University to develop diversity exercise
By Cavalier Daily Staff | July 21, 2003Beginning 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.
