Last month marked the launch of UNCW’s Diversity Initiative Plan, which according to the plan’s executive summary “is a bold attempt to bring about something akin to a culture change.”

The initiative plans to implement an increase in minority enrollment, the addition of a diversity course to the basic studies curriculum, and the fostering of a meaningful connection with the local community.

As of fall 2003, UNCW had the third lowest student body diversity rate of all NC public universities: 89.9 percent white, 4.8 percent black, 1.7 percent Latino, 1.5 percent Asian, .8 percent American Indian and1.3 percent other.

The biggest obstacle to promoting diversity is the “general perception that has developed over the years that UNCW is not tolerant to a diverse climate” said Dr. Denis Carter, Associate Vice Chancellor and Chair of the Diversity Initiative Plan. In recent years this perception has gained the attention of administrators, faculty, and students.

In 2002 the Chancellor’s Task Force on Diversity began to formulate strategies that could enhance the level of diversity at UNCW. In fall of 2004, the Diversity Initiative Plan went into action.

The Diversity Planning Committee, which has been responsible for the initial phases of the plan, met at the end of January to review the status of this year’s top priorities.

Two of the priorities for 2004-2005 have been successfully completed – the creation of a Diversity Recruitment/ Marketing Plan, and the creation of the Diversity Advisory Council, which will be in charge of monitoring the plan.

A number of administrative steps remain, but the majority of the Diversity Initiative Plan’s objectives rely on student interest and involvement. “Anything that students can do to encourage interaction with students from diverse backgrounds, in and out of class will greatly enhance the level of diversity,” said Carter.

Not everyone feels that increased diversity will necessarily enhance the UNCW community. “I know it’s not a diverse campus, but I don’t think it matters, people will matriculate here that want to come regardless,” said Joe Petit, a UNCW student.

Campus diversity refers not only to minority presence but also to the diversity of socioeconomic, regional, and cultural backgrounds, community involvement, awareness and sensitivity enhancement, and academic curriculum.

Exposure to this range of experiences can better prepare students for life after college. “It is a tremendous disservice to be in an educational setting where you can not experience diversity,” said Dr. Deborah Brunson, Interim Director of Campus Diversity.

At the beginning of next fall, a campus climate survey will be conducted to assess the progress of the plan. Though it appears that the Diversity Initiative Plan has gotten off to a good start, the full effects of the plan are not expected to be fully recognized until the 2008-2009 academic year.

The Diversity Initiative Plan will cost approximately $210,000 over the next four years. You can learn more about it via the link on the UNCW home page.