Plan 2008 forum set for Sept. 29

Students, faculty and staff will discuss ideas and inspiration for UW–Madison’s efforts to improve diversity and campus climate.

The sixth annual Plan 2008 Campus Forum will be held from 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 29, at Memorial Union (check Today in the Union for room number). All sessions are free, and the entire Madison community is invited.

Plan 2008 is the blueprint to increase the diversity of UW–Madison’s students, faculty, staff, curricula and campus life.

At the session, Bernice Durand, associate chancellor for diversity and climate, will unveil a new campaign called “Creating Community,” which will be the centerpiece of diversity and climate efforts in the 2005-06 academic year.

As part of the focus on community, all attendees are encouraged to bring a small object that symbolizes a personal commitment to community building.

There will be a discussion of overall progress, along with ways that the entire campus community can become accountable for improving diversity and climate. Later in the day, there will be a Steppin’ performance by the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, a brown-bag lunch, breakout sessions and a closing party at 5:30 p.m.

Faculty members are encouraged to allow classes to attend forum sessions as a substitute for a normal class meeting. Classified staff members can attend in in-pay status, after notifying their supervisor.

A second follow-up session is scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 3, to work on skill-building.