Dean sets forum to facilitate diversity-related concerns

Diversity-related concerns at the Texas A&M College of Architecture can now be confidentially aired directly to the college’s associate dean for outreach and diversity, Cecilia Giusti, who is expanding her office hours to facilitate dialogue.

Giusti, who also chairs the [College of Architecture Diversity Council] (http://www.arch.tamu.edu/diversity/diversity-council/) , will be available to students, faculty and staff without an appointment every Monday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in her Langford A202 office.

“Students need to be able to communicate their concerns directly to the college,” she said. “Right now, the climate in this country is not very positive toward diversity and lot of our international, minority and LGBTQ students may feel marginalized.

“I don’t have a solution for every problem,” she added, “but it is very important for people to have someone who can validate and resolve their concerns.”

In addition to Giusti’s new open office hours, diversity-related concerns can be shared directly to the College Diversity Council at its biweekly meetings. For council meeting dates and times, email Kayla Wallace at kwallace@arch.tamu.edu .

“Council meetings are a safe place for people to talk about feelings,” said Giusti. “Every time we meet, we give people an opportunity to vent.”

The College of Architecture Diversity Council, an executive advisory group composed of faculty, staff, undergraduate and graduate students, includes representatives from every academic department. Established in 2011, the council is dedicated to equal treatment of all, regardless of ethnic background, religious beliefs, age, political beliefs, socio-economic status, sexual orientation, physical ability and gender.

Sarah Wilson
swilson@arch.tamu.edu