College of Education News

As students, faculty and staff exited classrooms and offices, they could not help but notice neon orange and vibrant blue tape on the floor, spelling "ILLINI" and leading to the north lobby of the Education Building. Once there, the balloons and banners hinted at some sort of party.

"We're celebrating Inclusive Illinois today. Do you have time to sign our diversity commitment statement?" asked Mildred Trent, Assistant Dean for Diversity and Equity.

Trent teamed up with Helen Neville, Chair of the College of Education Diversity and Equity Working Group, and others to coordinate the College's showcase to celebrate Inclusive Illinois. As a campus-wide initiative, Inclusive Illinois seeks to heighten awareness about issues regarding race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation and gender identity, age, physical ability and religion.

"The purpose of Inclusive Illinois is to highlight diversity on campus and encourage faculty, staff and students to make a commitment to diversity," Trent said.

On Wednesday, Sept. 23, each college organized a showcase to spotlight its commitment to diversity. The College of Education focused its event on the areas of recruitment and academics.

Trent said a main goal for the College of Education is to increase the number of underrepresented students from 11.7 percent to 15 percent by 2010. She said the showcase emphasized diversity-related research being done within the College, the courses offered in diversity, and the online master's degree with emphasis in diversity and equity issues in education.

"In our work on the project, we became increasingly aware of the outstanding research, teaching and community engagement activities the College is involved in with respect to diversity and equity issues," Neville said. "Many people in our college community had no idea of these activities. The Inclusive Illinois Day provided us an opportunity to share this information with students, faculty and staff."

Marisol Cholewick, president of the Minority Association of Future Educators (MAFE), helped promote the event by holding up signs outside the building and encouraging others to sign the diversity commitment statement.

"The College of Education works really hard to promote diversity and recruit minority students in education," said Cholewick, a senior pursuing her minor in secondary education. "It shows a sense of commitment in regards to diversity. It's something that the University as a whole needs to improve upon."

Graduate student James Brooks stopped by to sign the diversity commitment statement, which signifies a dedication to examining and challenging perceptions, increasing awareness about diversity issues, and respecting all members of the campus community.

Throughout the 25 showcases on campus nearly 1,000 people signed the commitment statement, including 168 at the College of Education showcase, which comprised 18% of the campus total.

"I think the College is doing some outstanding work to promote diversity and equity that we should be proud of," Neville said. "The Office of Equal Opportunity and Access indicated that the College of Education ranked in the top three of all colleges with the number of individual commitment statements registered on Inclusive Illinois Day."

"Diversity is important both campus-wide and within the College so we can inspire more of the next generation," Brooks said.

Trent underscored the importance of invigorating this next generation of educators, adding that they can set a new standard. "(Those signing the pledge) are committing to their belief in diversity and to encouraging others to respect different cultural values," Trent said. "They can serve as role models, and they can engage in dialogue around diversity issues through programs within the College."

Neville added that by committing to these values, the College of Education remains a forerunner in the realm of diversity.

"Inclusive Illinois Day provided us an opportunity for reflection, renewed commitment, and suggestions to build on as we strive to become a local and national leader on these issues," Neville said.

For more information about the College of Education, contact our Communications Office at 217-244-8335 or email communications@education.illinois.edu