Generation 2008 plans forum
Many university students are aware that the university is working to become a more racially and ethnically diverse institution. But it is estimated that less than 1 percent of students understand the specific aims and objectives of Plan 2008, the official university initiative designed to increase diversity among the student body, faculty and staff, and in the curriculum.
Generation 2008, a student-organized group dedicated to raising the level of awareness of Plan 2008, will hold a free, daylong forum and workshop on the plan and diversity issues affecting the UW–Madison community. The session begins at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 13 at the Pyle Center, 702 Langdon St.
By educating students about the history, goals and implementation of Plan 2008, the group believes it can help enhance initiatives already under way, improve the campus climate and generate concrete suggestions to strengthen campus diversity.
Organized by Generation 2008, the forum is sponsored by the Multi-Cultural Student Coalition, the ASM Diversity Committee and the ASM Plan 2008 Campaign. Funding support is provided by the Multicultural Council, the Office of the Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs and the ASM Diversity Committee.
During the afternoon, participants will view movies related to diversity issues, participate in a workshop titled “Moving from Shame, Guilt, Ignorance and Apathy to Action,” and take part in a future-looking discussion on Plan 2008.
Dinner will be served at 5:30 p.m. in the On Wisconsin Room of the Red Gym. All participants will also be encouraged to write a letter to Chancellor John Wiley with suggestions on the implementation of Plan 2008.
Officially adopted by the UW System Board of Regents in May 1998, Plan 2008 has seven goals:
- Increase the number of Wisconsin high school graduates of color who apply, are accepted and enroll at UW System institutions.
- Encourage partnerships that build the educational pipeline by reaching children and their parents at an earlier age.
- Close the gap in educational achievement, by bringing retention and graduation rates for students of color in line with those of the student body as a whole.
- Increase the amount of financial aid available to needy students and reduce their reliance on loans.
- Increase the number of faculty, academic staff, classified staff and administrators of color, so that they are represented in the UW System workforce in proportion to their current availability in relevant job pools.
- Foster institutional environments and course development that enhance learning and a respect for racial and ethnic diversity.
- Improve accountability of the UW System and its institutions.