Task Force on Race and the Institution presents final recommendations

Virginia Tech Provost Mark McNamee received the final recommendations from the Task Force on Race and the Institution on April 11.

The task force, convened by McNamee in August 2006 to examine issues of race and racism, particularly as they relate to African-American, Latino/as and Hispanics, and Native American populations, worked this semester to refine and finalize recommendations organized around six categories: Academic Programs, Administrative Infrastructure, Faculty and Staff, Graduate Students, Undergraduate Students, and Community and Alumni Engagement.

Members of the Virginia Tech community may review meeting notes and suggested recommendations on the Office of the Provost’s website. The final version of the recommendations will be posted there for public review and comment no later than Friday, April 13.

In addition, the university community is invited to discuss the task force’s recommendations at a community forum to be held on Wednesday, April 25 from 3:30 to 5 p.m. at the Graduate Life Center at Donaldson-Brown in the Multipurpose Room. The meeting will be webcast to the Northern Virginia campus.

In addition to identifying key issues, The Task Force on Race and the Institution was charged to issue a final report in April 2007 that would propose specific actions to enhance the opportunities for lasting change. The task force’s recommendations have several general themes that include improving the recruitment and retention of students, staff, and faculty of color. It identified the need for addressing climate concerns and has recommended ways to improve the climate for students, staff, and faculty members that include establishing networks, improving advising and mentoring, and making transparent all policies related to promotion. The task force also identified methods for increasing accountability for achieving diversity goals.

In collaboration with the Office for Multicultural Affairs, McNamee will convene a steering committee that will assist in identifying strategic programs, policies, and services for short and long-term implementation.

McNamee said he is pleased with the work of the task force.

“I am grateful for the work of the task force,” said McNamee. “Their work has sustained important conversations about race, racism and diversity, conversations that we need to have at Virginia Tech as we strive to enhance institutional excellence.”