UCG Three Year Plan

 

 

United Common Ground

3-Year Organizational Plan

Spring 2011

 

Table of Contents

   I. Executive Summary

1. Mission
2. History
3. 2011 Restructure and Concentrated Focus- Inclusive Excellence
4. Accomplishments
5. Challenges and Opportunities

 

   II. Three Year Plan

1. Goals and Objectives

 

   III. Organization’s Operation Plan

1. Group structure
2. Advisor Responsibilities
3. Method and processes for obtaining student body feedback

 

   IV. Funding Plan

1. Budget
2. Budget summary sheet

 

United Common Ground

Executive Summary

 

Student Life Mission:

As educators, we promote total student development, build inclusive learning communities, and prepare students for successful work and global citizenship.

 

Advocate – Educate – Celebrate

           

United Common Ground (UCG) Mission Statement:

United Common Ground is a student-led programming organization that develops, implements, and hosts programs on diversity, multiculturalism and contemporary issues.

           

History of Organization

 The organization believes in the idea that learning is not confined to the classroom or credit courses, but rather takes place in every aspect of the student’s college experience.  The Student Activities Board (SAB) voted in 2003 to separate programming funds previously allocated by staff from within the Campus Center budget. The purpose was to create a student-led organization– the Educational Programming Board (EPB), now known as UCG.

 

In its first year of existence (FY 2003-04) programs were specifically designed at improving the climate for cultural diversity on the Madison College campus.  Programs were linked with campus events and one K-12 classroom outreach program.

 

In 2005-2006, UCG (formerly EPB) was on a temporary hiatus first semester, due to not having an advisor in place.  Therefore, there were limited campus activities offered.  Second semester, a full-time advisor was hired and UCG efforts were set in motion.

 

From 2007-2010 UCG created some core events which grounded the roots of the organization.  Many of these events were intergenerational and internal/external collaborations.  Examples of these events were: Hispanic Heritage Month, Día de Los Muertos, Black History Month, Earth Day. UCG has rekindled it’s partnerships with UW Madison is lending sponsorship to the Madison World Music Festival which began in 2003 and re-established in 2009.  As part of this collaboration we hosted the Haitian groups DJarara  at the Truax and South campus and the community sponsored Willy Street Fair. Thereby, exposing our students and the community to global music and cultural diversity.

 

2011 Restructure and Concentrated Focus- Inclusive Excellence Model

 

Many colleges around the country are currently realigning themselves with the principles of an Inclusive Excellence Model for their institution. UW -Madison and 3 other system schools have adopted this model ( UW Whitewater, La Crosse, & Oshkosh). UW Madison Vice Provost of Diversity & Climate, Dr Damon Williams is one of the leading experts in this field. UCG has decided to realign it’s effort to fit this type of  model.

 

Inclusive Excellence is the active, intentional and ongoing engagement with diversity. It promotes learning, critical thinking and personal enrichment, as well as teaches people how to contribute to an increasingly diverse and global society. The model promotes civic knowledge/engagement and increases intercultural knowledge and competencies at all levels of the college. It also encourages more informal interaction with faculty and staff.

 

Our activities create educational opportunities outside the classroom in interesting and creative ways. Through these events we can learn and develop a sense of social responsibility, become engaged in advocacy, participate in cultural celebrations and dispel myths about stereotypes. By educating and bring awareness to campus we can start to overcome attitudes of racism, prejudice, fear and bias.

All of our access, diversity goals, values and practices are interconnected and interdependent. By doing so, diversity will be woven into the works and lives of all students/staff/faculty. Creating an atmosphere where everyone can excel.

 

The model takes a critical examination of our approach to equity and diversity. No single organization or person can create an effective program without help. Building collaborations takes time and effort. We need to link expertise/resources and align efforts across departments and units within the institution.

All of Madison College needs to share the responsibility and dedicate ourselves to building a culture of inclusiveness and excellence.

