Fostering Diversity

During its existence, the Fostering Diversity Key Initiative has successfully developed and maintained many programs that enhance a diverse and welcoming environment within F&B. Diversity-focused goals and strategies have been part of F&B efforts since the first strategic plan (1991-95). The present plan aims to continue to integrate these programs into the fabric of F&B operations and to develop measures to more successfully assess their effectiveness. Additional focus will be on increasing underrepresented minorities within the F&B workforce and to improve the climate for all employees. The team will also oversee the implementation of the F&B Framework to Foster Diversity.

F&B defines diversity as the acceptance and understanding that everyone is unique. People from different backgrounds and experiences contribute to the richness and the competitive edge of the University. We recognize these differences and strive to promote a respectful and inclusive environment that fosters innovative, flexible approaches to work and helps all employees and the organization achieve their full potential. Differences may include, but are not limited to: race, ethnicity, culture, gender, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, mental abilities, age, physical abilities, religious beliefs, political beliefs, work experiences, education, geographic location, marital status, military experience, and parental status.

Accomplishments

• 2004-09 F&B Framework to Foster Diversity
• Focus Groups for Women, People of Color, Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual/Transgender (LGBT)
• 2007 F&B Diversity Climate Survey
• F&B Diversity web site
• New Employee Diversity Education
• F&B Diversity Internship Program
• F&B Diversity Mentoring Program
• Community Diversity Education Partnership
• Diversity Supplier and Diversity Construction Programs
• Leadership Commitment Statement

Goals

1. Complete the current F&B Framework to Foster Diversity and develop and implement the new 2010 Framework.
2. Solidify the infrastructure to support F&B
diversity efforts and institutionalize successful programs.
3. Increase the retention of underrepresented racial minorities within F&B.
4. Foster a positive climate of inclusiveness throughout F&B.
5. Establish accountability tools to assess F&B diversity efforts.
6. Support professional development that promotes and enhances diversity.

Metrics and Timeline

1. Action items in the current Framework to Foster Diversity will be completed and there will be successful inclusion of leadership and the general workforce in the development and implementation of the new framework by 2010.
2. The hiring of a special assistant for diversity and inclusion and a diversity intern by December 2008.
3. Increased number of employees of color—particularly in management and administrative positions by 2012.
4. Decreased reports of acts of retaliation/repercussions and improved climate for LGBT employees in the next F&B Climate Survey in 2010.
5. Implementation of a form/process for F&B administrators to regularly report their adherence to diversity efforts by 2009.
6. Increase of women in applicant pools for F&B administrative positions by 2012.

Key Initiative Manager
Lydia Abdullah — University Budget Office
814-865-7641 - lpa1@psu.edu

Team Members
Duane Bullock — Auxiliary & Business Service - dmb5@psu.edu
Vernon Davis — Office of Physical Plant - vld3@psu.edu
Carol Eicher — Auxiliary & Business Services - ece2@psu.edu
Mary Jane Fisher — University Budget Office - mjf1@psu.edu
Steve Hayes — Office of Human Resources - lsh5@psu.edu
Sharon Lucas — Office of Investment Management - sml20@psu.edu
Phillip Melnick — Office of Physical Plant - prm1@psu.edu
Jonathan McVerry — Auxiliary & Business Services - jfm171@psu.edu
Judy Mudgett — Office of Internal Audit - jzm3@psu.edu
Tyrone Parham — University Police- tap3@psu.edu
Susan Rutan — Office of Physical Plant- smr9@psu.edu
Roseann Sieminski — Office of the Corporate Controller - rks1@psu.edu
Jay Sonti — Office of Investment Management - jns5@psu.edu
Michael Zimmerman — Finance & Business Central Office - mrz3@psu.edu

View more resources at the Fostering Diversity site.

The Pennsylvania State University

Office of Senior Vice President for Finance and Business/Treasurer
208 Old Main • University Park PA • 16802-1503 • 814-865-6574

For questions about Finance and Business,
please contact Kimberly Belcher at
814-865-6574 or kjb30@psu.edu.

For questions about the Web site, please contact:
Wendy Jones at 814-863-8277 or wxj6@psu.edu

Design and development provided by the Marketing Office
for Auxiliary and Business Services (absmarketing@psu.edu).

Nondiscrimination Statement | Equal Opportunity Policy | Copyright | Privacy

This page was last updated on Thursday, July 16, 2009.