Diversity Council
"Promoting diversity as a foundation for building an inclusive and vibrant university community"
Mission
To address the top five diversity-related issues at USU by focusing on initiatives that address critical, high-priority issues or needs related to improving the University climate for diverse individuals and groups.
Vision
The Diversity Council helps improve the vibrancy and inclusiveness of the Utah State University community.
History
During his State of the University Address on September 15, 2009, Utah State University President Stan L. Albrecht initially presented the idea of a diversity council to the University community:
"Other issues that have come to me from the deans will remain on our agenda for future consideration. This will include some that I have referred back to the deans for further review, and some that we are addressing more immediately with some leadership changes. There are also a number of other key agenda issues that we will discuss in greater detail over the next few weeks, including the creation of a diversity council to be chaired by Vice President James Morales that will report directly to me, and plans to strengthen and enhance our summer school opportunities."
Following this announcement, Vice President for Student Services James Morales (who reports to the USU President) met with President Albrecht to outline the details of the proposed diversity council. The council's purpose, membership, reporting structure and meetings were determined. In early January 2010, the members were invited to serve and the council was formally convened. The council held its first formal meeting on March 3, 2010.