Ohio Dominican University Appoints President's Task Force On Multiculturalism
September 29, 2006
COLUMBUS, OH – In response to recent incidents on campus, Ohio Dominican University President Jack Calareso has appointed the President’s Task Force on Multiculturalism.
Judge Guy Reece II, a member of the university’s board of trustees, will chair the task force.
Judge Reece was appointed to the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas by Governor Bob Taft in May 2003. He is a retired colonel of the United States Army Reserve and earned several military awards including the Bronze Star and the Meritorious Service and Army Commendation Medals. He holds a B.G.S. in Business Administration from the University of Nebraska, and a juris doctorate from The Ohio State University College of Law. Judge Reece is a member of The Columbus and American Bar Associations and The American Arbitration Association’s Panel of Arbitrators. He has served on the boards of trustees for Maryhaven, the YMCA’s Metropolitan Board, and Directions for Youth, among others, and is a recipient of The Ohio State University’s Minority Alumni Award and Affirmative Action Award.
The task force will be charged with studying the culture, climate, programs and services on the Ohio Dominican campus, specifically in terms of how well the university lives its mission and values, and serves the life and learning needs of all members of the university community. In making the announcement, President Calareso reiterated a statement he made to the university community last week:
“As a Catholic and Dominican University, we cannot and will not tolerate discrimination and disrespect related to race, gender, ethnicity or religious preference. We are committed to living our mission and values and to support a culture of respect and civility for all students, faculty and staff.”
The President’s Task Force on Multiculturalism will be charged with:
- Conducting a review of the University’s curricular and co-curricular programs; organization and structure; residence life and campus environment; and policies and procedures, with particular attention to the University’s Mission Statement and Values (see attached).
- Providing the President with both an assessment and recommendations for changes and improvements to address the identified areas of needed improvement. These recommendations may include educational programs, services, policies and procedures, organization and structure.
The task force will complete its work on or before January 30, 2007. In order to accomplish this work, the task force will use a variety of methods to gather information and conduct assessment, including open meetings, individual meetings, document review, surveys, campus visits, and external resources.
Other members of the task force are:
- Adam Arnett, senior (Lancaster, OH), ODU
- Jonathan Beard, President and CEO of Columbus Compact Corporation and ODU trustee
- Dr. Anne Crimmings, Professor of Psychology, ODU
- Dr. Jill Dardig, Professor of Education, ODU
- Aleshia Dickerson, freshman (Columbus, OH) ODU Black Student Union
- The Most Reverend Bishop James A. Griffin, Former Bishop of the Diocese of Columbus and Distinguished Professor of Theology, ODU
- Christina Munoz, junior (Seaman, OH), President of the ODU Student Government Association
- Brian Otler, senior (Reynoldsburg, OH), ODU Black Student Union
- Sharon Reed, LPC, M.Ed., Director of Counseling Services, ODU
Ohio Dominican University is a four-year liberal arts institution, founded in 1911 in the Catholic and Dominican tradition. The university has approximately 3,000 students and offers undergraduate degrees in more than 50 majors as well as several graduate degree programs. Ohio Dominican uses a student-centered approach, with a commitment to quality teaching and learning and a number of academic programs of distinction.
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(excerpt)
“Ohio Dominican welcomes to its student body sincere seekers of truth whatever their age, gender, race, religious background, or ethnic and cultural heritage. All whose aspirations, maturity, and preparation draw them to pursuing a liberating education mutually enrich one another in the quest for truth in this small community of students, faculty, and staff, through curriculum, supporting services, and informal learning opportunities carried out in a climate or respect and freedom.”
(Value #4)
“As an institution with a compelling mission and a clear vision, Ohio Dominican values our diverse college community that respects individuals and promotes the common good.”
