Commission on the Status of Minorities
Meeting Minutes: March 25, 2014
Call to order
Arthur Garrison called to order the regular meeting of the 2013-14 Commission on the Status of
Minorities at 11:09 am on March 25, 2014 in the third floor Psychology conference room in Old
Main.
Attendance
The following persons were present:
Qin Geng-College of Business
Arthur Garrison – College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Mary Ann O’Neil – College of Education
Thomas Robinson – African American Professional Organization
Soo Goh- College of Visual & Performing Arts
James D. Jackson – African American Professional Organization
Jose A. Molina-Latino Caucus
Kiara Richardson-Student President of BSU
Guests: Kathy Lynch
Kent Dahlquist
The following persons were absent:
Ryan Wheeler – Black Student organization representative
Louis Rodriquez – Latino Caucus
Karen Deysher- Graduate Student Representative
Christopher Wentzel- Non-minority Student Government
Jackie Fox – Office of Social Equity
Rhonda Branford – Division of Multicultural Services
1. Approval of the Minutes
Motion called for the minutes to be accepted. The motion to accept was made by Thomas Robinson and
seconded by James Jackson
2. Approval of the Budget
No report, no new appropriation or distribution of funds. Budget will be discussed during the next
meeting
3. Old Business
Student housing representatives, Kathy Lynch and Kent Dahlquist, and the members present from CSM
discussed protocol, purpose and topics for the meetings to be held with the resident halls. Questions
arose concerning the intent or purpose: to explore issues in the dorms, “how students feel about the
residence life experience, how are things going, how does this experience impact retention, is there a
problem”, were a few ideas bantered between attendees. Thomas Robinson read a memo that reflected
issues on inequality in hiring staff for the residence halls, which led to discussion on perceptions of
inequalities. Kathy Lynch shared that housing is in a position to hire and is looking for more diversity.
Because of perceptions and the difficulties that can come with a position at the front desk, training is
being explored by housing. To get a better assessment of perceptions, Kent Dahlquist suggested that the
data should also be collected from the white students’ not just students of color. James Jackson
reminded the group that this was not a comparison between student populations, the goal was to get a
pulse and gauge how things are going. Jose A. Molina added “In looking to get a pulse and gauge of
how things are going for minority students with housing, the Commission should also request a report
on any and all efforts from Housing in embracing diversity and any programs they may have to welcome
and retain minority students”.
The main agenda that still needs to be addressed is the protocol for these meetings and how focus
groups will be established. It was suggested that Natalie Snow could identify the populations and send a
list to be invited to the various focus groups. Kiara asked if the off campus students could also be
surveyed to determine why they move off campus.
Discussion questions for these meetings have not been resolved. Arthur Garrison made clear the
focus groups should be designed to prevent students from believing a specific result is being pursued or
that we are coming in with an established viewpoint. Rather the groups should be comprised of openended questions that will get to what students are thinking. The questions and the procedures for each
group should be the same. The question regarding who will facilitate arose with discussion as to whether
resident life staff will be included as facilitators. Thomas Robinson stated that students of color may not
be comfortable if a potentially challenging entity is present.
After the group discussions, the feedback will be analyzed for themes, positive and negative, and
could be used to develop a more formal questionnaire. If there are no issues, the effort will be
documented and the CSM will move on to address other concerns. The members acknowledged that
time is running out this semester and this may be moved to next fall.
5. Additional meetings for the semester
The next meeting of the commission is scheduled for April 15th, 2014 all at 11 am in the Psychology
conference room.
Adjournment
James Jackson made the motion to adjourn at 11:58. The motion was seconded by Mary Ann O’neil
Minutes submitted by: M. O’Neil and A. Garrison
Approved: