Dear Colleagues at the Center for the Study of Women,
Because the understanding of a key aspect of diversity – gender -- is foundational to what we do, I wanted to call your attention to the proposed diversity requirement for undergraduate education. I am sure that many of you give undergraduate courses that would be a wonderful addition to the list of approved courses, and I encourage you to submit them, if you have not done so already. I am attaching a submission form, which, along with your syllabus, is to be sent to Christina Palmer, Faculty Executive Committee Chair, at [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]><mailto:[log in to unmask]>
The language of the new requirement is below. It is very broad, includes gender as an aspect of diversity, and would encompass many courses that you are currently offering. It will not burden undergraduates with an additional course, as the course they select can also fulfill major, minor, or elective requirements. In addition, the Chancellor has committed additional TA and other resources, should this requirement enlarge your enrollments.
******Because the proposal is so well thought out and so important to a climate that makes all students feel a part of the university, I encourage you to vote for this initiative. I also encourage you to discuss the initiative with your colleagues and encourage them to vote as well. The proposal has already been unanimously supported by the Undergraduate Council and is also supported by Executive Vice Chancellor Scott Waugh and Chancellor Block.
Voting is scheduled to take place online between 12 pm, October 24 and 12 pm, October 31. Once voting begins, a link to the ballot will be provided at https://ccle.ucla.edu/course/view/college-diversity-initiative
Thank you very much for considering this important educational initiative.
Best wishes,
Patricia
Patricia Greenfield
Distinguished Professor
Department of Psychology, UCLA
From: FEC Chair <[log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]><mailto:[log in to unmask]>>
Date: Friday, September 12, 2014 1:04 PM
To: Greenfield <[log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]><mailto:[log in to unmask]>>
Subject: College Faculty: Election ballot notification (2014 Ballot Measure)
UCLA College of Letters and Science
Dear Senate Faculty in the College of Letters and Science,
On May 30, 2014, the College Faculty Executive Committee (FEC) unanimously voted to amend A-458 (C) of UCLA’s Divisional Regulations (“Academic Requirements of the College of Letters and Science”) to establish a Diversity requirement for undergraduates in the College of Letters and Science, and submit the matter to a vote of the Faculty. On June 16, 2014, the Undergraduate Council voted unanimously to support the proposed Diversity Requirement.
On October 24, 2014 you will be asked to vote on the addition of the following language to College Regulation A-458 (C):
(6) Diversity Requirement. This requirement may be satisfied by completing one course from a faculty-approved list of diversity courses that is published in the UCLA General Catalog. The course must be taken for a letter grade, and passed with a grade of "C" or better (a grade of "C-" is not acceptable). The course selected may also simultaneously satisfy one of the following: (1) a General Education requirement; (2) a major or minor course; or (3) an elective.
The proposed change would require College undergraduates entering as incoming Freshmen Fall 2015 and later and transfer students entering Fall 2017 and later to complete one 4-unit course that is designated as meeting the Diversity Requirement. The course must be 4 units and satisfy the following 2 criteria:
1. Course must substantially address conditions, experiences, perspectives, and/or representations of at least two groups using difference frames that include but are not limited to race, ethnicity, gender, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, religion, disability, age, language, nationality, citizenship status and/or place of origin.
2. Course must incorporate analytical skills needed to develop critical and reflective perspectives on difference within domestic and/or global spheres. The course should include a focus on the structures, processes, and practices that promote inequities or conflicts as well as those that support fairness and inclusiveness.
Because the requirement may be satisfied through a variety of mechanisms, it will not increase the total number of units that students are expected to complete for graduation.
Please click on http://votediversity.ucla.edu/ to:
* Read the proposal for the Diversity Requirement
* Read the report of the Implementation Committee
* Read the letter of financial commitment from EVC/Provost Waugh
* Learn about the criteria for diversity-related course content
* Become familiar with the evidence on learning outcomes of diversity-related course content
* Review frequently asked questions
* Post comments to a private discussion forum (faculty only)
I am also available to answer questions if you wish to respond to this email or post a question in the online forum.
Thank you for your support of this important new College initiative.
Christina Palmer, Chair
College Faculty Executive Committee
This year’s election/ballot measure vote is scheduled to take place between 12:00 PM on Friday, October 24, 2014 and 12:00 PM on Friday, October 31, 2014. You may logon to http://my.ucla.edu/ during this timeframe to cast your vote.
SAMPLE BALLOT – SUBJECT TO CHANGE
2014 BALLOT MEASURE 1: ESTABLISHMENT OF A DIVERSITY REQUIREMENT FOR UNDERGRADUATES IN THE COLLEGE OF LETTERS AND SCIENCE (AMENDING DIVISIONAL REGULATION A-458 [C])
SUMMARY
The proposed change would require College of Letters and Science undergraduates entering as incoming Freshmen in Fall 2015 and later and transfer students entering Fall 2017 and later to pass with a minimum of C grade one 4-unit course that is designated as meeting the Diversity Requirement. The course selected may also satisfy one of the following: (1) a General Education requirement; (2) a major or minor course; or (3) an elective course. As such, the requirement will not increase the total number of units that students are expected to complete for graduation.
WHAT YOUR VOTE MEANS
A YES vote on this measure means you accept the proposed amendment to Divisional Regulation A-458 (C) establishing a Diversity Requirement for undergraduates in the College of Letters and Science. A NO vote on this measure means the Diversity Requirement is not adopted.
SHOULD THE PROPOSED DIVERSITY REQUIREMENT BE ADDED TO THE DIVISIONAL REGULATION A-458(C)? (Vote for one)
⧠ Yes. Add the proposed Diversity Requirement to the Divisional Regulation A-458(C)
⧠ No. Do not add the proposed Diversity Requirement to the Divisional Regulation A-458(C)
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