Faculty Senate: Diversity Requirements Discussion Begins by Linda Charles The Faculty Senate asked a few questions about proposed diversity requirements but postponed major discussion until its April meeting. A proposal, introduced during the March 21 meeting, would require undergraduate students to complete both a three- credit U.S. and a three-credit international diversity requirement. The requirements would apply only to students in a baccalaureate program. Students in the veterinary medicine program or graduate students would not be affected. Several senators pointed out that the proposed requirements appear to be aimed at majority students, noting that foreign students could meet the international component by studying their own cultures. Other senators wanted to know if specific courses, such as western civilization or a foreign language, would meet the requirements. Under the proposal, each academic department would determine what students could do to fulfill the requirements for their majors, subject to approval by the appropriate college curriculum committee and the Faculty Senate Curriculum Committee. In most cases, students would take approved classes to meet the requirements, but other educational experiences, such as studying in a foreign country, also could fulfill the requirements. Students who meet the diversity requirements in one department would not be asked to meet them again if they changed majors. In addition, courses used to meet the diversity requirements could be "double counted" - used to meet other major, minor or general education requirements. THE REQUIREMENTS Under the proposal, the focus of the national diversity requirement would be present-day multicultural society in the United States. Courses that meet this requirement should provide students with insights that would enhance their understanding of diversity among people in the modern United States. Courses that meet the international requirement would promote students' understanding of modern cultural diversity and global interdependence. APRIL DISCUSSION Faculty Senate president Tony Netusil said he hopes to set aside the entire April meeting to discuss the proposal. He noted that the public is welcome to attend the meeting and will have an opportunity to speak after the senators have discussed the proposal. The Tuesday, April 11, meeting will begin at 7:30 p.m. in 2532 Veterinary Medicine. The senate is expected to vote on the proposal at its May 2 meeting. _____ contact: Linda Charles, Internal Communications, (515) 294- 3129 updated: 03-24-95