The IDE Strategic Plan Steering Group met to discuss data gathering and coordination with the campus anti-racism training. Consultants from Cambridge Hill Partners (CHP) provided an update on their discussions with Institutional Research at Carleton focusing on climate surveys, retention and graduation rates, and other research that focuses on the scope of the IDE Plan. CHP estimates this analysis will be completed by mid-April. Additionally, the focus groups led by CHP consultants kicked off with two sessions on Wednesday, March 10. One session was devoted to alumni volunteer leaders and the other was devoted to exempt staff. A total of 29 focus groups are scheduled which will include alumni, students, faculty, staff and parents. Some of the sessions will be targeted to BIPOC, LGBTQ+, women, and other subgroups within the Carleton community. The Focus Group sessions run through the end of April. CHP estimates the summary from the focus group part of the data gathering will be completed by the end of May. Meanwhile over 1000 community members have provided input through the questionnaire.
Dr. Bryana French and Dr. Stephen Brookfield, who serve as the trainers for the anti-racism initiative, joined the IDE Steering Group and CHP consultants. While the two projects are different — one focused on providing hands-on training for faculty, staff and volunteer leaders and the other to develop a long-term plan for broad based inclusion — the two are interrelated. Dr. French and Dr. Brookfield provided a summary of the training program and perhaps more importantly the feedback and concerns raised by participants.