USD Magazine Fall 2014

Designed to take USD through 2019, the plan has two initiatives: to stress the concepts of learning without borders, and living USD values. Learning without borders emphasizes the creation of inclu- sive spaces and places, working in partnership with faculty as well as systems and technology, and providing student access to services. Living USD values stresses healthy mind, body and spirit, diversity and inclusive excellence, and a commitment to local and global changemaking. Of course, making sure the community is welcoming to all is important. Dr. del Rio believes the whole campus community should be involved. “Everyone who works at USD needs to see a way that their work can fit into being ready and prepared to respect others’ diverse experiences.” His strategic plan for diversity and inclusive excellence aims to “conceptualize difference as a manifestation of culture, espe- cially in the context of the Catho- lic intellectual tradition.” Allen stresses the importance of a holistic approach to educat- ing our undergraduates, he says. “It’s about mind, body and spirit,” he says. “As a faith-based institu- tion, we need to make sure our students grow spiritually. It’s our job to take them out of their com- fort zone, to get them out into the world and see other cultures and other ways of doing things.” Ketchum, a marine biology major who’ll be serving as Associ- ated Students chief of staff this year, says it was cool to witness the thought and passion that goes into planning for future stu- dents. “Plus I got to connect with people I don’t normally connect with,” he recalls with a grin. “I mean, I spoke to the whole group. Afterwards, Student Affairs Vice President Carmen Vazquez came up to me and gave me a hug. She said, ‘Thank you Crash, for being here. We really needed you.’ I felt really special and valued. I want that for other students too.”

Associate Provost for Inclusion and Diversity Esteban del Rio, PhD, has been addressing USD’s commitment to creating an empathetic and compas- sionate campus culture for years. He says, “It’s about creating the com- munity we say we’re supposed to be.” Toward that end, Dr. del Rio has created a strategic plan for diversity and inclu- sive excellence that plots a course through 2020. He explains, “USD’s roots in Catholicism are the cornerstone of this plan, as is our conviction that all human beings are created by God and thus deserve dignity, love and respect.” 17 Years the United Front Multicultural Center (UFMC) has been present in the USD community. 38 Percent of all entering Fall 2013 first- year and transfer students identified as underrepresented and underserved. 34 Percent of undergraduates enrolled in Fall 2013 that identified as part of this group. 90 Percent of students from underserved and underrepresented populations who re-enrolled from Fall 2011 to Fall 2012. 24 Percent increase of full-time international first-year students from Fall 2012 to Fall 2013. 14 Percent of 2013 undergraduates eligible for a Pell grant.

TIM MANTOANI

Youtopia”); and some were extremely specific (“All USD Stu- dents Received Their Flu Shots.” But the common thread woven throughout was the genuine car- ing of those in the room. All were determined to transform ideal- ism into practicum. In many ways, building a bet- ter student life experience comes down to building stronger rela- tionships. “We want to work more closely with faculty in inte- grating the academic and non- academic experience,” says Leary. “We’re looking to create seamless learning, in and out of the class- room.” And that worthy goal is going to require buy-in from across campus: “Our plan is to integrate this approach in a coor- dinated effort, for both faculty and non-faculty.”

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FALL 2014