 

In order to build an effective multicultural/diversity/equity framework for UCG and the college, it is  everyone's mission to help :

-Create learning opportunities for student development that is purposeful & holistic

-Create opportunities for students to have intentional interaction with multicultural/diverse/historically marginalized groups

-Enhance students understanding of cultures/heritages/identities other than their own as well as understanding their own biases & prejudicial stereotypes

-Provide access to cultural/recreational/academic/social activities

-Coordinate efforts to promote multicultural sensitivity/cultural competencies

-Create a safe, just campus climate

 -Provide space/place to become more multiculturally competent.

 

Inclusiveness and excellence are one and the same.

 

Deliverables to student body:

 

UCG offers opportunities for students to learn about diversity, multiculturalism and contemporary/social issues.  These programs are offered free (or at reduced charge) to Madison College students as a means to enhance learning in a freely accessible manner. UCG’s vision is to initiate campus wide events that will raise awareness and understanding about marginalized/oppressed groups where all are valued, respected and supported in fulfilling their goals and expressing their opinion.  Additionally, UCG strives to promote understanding about the needs of these groups/issues and provide opportunities to all for action and interaction. UCG focuses on the education of acceptance and tolerance by promoting a safe environment where people with different culture, ethnicity and values are treated with respect and dignity.

 

Empowerment & Leadership Opportunities:

As a student organization, UCG also offers opportunities for members to develop leadership skills.  Knowledge gained includes: Enhanced perspective regarding diversity, improved communications and critical thinking skills, intentional social interaction, global and cultural perspectives.  Additional skills include: professional responsibility, time management, event planning, public speaking, running effective meetings and delegation of responsibilities. Student leaders in UCG work with the advisor to assess their growth and development.

 

 

Intentional Learning:

UCG offers opportunities for students to learn about diversity, multiculturalism and contemporary/social issues.  These programs are offered to Madison College students as a means to enhance learning in a freely accessible manner.  UCG’s vision is to initiate campus wide events that will educate and promote understanding about marginalized/oppressed groups. UCG strives to promote understanding about the needs of these groups/issues and provide opportunities to all for action and interaction. UCG focuses on the education of acceptance and tolerance by promoting a safe environment where people with different culture, ethnicity and values are treated with respect and dignity.

 

Define audience served:

 

The group’s primary responsibility is to provide quality programming and events at the college.  The mission of the group is to serve Madison College campuses and community.  Most programs are open to the public as a means to stimulate community engagement on important diversity, cultural, and social issues.  Programs also serve as a faculty involvement opportunity.  Madison College faculty and staff are encouraged to share ideas about how UCG can plan events that will interface with class curriculum.  Such opportunity is made possible through speakers and experts knowledgeable about diversity, multiculturalism, contemporary and social issues.

 

Accomplishments:

 

For the past three years UCG has put forth the effort to increase internal collaboration with clubs and organizations, expand outreach to the community, as well as other city post secondary institutions. Community outreach has focused on college exposure for K-8 students.

 

External:

 

During 2010-2011 UCG continued with its external partnerships with the Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD). Exposure of MMSD students to Madison College sponsored events will stimulate their interest in attending the institution. This type of exposure is a proactive, early recruitment tool.

Intergenerational/ community events which continue annually are Día De Los Muertos- Sugar Skull Decorating Workshop and Earth Day activities.  This year we have partnered with Free Legal Counsel- Immigration Issues.

 

In 2010 the partnership with UW-Madison and the World Music Festival proved quite successful.  This community event hosted over 10,000 participants on the UW-Madison campus, Willy Street Fair, and Madison College. We brought the Haitian group Djarara to campus. This group performed at the Truax and South Campuses. A documentary of the group was played at the Mitby Theatre for students and the community, followed by a question and answer session with the film maker. An outreach effort was also conducted with Leopold Elementary as well as a radio interview with Wisconsin Public Radio.

 

Internal:

 

We worked with Orgullo Latino to host the Hispanic Heritage Luncheon, featuring keynote speaker Lucia Nunez. Additionally we worked with the Center for International Education in hosting the Global Showcase and Immigration Panel Series. The Black History Luncheon brought about collaboration with the African Student Association, the Caribbean Ensemble Drumming Class as well as with faculty members of the college. At the Downtown Campus instructor Harold Gates presented Cultural Competencies 101. In April as part of an Earth Day celebration, we anticipate collaboration with the Volunteer Center, MESA and the Goodman Community Center to create a community garden. We intend to distribute sustainable water bottles and reusable tote bags as a part an environmental awareness initiative.

