ANN ARBOR—The University of Michigan launched the new Diversity Matters at Michigan Web site today.

Available on the University Gateway at www.umich.edu, the 80-page site provides a portal to the scores of curricular and extra-curricular programs and initiatives, individuals and groups, and other resources available to advance and sustain a welcoming and diverse community.

“The structure of diversity programming at the University of Michigan is unique within higher education. It is part of our everyday life, woven into the fabric of each school, college, and unit,” said Lester P. Monts, senior vice provost for academic affairs. “The Diversity Matters at Michigan Web site will help advance these efforts by making those resources more accessible to everyone. It also provides an opportunity to share information about our extensive community service and K-12 outreach and pipeline programs with the communities beyond the University.”

Diversity Matters at Michigan also features information on resources based in the University’s 19 schools and colleges, and in non-curricular units and centers. Student, faculty, and staff resources, research and reports, the history of diversity at the University, information about current news and events and diversity-related legal issues in higher education round out the site’s offerings.

The Diversity Matters at Michigan Web site responds to a recommendation by the Diversity Blue Prints Task Force in its March 15 final report.

“The Diversity Matters at Michigan Web site clearly demonstrates the continued strength and vitality of diversity at the University,” said Provost Teresa Sullivan, who co-chaired the task force with Monts. “Diverse thought, identities and culture, interests and backgrounds, academic disciplines, and ideals underlie the academic excellence for which the University is renowned. This new site is just one of several efforts currently moving forward to ensure our excellence.”

Diversity Matters at Michigan was developed as a collaboration by the Office of the Provost, the Office of the Vice President for Communications, and the President’s Diversity Council.

“We are excited about the access this new site provides to interested individuals in the University community and beyond,” said council Chair Anthony Walesby, assistant provost and senior director of the U-M Office of Institutional Equity. “We will add content and capability to the site continuously, and are considering an interactive online platform to exchange ideas and information about best-practices.”

Diversity Matters at Michigan