Beginning in the spring of 2004, the University will begin testing a new online diversity exercise which is scheduled to become mandatory for all students by the fall of 2005.
Once implemented, the online training system, plans for which were announced at the May 31 Board of Visitors meeting, will be required in order for students to register for classes.
Pat Lampkin, University vice president for student affairs, emphasized that the ungraded course will be "totally anonymous" and is intended as a first step toward possibly bringing students together for face-to-face dialogue.
A month-long request for proposal for the project was issued on July 1, during which companies will apply to develop the exercise.
"What we're asking for is an interactive online exercise that will expose people to differing thoughts and differing opinions," Lampkin said.
Student Council President Daisy Lundy said she sees the course as a way to apply ideals of diversity to everyday life at the University.
"I think the course will bring together history, the current state of affairs and a practical application of what [students] have learned," Lundy said. "I hope students will be open to the idea that it's for their own good and the betterment of the University."
Though the exact methodology of the course will depend on which company receives the contract, Lampkin offered an example of how the course may function.
In the example Lampkin outlined, students would be presented with a video stream or text scenario in which several students are dressed in blackface at a Halloween party, similar to the incident which occurred at a University fraternity party last fall. They would then be presented with five different opinions, from which they would choose the one which most closely matched their own.
After choosing an opinion, students might be presented with a link to a history of blackface and its historical connotations. Student might also have the opportunity to see how others responded.
Systems Engineering Prof. James Lark, an active member of the Libertarian Party and faculty advisor to the University Liberty Coalition, endorsed the idea of diversity but warned that the issues are rarely one-sided.
"You'd like to have a situation where everything is clear and the people representing your view are the good guys," Lark said. "But usually there are good points to be made on both sides."
Lark said diversity issues can "sometimes mean not saying anything that could possibly offend anyone," and said, in contrast, that he believes that diversity on campus can be compatible with unrestricted debate.
Once the administration accepts a bid from a company, a small number of faculty and students will contribute ideas to the actual development.
Lampkin said there has been a good turnout of firms interested in the project, including 15 who attended a question and answer session about the project on July 14.
A total of $100,000 from the general education fund was set aside for the project, though the exact price of the project depends on the bid.
The new program is not intended to replace current efforts to increase understanding on Grounds, but rather to enhance their effectiveness, said Christina Morell, assistant vice president for student affairs.
"The intent is to establish a baseline of information that would be built on through small group discussions and other program efforts," she said.
Associate Editor Mary Pumphrey contributed to this report
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