 

EVENTS

 

In 2010-2011 UCG presented the following events:

 

Fall 2010

 

• Hispanic Heritage Month (Salsa Fiesta) - The Salsa Fiesta is an interactive event featuring a historical overview of Salsa music with a live band and dance lessons.
• Hosted the Hispanic Heritage Luncheon, guest speaker Lucia Nunez.
• Immigration Panel Discussion- Access to Education
• Immigration Stories Revealed- PBS video
• International Education Week Celebrations- Global Showcase
• Día de Los Muertos-Intergenerational project with Leopold Elementary (85 students). Sugar skull decorating workshop

• Urban Arts Festival-Campus Fun Days

 

Spring 2011

 

• Diversity in the Sports World- Eric Studesville, Denver Bronco’s Coach- Live Stream
• Black History Month Luncheon- student/staff celebration, student showcase and Motown Review by Streetlife. Interactive History quiz with I-Clicker and video testimonials.
• Black History Month Quiz- SurveyMonkey
• Cultural Competencies 101- instructor Harold Gates

 

 

Spring 2011 (Pending)

 

• Women Empowerment Series- Self- Defense at each campus and documentary showing
• Earth Day- Community Garden- Collaboration with Volunteer Center and MESA

 

Tentative Events 2011-2012

 

•  Semester Welcome/Cultural  Kick-Off- You, Me, Us, United Common Ground
• World Music Festival co-collaboration with UW Madison, Union Theater, local community centers, radio stations, neighborhood associations
• Hispanic Heritage Month-various events, lectures, presentations
• Día de los Muertos
• Effects of Poverty-Awareness Series
• International Education Week Celebrations
• Black History Month
• Global Showcase
• Environmental Awareness Series
• Local/State/National conferences
• Kids on Kampus
• Women Empowerment Series
• Breaking Barriers- Racial and Social Stereotypes
• From Kings to Thugs to Presidents- Performing Art

 

Opportunities of the organization:

 

The intent of UCG is to educate and celebrate of the commonalities which unite all people.

 

The UCG budget request for 2011-12 reflects a 0% increase. Because the group was in a restructuring phase during fall of 2010 there were limited events presented, resulting in not a great amount of money being spent. During the previous fiscal year UCG exceeded their budget by over $4000. This overage was due to charges not being posted prior to June 29, 2010. In contract to this year, we are still giving back over $1000 dollars even though we exceeded our budget last year. As a self disciplinary action, we have decided to not ask for the 3% increase to prove our fiscal responsibility.

 

UCG hopes to present more internal collaboration through “awareness series” related to poverty, racism, equal rights, education, gender and environmental issues. Additionally, the group would like to increase collaboration externally with the Madison School District, community and University of Wisconsin Madison through local sponsored events.  One way to combine all three groups is through the World Music Festival; which brings forth the ability for UCG to host various international acts on campus thereby exposing our students to global culture. This partnership also provides our students the opportunity to gain coordinating experience by sitting on the planning committee. United Common Ground also shows great interest in another multi-faceted opportunity with the Center for International Education (CIE).  UCG would like to increase the collaboration as well with the CIE to promote cultural awareness, study abroad opportunities, and help create a welcoming environment for our international students as well as other under-represented marginalized groups. In summation, the organization has taken this opportunity to create a long term vision.

 

Challenges of the Organization:

 

In the first part of the semester, our main challenge was limited membership. It was decided upon to revamp the structure of the group. A shift took place between just promoting awareness and celebration to an Inclusive Excellence Model which adds a deeper educational component. Therefore, we began to structure our events around intentional learning which addresses how we would like the students to feel (affective), think (cognitive) and act (behavioral) during and after our events. This type of learning promotes education and promotes civic engagement.

 

Important challenges for the organization are to deal with the increasing cost of contracted services (entertainers, speakers, etc.), recruiting diverse groups which are inclusive of race, ethnicity, disability, religion, age, gender and sexual orientation.  United Common Ground plans to address these challenges by providing a complete breakdown of money distributed to specific events.  This will help the group to be aware of where the student’s interest areas are and will assist in event planning.

