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"The celebration of diversity is one of our
very dearly held core values. Our sense of community
is enriched by the collective cultural differences
and backgrounds of the individuals we bring to this
campus. We recognize that the diversity of those individuals
provides a greater perspective and a more complete
experience for all of us."
- Joe Castiglione,
Director of Athletics
Athletics Diversity Council
The University of Oklahoma
Athletics Diversity Council, comprised of employees
within the university and athletics department, was
established in the fall of 2004. The creation of the
council was the result of a stated goal in the 2004
five-year Minority Issues Plan, as part of the NCAA
certification process.
Appreciation
of Diversity is an athletics department core value
and the council is charged with supporting this core
value through advising on departmental diversity initiatives,
designed to increase awareness and promote the importance
of diversity to the organization and its individual
members. The athletics diversity council strives
to create a working environment where issues of diversity
can be discussed comfortably while respecting differing
opinions and views.
The council meets regularly to discuss various issues
and advises the athletics department staff and coaches
on programs and educational initiatives that support
our desire to build and maintain an inclusive and diverse
environment.
ADC Graduate Assistant Program |
More Info
The ADC Graduate Assistantship program, one of several
initiatives created by the ADC, was implemented to
increase the diversity of potential job candidates
in the field of athletics administration. Each year
this program selects two participants from a national
pool of applicants to pursue their graduate degree
while devoting 30 hours per week for four semesters
working in the athletics department.
Bridge Builders | More Info
Bridge Builders is the first and only organization
for, about, and run by African-American student-athletes
at the University of Oklahoma. The mission of Bridge
Builders is to effectively address and find solutions
to the academic, athletic, social, cultural and emotional
issues unique to African-American student-athletes.
For student-athletes to meet their full potential,
the following seven core topic areas, when developed,
should help in the process: spiritually, health, politics,
education, economics, activism and community involvement.
Bridge Builders is heavily involved in community
service including charitable organizations within the
Norman and Oklahoma City area; and two schools from
the Norman Public School District.
Diversity Education Program | More
Info
Education and awareness of diversity to all athletics
department employees is important. That is why in 2005,
the Diversity Education Program was started. Each year
every department within athletics nominates one individual
to participate in the program. The program is designed
to enhance one of the core values of the Athletics
Department, "Appreciation of Diversity." Each
monthly session focuses on developing a greater understanding
of the overall issues in diversity and how to work
as a cohesive unit free of prejudice and discrimination.
The sessions begin in October and run through May.
The group meets once a month for lunch sessions moderated
by Dr. Penny Pasque.
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OU Athletics Diversity Programs
McClendon Center for Intercollegiate Athletics |
180 W Brooks, Norman, OK 73019
Phone: (405) 325-8798 | Email: athleticsdiversityco@ou.edu
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