Our Mission

USFSP students

Our purpose is to work collaboratively to create a climate and sense of community within the University that is safe, affirming, and inviting for all administrators, faculty, staff and students.

We will seek to accomplish this goal through a variety of approaches, including, but not limited to advising and assisting the Regional Chancellor by:

1. reviewing policies regarding equity and discrimination concerns;
2. examining current policies, procedures, practices, programs and curricula within USFSP;
3. reviewing evaluations of USFSP's interpersonal climate;
4. serving as a consulting and educational resource on multicultural issues and activities at USFSP; and
5. serving as a resource and contributing member to the USF system on multicultural issues and activities.

Composition and Charge

Advisory Council's Composition

Administrators, faculty, staff, and students who represent as closely as possible the diversity of our community  in terms of factors including, but not limited to race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation and gender identity, ability and disability, age,  rank, and longevity within the USFSP community will comprise the Council. The objective is the formation of an advisory council that represents a variety of different voices within USFSP to engage in rich discussions and work that furthers our goal of creating a safe, affirming, and inviting university community for all faculty, staff and students.

The council will consist of at least four faculty members. One faculty member from each of the three colleges, and one from the Poynter Library. Additional members may be recommended by the Council to provide additional representation to inform and to assist the Council in its work.

• Two staff members shall be recommended to serve by the USFSP Staff Council.    
• Two staff members shall be recommended to serve by the USFSP  A & P Council.                                                                                                           
• The President of the USFSP Student Government Association, or her/his designee, shall be a full member of the Council.
• One administrator shall be appointed by the Regional Chancellor.
• The chair of the council is to be appointed annually by the Regional Chancellor.

Term of Appointment

Faculty, administrators, and staff are to be appointed to the Council by the Chancellor for two year renewable terms. To ensure continuity, the Council members will work together to recommend staggered terms so that no more than fifty percent of the council rotates off the council in any given academic year. The student representative shall serve a one or two year term as appointed by the Student Government Association.

The Charge of the Council

The charge of this Council is as follows:

1. Serve as the Regional Chancellor’s Advisory Council by offering advice and counsel on issues related to diversity and inclusive community.
2. Follow continued review of current policies and procedures.
3. Examine policies, procedures, practices, programs, and curricula within USFSP and the USF system to ensure the promotion of fair practices and an inviting environment for all students, faculty, staff, and administrators.
4. Serve as advisory to the Chancellor on multicultural issues and activities that emerge across the campus. Provide opportunities for all members of the USFSP Community to develop skills necessary for working in a multicultural society.
5. Continually monitor university efforts to fiscally support multicultural activities at USFSP.
6. Continually monitor university efforts to increase the financial assistance available to USFSP students so that more non-traditional students (e.g., experienced professionals in other fields, under-represented groups in education, and older adults seeking first degrees) can pursue professional careers in education.

All recommendations from the Council for procedural and policy changes will be forwarded directly to the Regional Chancellor.