Laura Haley
News Editor
On Monday, Aug. 20, an email was sent by President Sarah Bolton wishing students a successful start to the semester and informing the student body of an open meeting for students on Wednesday, Aug. 27 to discuss ideas for the search for Wooster’s first Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer (CDO). The email explained that the CDO will aim to create a vision for a diversified and fair campus while working with Bolton’s senior team. Additionally, the CDO will be involved in making all of the highest level decisions for the College.
Bolton began the meeting by introducing three consultants,, Khalilah Lawson, Charlene Aguilar and Christine Pendleton, from Witt/Kieffer Executive Search Firm, who will be helping the College decide on a suitable candidate. The goal is to identify a candidate who will fit the needs of the campus community. Bolton remarked that this position is something the College has been considering and “the idea came up again and we thought that this was a really important priority for the College.”
“What do we need? What’s most important for us right now as a community?” Bolton asked before passing the meeting over to the consultants and departing to allow students to have an open conversation in which they’d be able to speak about what they would like to see from the new CDO.
The consultants began to ask the students what they would like to see in an officer.
“Let’s frame it. Where are you today; where do you want to be?” said Lawson.
“We need you all to tell us what you want to see [and] how you would like to see the institution improve,” Pendleton continued. Students brought up the issue of retention rate, stating that they would like to see an officer who is a good fit for Wooster but who will also stay with the College for more than one year,
“I think a lot of people are looking for someone who’s going to stay committed,” said Monét Davis ’19.
The consultants expressed that the officer would be there for about four to six years on average.
“It would be a failure on our part if someone left within a year,” indicated Aguilar.
Students mentioned that they wanted the CDO officer to be visible and take the time to attend student events, interact with those on campus, be approachable, facilitate communication about available Center of Diversity and Inclusion resources and be supportive of all groups on campus, not just a few.
Lawson then asked those present what the campus culture is like right now. Students discussed a level of distrust between the administration and student body, while many mentioned that they had issues with the cultural competency training. Specifically, students complained that the training is inconsistent and expressed a wish for more well-rounded and researched training.
Students pointed out that groups are aiming to educate the campus community and host events, but that there are always the same individuals attending meetings. The students further expressed that they want the new officer to collaborate as well as coordinate alongside student groups while encouraging departments to do the same. Students also articulated that they would like the officer to be more forward thinking and proactive, all while striving to make Wooster the best it can be.
“I’d like to see some of the school’s money being spent on bringing in better speakers who will talk about social issues, ones that will excite students and spark a conversation on campus,” said Davis.
Finally, Lawson asked the students why they attend Wooster.
“Why are you still here? What’s so special about Wooster?”
Many replied stating that the campus community is full of great people, passionate students, faculty and professors who all bear positive intentions.
President Bolton and the search committee are still taking comments regarding to ideas and thoughts for the role. The timeline to search for candidates is approximately six weeks in anticipation for the final candidates to be interviewed in early November with a decision soon thereafter.