 

 

United Common Ground

3 Year Goals

 

Goals:

 

1. United Common Ground will provide high-quality learning experiences for the Madison College campus and community that promote education and understanding of diversity, multiculturalism, and social issues.

 

Objectives:

 

A. Develop ongoing programs to promote intercultural appreciation understanding and tolerance.

 

• Promote the celebration of cultural diversity through ongoing diversity programming that support a safe and welcoming atmosphere at Madison College.
• Develop programs that promote dialogue and cooperative interaction as well as celebrating distinct cultural heritages.
• Increase student involvement in the development and implementation of Inclusive Excellence programs.

 

B. Develop ongoing programs to increase students’ education and importance of contemporary social issues.

 

• Promote education and consciousness concerning issues effecting students and society as a whole.
• Develop programs that foster student participation and involvement regarding contemporary social problems.
• Develop students’ understanding of their role as global citizens and their responsibility for civic participation.

 

C. Develop ongoing programming to increase students’ global awareness.

 

• Promote understanding of multiple perspectives (heritages, experiences, values) of others.
•  Develop programs that cultivate student involvement and engagement with global issues.   
• Increased collaboration with the Center for International Education & UW-Madison World Music Festival.

 

2. United Common Ground will develop effective structures of communication to inform the campus community of UCG events and activities.

 

Objectives:

 

A. Coordinate UCG publicity efforts with existing Student Life and Madison College communications mechanisms.

 

• Record all UCG events on Student Life calendar.
• Provide timely and complete releases of information to Student Bulletin, and other Student Life publications.
•  Provide timely and complete information to Madison College Marketing Office for external advertising and press releases.
• For relevant events purchase advertising in Clarion student newspaper and/or external publications.
• Offer selected program live stream/archive.

 

B. Create, maintain and promote an UCG website.

 

• Establish and update a calendar of UCG educational events.
• Provide UCG recruitment information for chair and general membership opportunities.

 

3. The United Common Ground will collaborate with internal and external organizations and institutions to leverage broader community input and impact.

     

      Objectives:

 

        A. Foster collaboration and cooperation between Madison College clubs, organizations and  
             networking groups which are compatible with the mission of the UCG.

 

• Actively seek co-sponsorships and involvement of relevant students groups in developing UCG programs and events.
• Offer financial incentives for student intercultural collaboration through mini-grant awards for projects that facilitate teamwork and cooperation among diverse student groups (i.e. co-collaboration funding form).

 

     B. Increase outreach and partnering with middle/high schools, Community Based Organizations    

     (CBO’s) and other educational institutions.

 

• Develop contacts and liaisons within CBO’s through networking and student attendance at CBO events.
• Invite increased CBO involvement in the planning and participation in Student Life programming.
• Explore co-sponsorship and co-organization with CBO’s in the planning and
      implementation of community events and programs.
   

 

4. The United Common Ground will seek to continually improve the quality of its programming efforts.

 

       Objectives:

 

        A. Seek additional funding from both internal and external sources to provide additional events.

 

• Seek sources of additional funding and co-sponsorship opportunities requisite for nationally acclaimed speakers and performers.
• Research leading speakers relevant to issues and diversity themes, and establish contacts with speakers, agents and publishers.

 

        B. Increase efforts to include previously uninvolved faculty (including part-time teachers) in program
            planning and attendance.

 

• Initiate contact with faculty to integrate curriculum subject matter with UCG events.
• Encourage UCG students to speak in their classes and with their instructors regarding UCG opportunities.

 

          C. Increase programming for evening students and regional campuses.

 

• Offer events each semester at a regional campus location.
• Offer events each semester during evening or weekend timeslots

 

 

 

 

United Common Ground

Organizations Operations Plan

 

 

Structure of group:

 

In addition to general members, United Common Ground needs Chair positions to establish unity and leadership within the group. Five proposed Chairs to further the development of activities consist of: a Multicultural Programming Chair, Contemporary Issues Chair, Communications Chair, Graphic Design Chair, and a Finance Chair. They work together to: select speakers, publicize events, host events, and conduct follow-up activities to evaluate the success of the event, and recruitment of new members. Advising for the Chair positions is provided by the Student Life UCG advisor.

