The Task Force on Diversity initiated its work with the acknowledgement that it is not uncommon for such groups to produce extensive recommendations that generate little change. While most reports are written with great care, represent the excitement of the participants, and express strong commitments, they are commonly plagued with several pitfalls—recommendations must be approved, membership commitment is lost, support structures are not in place, etc.

To circumvent these and other implementation shortcomings, the Task Force on Diversity was conceived with different assumptions. First, the role and planned direction of the Task Force was shared with the YSU Board of Trustees to ensure, in advance, their commitment and endorsement. Second, an interactive process was established so that preliminary Task Force recommendations were referred back to the various campus committees/councils for discussion. Third, recommendations were translated into specific actions. Finally, these outcomes and necessary implementation structure were approved by the University President and referred back to the Task Force for refinement.

The plan of action that follows requires no additional review or approval. The necessary commitments have been made, structures have been created, strategies and actions have been detailed, and evaluation and review mechanisms have been put in place. The lone task that remains is for the campus/community leadership to move forward with the implementation of the plan. This action assumes a broad-based commitment from various individuals and groups to ensure the success of the six distinct, but interrelated, diversity plan components that focus on:

• Administrative commitment and support
• Community-based interaction
• University academic enhancements
• University employment practices
• University diversity improvements
• University student recruitment and retention

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