Western Extension Directors Association
April 6, 2009
MEMO
To:
Charlotte
Eberlein
Chair
University of Idaho
Re:
Jim Christenson
Secretary and
Chair-elect
University of Arizona
Scott Reed
Past Chair
Oregon State University
Lyla Houglum
Executive Director
Oregon State University
Rick Standiford
ECOP
Representative
to WEDA
Executive
Committee
University of California
To: John Winder (WA), Jan Carroll (CO), Dallas Holmes (UT), Charity Buchert (ID),
Jim Christenson (AZ), Linda Manton (CA), Dan McGrath (OR), and Scott Reed (OR)
From: Charlotte Eberlein, WEDA Chair
Re: Implementing the WEDA Diversity Recommendations
In September 2008, the Western Extension Directors Association (WEDA) Diversity
Committee presented a comprehensive list of recommendations on advancing
diversity that WEDA would like to begin to implement. The first recommendation is
that WEDA establish a Western Region Diversity Catalyst Team. You are invited to
serve as a member of that team. Jan Carroll has agreed to convene the group and you
should be hearing from her soon.
WEDA would like the Diversity Catalyst Team to address the following items during
2009:
1. Review and recommend effective training materials for search committees at
WEDA institutions; materials should cover topics such as how and why
committees should attend to diversity issues, the management of unconscious bias,
complicity, and cultural sensitivity.
2. Review and recommend vacancy announcement wording that a) applies to a broad
based educational background so that potential applicants do not feel they are
“ruled out”, and b) that indicates a commitment to diversity that goes beyond
standard Civil Rights Act statements.
3. Review and recommend language that incorporates expectations regarding
professional development in working with diverse audiences and diversity issues
into position descriptions and performance appraisal documents and procedures.
4. Work with Washington State University to determine whether the Cultural
Competency Training currently offered by WSU can be developed into an on-line
course. Recommend a course of action to WEDA.
5. Review and recommend training in leading diversity efforts for mid and higher
level Extension administrators who make final hiring decisions in the West.
6. Develop a good working relationship with Change Agents States (CAS).
7. Recommend an efficient, comprehensive system to “grow your own” diverse
faculty and staff. This should include WEDA developing stronger relationships
with 1890, 1994, and Hispanic serving institutions outside of the West.
WEDA would like to receive a report of your progress at our Fall 2009 meeting and
our Spring 2010 meeting. Thank you very much for your willingness to help WEDA
implement the excellent recommendations developed by the Diversity Committee.
cc: Lyla Houglum