 

Abbreviated position descriptions (current):

 

Education/ Contemporary Issues Chair (initiate campus wide events that will educate and provide understanding about marginalized/oppressed groups and social/contemporary issues)

This position is responsible for developing/implementing educational programs/events/activities that educate students about current social/contemporary issues. The events should help students understand the relationship of their own lives and actions to current events.

 

Multicultural Chair (plan/ organize activities that highlight various cultural rituals/ celebrations/honorary months, etc.)

This position is responsible for developing/ implementing educational programs/events/activities that expand student’s exposure to diversity/multiculturalism. Events should both expand/foster student’s cultural competencies and assist in creating an inclusive campus environment.

 

Advocacy Chair (motivates, organize and promote civic engagement. Helps support and develop student’s sense of social responsibility)

This position is responsible for developing/implementing educational programs/events/activities that educate students about advocacy and social justice. Activities/ themes will challenge structures, processes and policies that do not promote equality, as well as inform students how they can become involved and active to bring about meaningful change. The events should help students understand the relationship of their own lives and actions to current events.

 

Community/ K-12 School System Outreach Chair (do outreach to public schools to develop a variety of intergenerational activities that provide positive, interactive learning experiences for K-12 students while providing exposure to the college)

This position is responsible for developing/implementing educational opportunities on campus. Additionally, outreach to community agencies for collaborative efforts and networking is encouraged.

 

Internal Collaborator Chair (learn how to build collaborations between various clubs, organization, departments and units, within the framework of the college, to work collaboratively in sponsoring events, speakers, etc.)

This position is responsible for assisting in developing/implementing educational programs/events/activities as co-curricular efforts, internally, to link expertise/resources to align inclusive excellence efforts across departments/units.

 

Advisor Responsibilities:

 

The UCG advisor will facilitate UCG programming, leadership development of UCG members, assessment feedback, and general oversight of the budget and organization operations.  In addition to providing leadership and assistance, as needed to support the organization and its mission, the UCG advisor will:

 

• Facilitate weekly meetings of UCG general membership.
• Meet weekly with each UCG chair.
• Host/facilitate at least one leadership development activity each semester (e.g. fall team building, spring budget).
• Lead group of UCG chairs and/or members to a local, regional, or national conference annually.

 

Significant operating procedures:

 

Benchmarks and Accountability: Based on the experience of the first years of the organization, each of the position descriptions above has been modified with a target number of programs. UCG encourages feedback from the student body to help create new events and promote visibility and success.

 

Assessment: Assessment is a critical process of UCG.  Students are asked to assess their own growth and development related to their skills. 

They are asked to assess their learning from UCG programs through surveys, integration of programs with classroom curriculum, and other feedback methods.  Over the course of the UCG three-year plan, students will be asked to modify or improve educational program offerings to move forward and establish the Inclusive Excellence Model. Through this process, UCG hopes to position itself as the vehicle to  begin the integration of diversity and unity at Madison College.

 

Member’s benefits and responsibilities:

 

Each of the chair positions receives a $250-$400 per semester scholarship to be paid after satisfactory advisor reviews at the end of each semester.  In addition to their programming responsibilities, chairs are responsible for recruiting other students to serve on UCG, attend educational events and meetings, and serve on relevant student committees (i.e. World Music Festival).  Students work closely with the advisor, whom provides contacts and ensures progress toward their learning objectives and goals.

 

Methods and process for obtaining student body feedback:

 

Attendees at individual events have been asked to complete surveys, video testimonial, online survey, I-Clicker quiz and write on a graffiti board that allows gathering of data regarding the effectiveness of the program in meeting learning objectives. Additional information is gathered about how participants were informed about the program.

UCG is currently exploring possibilities for a larger scale survey of student interests and needs related to educational programming, global issues, and cultural diversity.

 

Members 2010 - 2011

 

Eric Hardie-Hines

Ashley Staley

Tyler Ganser

Shaverick Allen

Reggie Hoskins

Char Braxton

Dan Brown

Christian Ramon

Johnny Torres

Udie Oliveras

Janis Scallion

Deandre Galligan

Cody Schingler