Broadcaster Press 03 September 18, 2012 www.broadcasteronline.com Martiñez hopes to instill ‘exclusive excellence’ Spotlight On By Travis Gulbrandson travis.gulbrandson@plaintalk.net As USD’s new associate vice president for diversity, Jesús Martiñez is looking forward to instilling what he calls “inclusive excellence” at all levels of the university. It’s important to remember that diversity and inclusiveness are two different things, he said. “Diversity is really much more about numbers – how many African-American or other students do you have, and then do you have the programs to bring them in … to make sure that they are supported once they are here,” Martiñez said. Inclusiveness has a much broader definition. “It includes many different groups, and it is about making sure that all groups feel welcome throughout the university,” he said. Martiñez and everyone else at the USD Office for Diversity will be involved in working to help achieve this goal, and to set a diversity inclusiveness agenda. Once inclusive excellence really gets going, we will have that throughout the university, and everyone will be asked to make a contribution, all the way from administrative assistants to vice presidents and deans,” he said. The work is about transforming the institution as a whole, Martiñez said. “It’s about shifting the responsibility to everyone on the campus, not just this office,” he said. “We’re going to do our part, but there is no way we can do diversity programs for another unit. They have to do it, and we will come in and consult, support and help. Otherwise we will burn out. We’re too small. “I envision that we will start to see the different schools start their own inclusiveness projects and initiatives, looking at how they conduct business and figuring out how we can actually change a policy,” he said. Changing a policy to include something as simple as a diversity statement is an important step, he said. “Right now, the biggest problem that we have on 2901 Broadway, Suite E Next to Sears Yankton, SD 57078 most college campuses is that people just don’t think about it. ‘Oops, I left the disability ramp out of the building when I designed it. I didn’t think about it,’” Martiñez said. “A policy saying that as an architect you need to consider acces- 605-260-4653 It’s so easy to convert your unwanted gold and silver jewelry and other gold items into quick money. Stop in today and we’ll appraise and buy your items on the spot. INDOOR STORAGE RENT/LEASE WE BUY Former Arkfeld Manufacturing building, South Hwy. 81, Norfolk. • Coins-Gold, Silver & Platinum • Bullion-Gold, Silver & Platinum • Silver Flat Ware • Silver Jewelry • Gold Jewelry • Broken Chains • Old Rings • Bracelets • Dental Gold Will remodel to suit. 402-598-0642 We do not purchase diamond or gem stones. 2012 GMC Terrain SLE-1 2.9%to Financing for up 60 mo 2.4L 4 cylinder, auto, A/C, tilt, cruise, p. windows, p/locks, AM/FM/XM CD, aluminum wheels, On Star sibility would remind you that inclusiveness is important.” In many ways, inclusive excellence is the same as academic excellence, Martiñez said. “It is one and the same because students from rent YOUR PRICE 26,995 $ View Entire Inventory at www.rasmussenmotors.com Rasmussen Motors 209 W. Cherry St., Vermillion, SD 605-624-4438 • 1-800-568-5004 backgrounds bring gifts, talents, histories, experiences and worldviews in addition to academics,” he said. “It’s all those things taken together that we are calling inclusive excellence.” Martiñez started at USD July 30, and moved into his office at the Muenster University Center about two weeks ago. Prior to arriving in Vermillion, he worked for nine years at the University of Denver, where he was associate provost for multicultural excellence. Since classes have begun he has started the process of reaching out to the Student Government Association and other cam- pus organizations. He said he is most looking forward to working with the students. Martiñez said he also is looking forward to working with HR and other departments to help diversify the staff and faculty at USD. “The goal is not really to hire an African-American, or to force the committees to hire an AfricanAmerican,” he said. “The goal is, can we get a diverse pool so they at least have a chance to be looked at. The problem is, we don’t have diverse pools. It just depends on where you advertise, how your job description looks, how your ad looks. “It depends on a lot of different things,” he said. “You’ve got to go the extra mile.” The USD Office for Diversity is located in Room 143 in the Muenster University Center. For more information, call (605) 677-3925, or email diversity@usd.edu. Classified Work! Call 624-4429.