President-elect Barack Obama currently is appointing leaders and advisers who represent all of America. His election to the presidency is, in itself, an encouraging testament to the strength of a participatory democracy and to America’s growing inclusivity. With stated priorities of increasing college affordability, a student tax credit for public service and funding for basic research that can benefit all people, his commitment to inclusion in higher education is exciting.

As for Central Michigan University, adopting the right mindset about inclusion at all levels is critical to realizing our vision to be a diverse community of students, faculty and staff joined in the common pursuit of learning and scholarly activity.

University-wide, CMU embraces its responsibility to best educate students to be culturally competent – to know how to interact effectively and respectfully with people of other cultures. Last fall, the Academic Senate passed a cultural competency recognition program in which students who participate in coursework addressing multicultural and international issues and experiences receive a special designation on their transcripts.

A new graduate degree emphasis in Native American studies began this semester. CMU faculty and staff members have engaged in diversity training, and CMU maintains pre-college programs like Upward Bound and Gear Up as well as efforts in the schools to help students with financial aid and ACT/SAT test preparation. The newly revised Strategic Plan for Advancing Diversity helps us become aware of our own perspectives and embrace ways to understand how others see the world.

As an institution of higher education, inclusivity is especially important in the classroom. Academic teaching strategies should be flexible enough to incorporate alternative techniques to help ensure effective learning for all students. For example, it cannot be assumed that a particular reference made in the classroom will be understood by all; referencing a particular television program to make a point could rely on potentially faulty generational or cultural assumptions. Inclusive classrooms create a safe, supportive environment by considering the needs and experiences of all students.

Inclusion does not happen automatically; it requires the collaborative efforts of individuals to increase and support diversity efforts, to help implement processes and to exhibit appropriate behavior. The Office for Institutional Diversity leads the charge, but it is everyone’s responsibility to promote and foster inclusiveness at CMU.

I am optimistic about the strides that continue to be made for diversity and inclusion at CMU while recognizing the long way we have yet to go. I am optimistic that most will use the upcoming presidential inauguration and the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday as inspiration to recommit to finding ways to become more culturally competent and improve our university community through inclusivity and respect.

Michael Rao
University President

These values include respect, acceptance, inclusion, caring,
tolerance, freedom from fear, civility and understanding the importance
of open dialogue.CMU is committed to the academic success of all
of its students.

In addition, this is a university dedicated to the principles on
which the United States was formed and the rights and privileges we all
enjoy.I am unequivocally committed to the safety and welfare of
all members of the university community, for it is only in a safe
environment that genuine learning can best take place.

In a time when people speak of free speech and the right of people
to assemble, it is important to remember that we all have the right to
disagree in a civil and deliberate manner.

Nonetheless,I disagree and disapprove of views that assert
that one group is superior to another or views that assert that members
of a group should be treated in an offensive or degrading manner based
on their identity.Any statement intended to induce fear or
anxiety in others is inappropriate.

People in this country have the constitutional right to make such
statements and hold such views.At the same time, I want to be
absolutely clear that I am offended by, and opposed to, such
statements.Intolerant and discriminatory views are not values
held by this university.

The rumors last semester that a “hate-related” group was attempting
to form at Central Michigan University created a platform for needed
discussion.I applaud the students who as individuals and groups
took a stance and expressed their opposition to this.

I do not support any organization at CMU that expresses animosity
and intolerance for others. Such positions are at odds with everything
we embrace and work toward daily.

In the months ahead there might be additional speculation and
conversation on this topic. If this occurs, I hope people will bear in
mind that the university’s position is one in opposition to
hate-related groups and what they espouse.

Such groups are not consistent with the values we maintain and their
presence is not welcome at Central Michigan University.I am
confident that our prevailing sense of respect for others will continue
and strengthen.

In any scenario in which any member of the CMU community is fearful
of being harmed that person should immediately contact the CMU police
department.

In a situation that may create concern or anxiety for any student,
Dean of Students Bruce Roscoe should be notified. CMU professors should
share any of their concerns related to the aforementioned issues with
the Faculty Personnel Services Associate Vice Provost Robert Martin,
and staff are invited to contact Human Resources Associate Vice
President Maxine Kent.

The Affirmative Action Office also can help address any display of
discrimination.

Together we will sustain and enhance a learning environment that
celebrates inclusion and acceptance, while concurrently recognizing the
right of all persons to express individual points of view.

The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching and the Council
for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) has honored CMU
Associate Professor Gary Gagnon as Michigan’s 2005 Professor of the
Year.

This is the third time in eight years that a CMU professor has been
recognized as Michigan Professor of the Year. Geography Professor Mark
Francek received the award in 2002 and Psychology Professor Gary Dunbar
was named in 1997.

The Carnegie Foundation and CASE accept nominations from all
colleges and universities in the state, and only one professor in each
state wins the award.

CMU is one of only four universities in the state with faculty so
well recognized.

This speaks volumes about CMU professors’ commitment to student
learning and academic excellence.

Teaching has always been a priority at CMU – a fact that becomes
more evident with the many teaching awards that university faculty have
received, including CMU’s awards. Each year, the university honors five
professors with Excellence in Teaching Awards. In 2005, CMU honored
Associate Professor Kathy Benison, Assistant Professor Luz Hurtado,
Associate Professor Mike Kennedy, Instructor Lori Ann Pietrandrea, and
Associate Professor Katherine Rosier for their teaching.

These professors – and many others throughout the CMU community,
including dedicated staff – carry on the tradition of excellence in
learning experiences that draw almost as many students from every
county in the state as Mount Pleasant has in total population.

While the focus of this guest column is on teaching, I would be
remiss if I did not also convey that staff members play an incredibly
important role in CMU’s focused student development process.

We work and learn in an environment where we are surrounded by
uncompromising personal commitment on the part of thousands of
employees at CMU.Perhaps we take that for granted.We
shouldn’t.

Teaching awards serve as reminders to us all that every day at CMU
great professors are helping shape students who will become important
leaders in their fields.

The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) also commented on teaching
excellence at CMU. Last month, the HLC team noted meaningful
student/faculty interaction and strong teaching. The team observed that
students are positive about their experiences at CMU, that professors
are actively engaged in students’ learning experiences and that the
university strongly supports undergraduate and graduate students.

As you prepare for final exams, I am pleased to express
appreciation to my colleagues for their efforts in working to shape
your futures. I thank the Carnegie Foundation and CASE for
appropriately recognizing Gary Gagnon and also thank the many students,
staff and professors who are involved in recognizing excellence in
teaching and staff excellence awards.

CMU has done and continues to do many things well–most importantly,
its work with students continues to be marked with excellence.
Despite the many issues that we face in higher education, it’s
comforting that our core mission–effective learning–is in outstanding
shape at CMU.

Monica and I sincerely wish everyone happiness and success this
holiday season.