Component 2: Community Process
The second component of the Gallaudet Diversity Action Plan is a result of the campus work groups for diversity and healing. It was the strong recommendation of the work groups that we engage in a significant and sustained process of engaging our campus in a continuing dialogue about respect for the diversity of ideas and people at Gallaudet. The work groups recommended that we contract with the nationally known consultant firm, CBG Consultants.
The second component has three phases. The first phase includes a process to learn about issues and climate at Gallaudet related to building a community of respect for all people and ideas. This process includes confidential group and one-on-one interviews with a representative from CBG consultants. Following this, the consultants will train facilitators to help them lead a series of two-hour introductory dialogues. Phase I will conclude at the end of the spring 2008 semester with a town hall meeting to report the preliminary results of the inventory process and learn more about the results of the series of dialogues conducted during the semester. Plans for next phases will be discussed at the town hall meeting.
Phases II and III will focus on building infrastructure that promotes transparency, inclusive participation, equity, and diversity as shared community responsibilities and a way of "Living Team Gallaudet" as the way we do business. The Gallaudet Diversity Team and the president will review the progress and results of Phase I to help guide Phases II and III during the 2008 - 2009 academic year.
