Diversity targeted at YSU

By Denise Dick

denise_dick@vindy.com

YOUNGSTOWN

President Jim Tressel’s vision of creating a “culture of community” on campus is underway.

“We want to position [Youngstown State University] as one of the leaders of diversity and inclusive excellence locally, statewide and nationally,” he has told the campus.

There are now about 70 people at YSU charged with removing the barriers that separate people to create a better sense of community and togetherness among students.

Tressel said he also seeks to improve the climate for those who work on campus plus create a more welcoming atmosphere for visitors.

So, the Culture of Community Collaborative was established with Sylvia Imler, the university’s chief diversity officer and executive director of multi-cultural affairs, and Tressel as its leaders. “It’s a big undertaking,” Imler said.

Diversity is about more than race and skin color, she said.

“Under the old format, we came together periodically and shared what they were doing in the area of diversity,” she said. “We want to go beyond that. We want to change and enhance the climate so everyone feels welcome, feels respected.”

The 70 collaborative members include students, faculty, staff and a few community members. The collaborative’s mission is to increase university diversity, address barriers to a culture of support for diversity and inclusion, capitalize on existing opportunities and “stimulate movement toward the achievement of the vision that can position” the school “as one of the leaders of diversity and inclusive excellence for our city, state and nation,” the collaborative’s Web page said.

Nine collaborative members constitute the Culture of Community Council and each is assigned areas of focus. Bargaining units, honors college, international research and housing are some of those areas.

One of the council members, Johanna Slivinske, an adjunct social-work instructor, handles part-time faculty, the honors college and community members.

Tressel and Imler asked her to be part of the group, she said in an email.

“They were interested in ensuring that the culture at YSU was a positive one, where everyone felt welcome and included,” she said. “I had been interested in women’s issues and adjunct faculty concerns on campus, and they invited me to join the Culture of Community Council. They valued my perspective and input.”

Slivinske said the group is working together to engage various people on campus and in the community,

“We want YSU to have an inclusive environment that makes people feel welcome, respected and valued – even if we sometimes have different opinions or beliefs,” she said.

Slivinske believes a diverse campus makes it a better place for everyone.

“The healthier our Culture of Community is at YSU, the healthier the learning and working environments will be for students and employees,” Slivinske. “If all people feel included and respected at YSU, everyone wins. We will have happier and healthier students, parents and employees. And ultimately, YSU will help to educate well-rounded leaders in our community, our nation and our world.”

The collaborative meets at least once per semester. The council may decide to meet more frequently.

“We’re trying to help create a climate on campus that is healthy, inclusive and respectful of all people,” Imler said.