Definition of Purpose—The Diversity Awareness Committee is an internal organizational entity whose purpose is to support and direct Fort Hays State University’s diversity initiative.

Diversity Committee Mission—The Diversity Awareness Committee shall provide recommendations concerning the University’s diversity framework, investigate and review issues of diversity, promote a positive attitude toward diversity and uphold the Statement of Commitment to Diversity.

Statement of Commitment:
Fort Hays State University shall foster an environment that promotes diversity of thought and culture. Will provide conscious and sensitive educational opportunities for our students and employees in conjunction with a shared understanding of diversity to be inclusive of, but not limited to, racial equity, ethnicity, religious belief, sexual orientation, gender, disability, socioeconomic status, national origin and age.  Fort Hays State University will be an organization that welcomes, celebrates and promotes respect for all individuals.

Structure of Committee—The Diversity Awareness Committee has been created by a Presidential charter that describes a common understanding of the goals, boundaries, methods, and other considerations under which the Diversity Awareness Committee with operate. The Charter is critical to the success of the committee because it empowers the committee to do its work and achieving the strategic objectives given it by the organization.  The Charter is also helpful in clarifying what a Committee will NOT do because it will define the limits of their authority.

Roles of Committee Members—Committee members will play the role of bridge-builders, data collectors, educators/trainers and promoters of the diversity agenda at Fort Hays State University, by planning and assessing policies and programs, organizing and providing training opportunities, sponsoring special events, getting involved with crisis intervention and suggesting external consultants.
         Members will:

1. Represent a cross-section of the diversity on Campus and through their regular day to day liaison contacts, provide information about opportunities to service underrepresented students.
2. Be committed to the pursuit of the University’s Diversity Initiative and will promote and encourage outreach to other organizations.
3. Be open to diverse experiences and opinions.
4. Be enthusiastic and comfortable communicating about diversity issues and willing to recruit and collaborate with diverse organizations.
5. Be working toward cultural competence and be a champion of diversity who will encourage other faculty, staff and administrators to become involved in the discussion about diversity.
6. Understand and commit to the time requirements.

Fort Hays State University in support of diversity awareness will:

1. Develop and maintain administrative policies which encourage multiculturalism and prohibit intolerance and discrimination.
2. Develop a Campus-wide Action Plan for Diversity that welcomes people from all backgrounds, and seeks to include their knowledge and values into the fabric of life in our community.
3. Provide a shared vision of diversity which fosters the value of open and free exchange of ideas.
4. Provide and maintain funding and resources to support the implementation of the Diversity Plan.
5. Establish policies and procedures to measure the effort of the Diversity Plan and require accountability to the Plan.
6. Incorporate the dimensions of diversity into every aspect of the University’s activities.

Diversity Awareness Committee Purpose/Goals/Objectives:

1. Expand and improve sensitivity among students, faculty and the campus community at-large to the importance of cultural identity and personal relevance of diversity issues.
2. Enhance cooperation of all departments of the University in matters dealing with diversity.
3. Increase the number of underrepresented people on campus and in the community.
4. Expand the outreach into minority neighborhoods and schools.
5. Promote and develop programs that get underrepresented people involved on campus and in the community.