Millersville sponsors numerous programs and organizations that provide support and educational opportunities for those in underrepresented and protected classes. Many of these programs work collaboratively to sponsor speakers and cultural events. Three University entities share primary responsibility for fostering a university climate of equity, fairness, and inclusiveness: the Office of Social Equity, the Commission on Cultural Diversity, and the Commission on the Status of Women.
The Office of Social Equity plays a significant role in meeting the University vision of ensuring a campus environment "in which equity and fairness prevail" and in which members of the University community "exhibit personal integrity and ethical behavior." Recent office accomplishments include:
Commission on Cultural Diversity
The Commission on Cultural Diversity aims to foster a climate that promotes cultural diversity on campus and in the community at large. The Commission advises the President on matters pertaining to cultural and underrepresented groups and monitors and assists our efforts in achieving cultural diversity. It sponsors a biennial conference that recognizes the scholarly efforts of students of color, organizes the participation of diverse cultures in the annual Superfest (see Chapter 5) and publishes The Eclipse, a multicultural student publication.
Commission on the Status of Women
The Commission on the Status of Women is the umbrella organization that monitors and improves the campus climate for women. The Commission promotes gender equity in sports and awards grants from the Women's Issues Endowment. It is instrumental in recruiting students and faculty for the State System Women's Consortium's annual Undergraduate Women's Leadership Institute. The Commission is currently leading efforts to explore expanding campus childcare facilities to include care for infants and toddlers.
Resources for Students of Color
Millersville offers a broad array of programs to provide support for students of color (Appendix 8-1). In 1996 consultant Jacqueline Fleming visited Millersville to assess our ongoing efforts to retain students of color. She concluded,
An array of programs and practices are in place to improve retention. These include the successful [Lancaster] Partnership Program, the Act 101/PACE Programs, a series of remedial. . . courses, a freshman diversity program, a student mentoring program, services in the Office of Academic Advisement, an executive training program by Kaleel Jamison and others. However, the consensus is that no overall, coordinated retention effort exists.
A combination of factors are said to contribute to the poor retention of students of color, including an unwelcoming campus climate, the academic underpreparedness of special admit students, the urban roots of minority students, the lack of an African-American or Latino student center, negative attitudes by some faculty, the lack of African or Latino majors, and the absence of support programs for regular admit minorities.
Millersville respondents advocated an approach to retention that is comprehensive enough to affect all students, coordinated by an executive staff member, but drawing on the cooperation of all academic departments and administrative offices.
The Commission on Cultural Diversity approved Dr. Fleming's conclusions and has been working since then to implement them; many of the activities in Appendix 8-1 were inspired by her report. The Enrollment Management Steering Committee took the Commission's concerns under advisement in developing its enrollment management plan (see Chapter 6). One aspect of the plan already successfully implemented is our new Honors Scholarship Program, designed to attract high-performing students, including those of color. Millersville University received over 50 outstanding applications for the first seven scholarships. The two African-American students who accepted the scholarships indicated that they would not have been able to attend Millersville University otherwise.
The Women's Center, established in 1993, aims to promote women's concerns and perspectives through a variety of educational programs for the University community. Its resources range from videos to pamphlets to referral services. Programs address issues such as eating disorders, women's images in the media, women's health, communication between the sexes, diversity, violence against women, and assertiveness. The Center publishes newsletters and pairs women students with campus and community mentors.
The Women's Studies minor, launched in 1993, has about 27 students. The program sponsors faculty/staff workshops and an annual conference in which high school girls spend a day with Millersville women. The program also sponsors the journal MUsings, featuring contributions by students and employees.
Resources for Students with Disabilities
Two offices share lead responsibility for assisting students with disabilities. The Student Support Services office within the Student Affairs division provides assistance to students with physical disabilities, while a Learning Disabilities Coordinator in the Academic Advisement office provides assistance to students with learning disabilities.
Both offices help provide appropriate accommodations for these students, which can include providing equipment and staff support, ensuring accessible class schedules and living arrangements, and working with faculty to make accommodations for tests and assignments. The offices attempt to coordinate their services, particularly for students with multiple disabilities. The Student Support Services office is working to establish a student organization to further support newly enrolled students with disabilities.
Resources for Non-Traditionally-Aged Students
Approximately one out of seven of our students is age 25 or older. In 1995 Millersville established the Adult & Continuing Education (ACE) program (see Chapter 9), which is designed to enable adult learners to complete a bachelor's degree exclusively through evening and weekend study.
Resources for Students with Diverse Sexual Orientations
Allies, a University-supported organization for gay, lesbian, bisexual and straight students, currently has about 30 active members. The organization seeks to raise campus consciousness regarding issues pertaining to sexual orientation. During 1998-1999, Allies organized an on-campus conference, social activities, and "speak-outs" in which members made presentations about their experiences.
Resources for International Students
The purposes of the International Students program, administered by the Student Support Services office, are to help diversify the campus through a core of international students and to help these students experience a multicultural campus environment. The program's current goals include increasing the number of international students; increasing international students' opportunities to contribute to intercultural awareness; and increasing activities, events, exchanges, and programs for international students. International student enrollment has grown modestly from 146 in 1994 to 150 in 1998. The office has taken several steps to improve international students' experiences here. Trips to nearby cities are scheduled during vacation periods. International Week has become an annual event. Interactive functions, such as those involving the Study Abroad, Japanese Culture, and the International Relations Clubs, enhance campus life. International students are matched with "friendship families" to increase their understanding of American culture.
The Veterans Affairs office, a component of the Student Support Services office, seeks to help veterans, reservists, National Guard members, and veterans' widows and orphans receive their benefits in a timely and compassionate manner. Millersville University is in compliance with the Veteran's Preference Act and assisted 145 students in 1998. The office has prepared a chart that locates campus resources for veterans and other students.
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