Cornell's Bias Response Program was implemented in 2001 to help create an inclusive educational and work environment. Four open forums are slated for March to collect feedback about the program's effectiveness and suggestions for improvement.

The University Assembly and the University Diversity Council, with the assistance of the Employee Assembly, are holding the forums to better support Cornell's commitment to diversity and inclusiveness, which is spelled out in the university's 2010-15 Strategic Plan, and to ensure the bias response program is as responsive to the needs of students, faculty and staff members as possible.

The Bias Response Program is designed to collect reports of bias on campus -- faculty, staff members or students who feel that they have experienced or observed bias activity are encouraged to report the action. The reports are compiled and used to inform training and informational programs.

The assembly and diversity council, however, are looking to revamp the program. The forums will address such areas of concern as the reporting and filing of alleged bias activity, finding information about reported bias activity on the campus, effectively using the data as a metric for the university's progress in addressing diversity, and developing an understanding of community expectations regarding respect, civility, and a welcoming environment for individuals from diverse backgrounds.

"Many Cornell staff members have approached the Employee Assembly and expressed concerns about the general level of civility within their department and at the university. We believe this is an excellent opportunity to address some of their concerns at a broad level. The Employee Assembly is proud to be a part of this initiative," said Tanya Grove, chair of the Employee Assembly.

"These forums will help us tailor the Bias Response Program to the needs of our community," said Curtis Ferguson II, assistant director of multicultural programs at the Hotel School. "We have analyzed similar endeavors from other universities, but we want to structure the program to address our specific needs and weaknesses -- not those of other colleges -- and collaborating with the Cornell community is key in ensuring that."

The assembly and diversity council hope that the dialogue at the open forums will help them to better understand the expectations of the Cornell community regarding respect and civility and will elicit suggestions for further developing a welcoming environment for individuals from diverse backgrounds. "We want to create an atmosphere where people understand each other. It's about recognizing the differences among us and not trying to create uniformity," said Ramsey Ataya '13, ILR School, and a member of the University Assembly.

The Bias Response Feedback forums are scheduled for:

March 9, noon-1 p.m., Lecture Hall 1 (VEC Education Center), Schurman Hall

March 16, 4:30-5:30 p.m., Big Red Barn

March 24, noon-1 p.m., 121 Weill Hall,

March 29, 4:30-5:30 p.m., Memorial Room, Willard Straight Hall.

No registration necessary.

Lynette Chappell-Williams is the associate vice president for workforce diversity and inclusion.