UMD Campus Climate Results Presentations

Dear UMD students, faculty, and staff,

In our continued commitment to be a welcoming and inclusive campus community, we have to assess ourselves, think critically about how to improve, and work together to see results.  Last fall our campus participated in a campus climate survey.  You are invited to hear the results of this campus climate study on Tuesday, September 13 at either 10:00 a.m. or 3;00 p.m.  Please save this important date on your calendar and attend one of these sessions.  

Tuesday, September 13, 2016

10:00 - 11:30 a.m.

Kirby Ballroom

3:00 - 4:30 p.m.

Kirby Ballroom

The primary goals of the project are to:

1. identify successful initiatives;
2. uncover any challenges facing members of our community; and
3. develop strategic initiatives to build on the successes and address the challenges that impact how community members experience living, learning, and working at UMD.

Dr. Sue Rankin of Rankin & Associates will be on campus to present the results.  In order to accommodate as many members of the UMD community as possible, Dr. Rankin will conduct two general campus presentations: at 10:00 am and 3:00 pm in the Kirby Ballroom.  Each presentation will be followed by a question and answer session.  We will also be laying out next steps, as well as opportunities for community members to engage and contribute toward this initiative.

Members of the Campus Climate Survey Working Group will also be in attendance.  We encourage all members of the community who are able to attend to join us for this important, on-going conversation.  If you have any questions, please contact Susana Pelayo-Woodward at swoodwar@d.umn.edu.  We look forward to you joining us!

Thank you,

Lendley C. Black

Chancellor

Our campus climate and the world around us

Dear Campus Community:

As we prepare for the fall semester, we must be aware of the impacts this summer's events have had on our university community members, particularly our students. The multiple killings and targeting of various groups in Minnesota, in many parts of our country, and internationally have enhanced an atmosphere of frustration, fear, and mistrust. These tragic events are jarring and disrupt our lives in different ways. They are particularly upsetting to our UMD community members who are part of the LGBTQI, African American, and Muslim communities being targeted. At our vigil after the Pulse killings in Orlando, I could see and feel the anger, fear, and outrage among our friends, colleagues, and community members. I felt it too, as my son could have been among those targeted.  

Our ongoing commitment to a positive and inclusive campus climate for all at UMD is already challenged by acts and attitudes that run against our core values. The violence this summer has the potential to worsen our campus climate unless we pull together and take steps to combat the destructive forces from those who intend to inflict harm. In spite of our challenges, we have a resilient campus community, and we have great potential to pull together. As they say, events like this can either destroy us, define us, or make us stronger. At the beginning of another academic year, let us work together and choose strength.  

As we continue to grow and enhance our campus climate, please mark your calendars for Tuesday, September 13 to hear the results of our campus climate survey from last fall. We will hold two presentations for students, faculty, and staff at 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., each including a Q&A session. From there, I encourage you to participate in follow-up meetings and action planning to be announced.

I would also like to share with you some statements from UMD leaders and resources that can help us along this journey.

Executive Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs Fernando Delgado's message to his team.

Vice Chancellor for Student Life and Dean of Students Lisa Erwin's message to her team.

Office of Diversity and Inclusion message posted on social media.

Black Student Association message posted to social media.

Resources

• Utilize your campus change unit change team to engage in conversation.
• Be familiar with how to report incidents and encourage utilization of these systems and resources.
• Educate yourself. There are links to resources in Dr. Erwin's message.  As well, the Twin Cities Office for Equity and Diversity has a multi-page online resource guide with articles, books, videos, and websites.  
• Use your voice. Do what you can to address issues of racism, bias, hatred, as well as engage in conversation in your personal relationships.
• Find your community(ies). Connect with people you identify as your support group. When you can, be resource or supportive listener to our students.

Thank you for your dedication and continued commitment to UMD. I look forward to a great year and welcoming our new students to campus next week.

Sincerely,

Lendley Black

Chancellor

2016 Chancellor's Welcome for All Staff and Faculty - August 22

Dear Campus Community,

I hope that you have had an enjoyable summer and are looking forward to another productive academic year.  Please join me for this year's all faculty and staff welcome event on Monday, August 22 at 3:00 p.m. in the Marshall Performing Arts Center, followed by a reception in the lobby. I will provide a campus update, a recognition of a few of our many accomplishments, and a review of our challenges and opportunities.

We will be collecting nonperishable food for Champ's Cupboard, the UMD Food Shelf located in 245 Kirby Plaza. Items specifically needed are (all unused/unopened):

Fruit - Applesauce, fruit cocktail, pineapple, pears, peaches, mandarin oranges, dried fruit 

Dry Breakfast Cereal and Oatmeal Packets

Mac & Cheese and "Just add Water Meals" (Pasta-Roni, Rice-a-Roni, Bear Creek Soups, Idaho Mashed Potato Mix)

Ethnic Foods

Hamburger Helper (and Chicken Helper and Tuna Helper)

Dry Pasta, Rice and Pasta Sauce

Lighter meals/snacks: Granola bars, trail mix

Peanut Butter

Chunky Soups

Canned Vegetables

Ramen Noodles

Spaghettios, Chili, Stew

Laundry Detergent & Home Cleaning Products

Toiletries such as Toothpaste & Deodorant

Diapers

I am looking forward to seeing everyone back on campus. Thank you for everything you do each and every day.

Lendley C. Black

Chancellor