Montclair State University
PCAA 2003-04

Minutes
April 22, 2004

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Present: T. Jacobowitz, C. Meneghin, R. Ross, C. Matteis, E. Isaacs, C. Stachleski, M. Guevil, K. Key, O. Rodriguez-Srednicki, H. Perez, I.Barriera, M. Coleman-Carter, L. Rodriguez, B. Milton, J. Hain.


Welcome
The meeting of the President's Commission on Affirmative Action was called to order at 12:20 p.m. by Tina Jacobowitz, Chair.

A motion was made by L. Rodriguez, and seconded by E. Isaacs, to approve the minutes of the March 26, 2004 meeting. Motion carried.

II. Reading
The article, "The Educational Value of Diversity" by Jonathan Alger was the shared reading for this month. T. Jacobowitz asked Commission members to identify a "hot spot" in the article – something that stood out in the reading - and tell the group why the "hot spot" was of particular interest. Some comments that emerged are as follows:

There are different perspectives regarding the benefits of diversity to whites and people of color. The range of similarities and differences within and among racial groups gives diversity in higher education its educational value. Prejudices can be overcome by interacting with diverse groups. What are we doing to maintain this concept? Are there support systems in place to foster this interaction? We can't expect students to interact easily with groups that are different because people socialize with those whom they feel most comfortable. The PCAA wants to help with this effort. What can we suggest to promote interactions with different racial/ethnic groups? Through classroom and special activities, this type of interaction can be promoted.

In social settings where there are a few people of color, the one person of color is expected to represent their racial/ethnic group. This is a false premise. Racial/ethnic groups are not monolithic, and people of color have different perspectives based upon their life experiences. This, however, may not be the view of the general public. There also was a question about whether the voice of the black/Hispanic middle class is being heard? Is it purposely being hidden?

Other comments: Pictures of MSU students and campus life do not reflect the true diversity of the University. Some perceive the EOF program as a program for minority students only, and if you are a minority student you are automatically associated with the EOF program.

It was noted that the outstanding students of color are being courted by out-of state colleges/universities. To counter this, Montclair State has a special task force in Admissions to increase the enrollment of outstanding minority students. The University goal to diversify the student population is part of its institutional mission, and not as a means to remedy discrimination.

III. Committee Reports
A. Education Committee (J. Harris)
No report

B. Mentoring (M. Coleman Carter)
M. Coleman-Carter reported that the Mentoring Committee recently met and that a year-end report on the committee's activities will be presented at the Advance. The committee felt that some of its goals for the year were ambitious; but some goals were met. Ms. Coleman-Carter thanked the Recruitment and Retention Committee for its assistance in providing valuable information on the issue of mentoring when the committee met with various caucuses and other groups on campus.

It was learned that the faculty mentoring program is the only formal mentoring program at Montclair State. There are some informal mentoring programs offered through academic departments, and through professional staff development activities.

Ms. Coleman-Carter stated that the committee is grappling with the term "mentoring." What does it really mean? Is it appropriate for our efforts? Although the committee had planned to develop a model program structure for mentoring, this was not achieved. There were, however, efforts made along these lines.

C. Recruitment and Retention (L. Rodriguez)
L. Rodriguez reported that a draft report has been prepared summarizing the meetings that were held with the various ethnic caucuses and other groups. He sent copies of this draft report to caucus presidents, et al, for their review and approval, and he received positive feedback from Chandana Chakraborty from the Asian/Pacific Islander Caucus. She thought that the draft report provided a good summary of their meeting and she thanked Mr. Rodriguez and the committee for its efforts in reaching out to, and interacting with, other groups on campus.

Mr. Rodriguez stated that the final report will be presented and discussed in more detail at the Advance, but the full report will not be released until the fall. It was noted that if there are any salient group issues that emerge from this report that there should be a process in place by which these issues can be addressed. The Commission will carefully examine the report to see if there are data to support any assertions. Any anecdotal statements will be supported by factual data. This will minimize the risk for generalizations to be made. Regarding the provision of data to the campus community, it was noted that the University's fact book is a good source, and that it can be accessed from the University's website.

The format of the report will include an introduction; notable quotes from the University of Michigan's attorney Jonathan Alger, et al; a statement from Dr. Cole regarding the benefits of diversity; the summary reports; and conclusion. The report will be presented as an educational piece that invites comments.

IV. Old Business
A. PCAA Advance
The Advance will be held on May 25, 2004, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Abbott and Costello Center. Shuttle bus service will be available, and C. Matteis will look into parking arrangements. C. Meneghin will make arrangements for technology equipment (audio/visual; overhead transparencies, etc.) T. Jacobowitz and B. Milton will handle other arrangements for the Advance.

The proposed agenda for the Advance was reviewed and approved by Commission members. The morning program will include a workshop, "Reflecting on Our Own Beliefs and Values", and will be facilitated by Dr. Kathy Gainer, from the Department of Counseling, Human Development and Educational Leadership.
T. Jacabowitz will be preparing a final report, and she asked Committee chairs to send her information for this report.

The afternoon portion of the program will include a working lunch to review the final report; the election of officers; and planning for next year with input from the caucuses. Caucus presidents will be invited to this portion of the program. It was noted that the Commission goals for this academic year were based upon caucus input from last year's Advance. Those issues will be revisited to see if our goals were achieved.

It was noted that the parking issue may have to be deferred until the fall since there are numerous agenda items for the Advance.

V. New Business
A. Election of Officers
T. Jacobowitz reported that a Nominating Committee will be appointed to develop a slate of officers. The election of officers will take place at the Advance.

B. Attendance at PCAA Meetings
T. Jacobowitz reported that some PCAA members are not attending the meetings, and that M. Brown will provide information on members' attendance during this past year. It was noted that some supervisors stop members from attending Commission meetings. To remedy this problem, Dr. Cole will be asked to send a memo, with meeting dates, to supervisors asking them to allow their employees to attend Commission meetings.

VI. Other
T. Jacobowitz stated that the Commission has lost a personal connection with Dr. Cole, and that this connection needs to be re-established. She noted that the Executive Committee should meet with Dr. Cole at least once every semester. Another way to re-establish this tie is to have PCAA minutes sent directly to Dr. Cole, as opposed to her being copied on the distribution list. This will help keep her abreast of PCAA activities.

It was also suggested that PCAA minutes be sent campus wide, and that email links to constituency representatives be provided so that persons with comments can send them directly to these individuals.

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 1:40 p.m.

VII. Adjournment
Respectfully submitted,
Barbara J. Milton
Secretary, Pro Tem