningfully to our aims and goals. This is especially true when considering issues of curriculum, among other things. Second, although most of the document addresses domestic issues of race and ethnicity, globalization and international studies (including both programs designed to increase our representation of international students and those designed to give students cross-cultural experiences) intersects this document at critical junctures as well.

Reporting Progress

One of the key features of this document is that it establishes a framework for accountability and reporting of progress made toward the proposed goals. As such, individual offices or persons have been designated as responsible for carrying out each strategy by creating specific benchmarks with timelines. In November of every other year, the vice president for student life will convene a meeting to prepare a progress report regarding the Blueprint for Diversity that both includes and responds to these benchmarks and timelines. The meeting will consist of the following individuals:

• Vice President for Student Life
• Executive Director of Admissions
• Director of Multicultural Services
• Director of Student Financial Services
• Associate VP for Academic Affairs
• Director of Human Resources
• Director of Center for Global Studies

This report will be shared with internal campus groups (Cabinet, employees, etc.) and also with the Board of Trustees (through the Program and Personnel Committee) along with appropriate benchmarks and timelines at the spring meeting every other year.