UW Diversity Framework Information Session

Everyone is invited to attend eight upcoming information update sessions on the implementation of the UW-Madison's Diversity Framework at various locations across the campus Greater Madison area from April 9 through 21. Translation services are offered to provide access to everyone who wants to participate. Each session will consist of an update presentation, question and answer session, and refreshments.

On campus:

Thursday, April 9, 9–10:30 a.m.

Gordon Commons

English, ASL

2:30–4 p.m.

Gordon Commons

English, Hmong, Mandarin/Chinese, Spanish and Tibetan languages

Tuesday, April 14, 7–8:30 p.m.

Gordon Commons

English, ASL available

Thursday, April 16, 11 p.m.–12:30 a.m.

Health Sciences Lrng. Ctr.

English, Hmong, Mandarin/Chinese, Spanish and Tibetan

COMMUNITY SESSIONS

Monday, April 13, 6–7:30 p.m.

Sherman Middle School, 1610 Ruskin St., Madison

Wednesday, April 15, 6–7:30 p.m.

Boys & Girls Club, 4619 Jenewein Road, Fitchburg

Monday, April 20, 6–7:30 p.m.

Overture Center, 201 State St., Madison

Tuesday, April 21, 6–7:30 p.m.

Centro Hispano, 810 West Badger Rd., Madison

English and Spanish

The final version of the Forward Together, a Diversity Framework for UW–Madison was vetted and introduced in October 2014 and presented in a series of listening sessions. These sessions, which were attended by more than 300 participants, included a charge to form committees that would explore the first round of goals and projects that were prioritize from the 30 overall recommendations embodied by the framework.

Since this past November, those committees have been working to research and prioritize initial action items. Then they explored specific projects and steps to develop a clear implementation time line, including suggestions for transition from pilot to full implementation and/or lifespan of the particular recommendations; and exploring opportunities to share data to promote best practices that foster a more inclusive campus climate.

“The work, which was completed on March 1, was the result of a labor and time intensive process,” said Interim Vice Provost and Chief Diversity Officer Patrick J. Sims. “We appreciate the commitment, effort and enthusiasm these individuals have invested. Now we’re introducing the proposed initial steps to the campus and broader community. It’s time to roll up our sleeves and get to work on making the Diversity Framework an operational reality.”

As planned, Sims’ office will host a series of follow-up sessions to present the initial recommendations in their entirety to the both the campus and larger greater Madison community. Work will then begin on the initial priorities ranging from the development of diversity-centric leadership experiences to building stronger connections to the community.

This implementation of the Framework will pull in participants based on their area of expertise and sphere of impact in the campus community, Sims said. Tasks ranging student services and curriculum integration to innovative research are all included in how this implementation of the Framework comes to life.

Read a full summary of the implementation of Diversity Framework recommendations and a preliminary overview at diversityframework.wisc.edu. To request access accommodations for the upcoming listening sessions, send an email to jointhediscussion@cdo.wisc.edu or call 608-265-5228 by April 1.