Diversity

History at Indiana State University

If you are a long-time member of the ISU or Terre Haute community, you may have noticed recent changes to the Office of Diversity & Affirmative Action.  The two different functions of the office have been separated and reorganized under new leadership.  Sheila Johnson is the Director of Affirmative Action and Dr. Elonda Ervin is the University Diversity Officer.


We’ve gathered a brief history of the incarnations that the areas of diversity and affirmative action have experienced on campus. The Office of Diversity began in 1992 under President Moore and focused on educating the ISU community through programs and training.  In 2003, under President Benjamin, the Offices of Diversity and Affirmative Action were merged and focused primarily on compliance with affirmative action laws and funding campus and community programs that were diversity oriented.  In the fall of 2008, under President Bradley, the Office of Diversity and Affirmative Action was split into separate entities.


While the offices are now separate and distinct, they do work together to achieve the same goal – inclusive excellence at ISU.  Beginning of the fall of 2009, Mentoring Assistance for Prospective Scholars (MAPS) – which operated in the Office of Diversity and Affirmative Action – is now part of the Student Academic Services Center, located on the second floor of Gillum Hall.

                     
 Difference Between Affirmative Action And Diversity


The Office of Affirmative Action deals with compliance through developing polices and practices that focus on equal opportunities and access.  You should contact the Office of Affirmative Action regarding violation of the equal opportunity laws and ISU policies.  The Office of Affirmative Action also educates by providing, free, online, 24-hour a day training modules for Sexual Harassment and Preventing Employment Discrimination.  The training modules are self paced and can be accessed at: http://www.indstate.edu/aao/


The Office of Diversity advocates across units of the university to build ISU into a model of multicultural excellence for all who learn, live, and work here.  We strive to build this sense of an inclusive climate and community and to enhance intercultural competency through training, co-sponsoring programs, and influencing policies and practices.  You can contact the Office of Diversity to arrange for presentations and training, to solicit support for diversity-related events, or discuss diversity in your classes or work place.