MICUA

Several MICUA institutions identified plans to implement new initiatives to enhance cultural diversity if sufficient resources are identified. For example, Goucher College would like to create a dedicated budget to expand the College’s disability initiative, which was launched two years ago to raise awareness about individuals living with disabilities.

McDaniel College would like to implement an extensive program of diversity education and leadership development for faculty, administrators, and staff. The program would also create student leaders with the capacity to become diversity education facilitators and increase engagement and activism on campus and in the community. In addition, the College would like to expand its mentoring program to provide targeted outreach and support for underrepresented minority students.

Notre Dame of Maryland University would like to implement a program to support faculty research regarding issues related to diversity. Funding for this program would provide stipends for students to partner with faculty in such research endeavors. The program could also provide opportunities for students to learn more about diverse issues as they apply to various disciplines and publish and present findings at professional conferences. This program falls in line with the University’s current strategic plan emphasis on creating global citizens. Such an opportunity could also enhance student and faculty recruitment and retention.

Hood College would like to establish an Expanding Horizons program with funding for increased study abroad opportunities for Hood students, particularly in West Africa, Southeast Asia, the Near East, and South America. In addition, the program would support visiting or exchange professors from countries abroad, as well as representing minorities and subcultures in the United States.

Mount St. Mary’s University requires additional resources to host diversity training and workshops for student life administrators, faculty, and student leaders. This program would benefit the university community in creating a welcoming environment for students of all backgrounds.

Johns Hopkins University suggested several initiatives to enhance cultural diversity. If funds were available, the Peabody Institute would create a branch of the Peabody Preparatory in the new East Baltimore Community School. More support is needed to increase the pipeline for minority students attending graduate school. Additional funds for summer stipends could be used to promote summer research experiences for underrepresented minorities to be more competitive in gaining admission to graduate school. The School of Medicine would like to establish a Faculty Ambassadors program with minority-serving institutions to provide stipends and travel funds for faculty exchanges, visiting lecturers, and grant-writing research. In addition, the School of Medicine suggested a Minority Cancer Research Leadership Summit to highlight cutting-edge research, policies, and practices to eliminate cancer disparities. The Summit would also serve as a recruitment tool to attract underrepresented minority faculty, fellows, and post-doctoral scholars.

If resources were available, Loyola University Maryland would implement a program designed to improve recruitment, retention, and promotion of employees of color. This program would provide training for supervisors and include best practices for mentoring, change management, and organizational development.

Stevenson University would like to develop culturally relevant pedagogy to support each degree program with at least one required cultural competency course; expand scholarship opportunities for underrepresented groups, particularly for African American males, to decrease attrition; create a website for diversity resources; and produce responsive teaching guides and workshops for cultural immersion, competency, diversity, and sensitivity training for faculty, students, and staff.

Maryland Institute College of Art would use additional resources to attract diverse guest speakers and artists-in-residence to broaden the cross-cultural perspective that students receive in the studios. In addition, MICA would like to create a Diversity Institute to prepare students to operate in a culturally diverse global society. The free program would consist of weekly innovative cultural learning labs and activities designed to take students beyond their cultural comfort zones. Guest presenters would take students through simulation exercises in order to develop cross-cultural skills. Upon completion of the first phase, students would have the opportunity for real world excursions that allow them to practice their newly acquired skills. Participation in the Diversity Institute would enhance students’ co-curricular experiences and future resumes.