Now considered by the Princeton Review as one of the most diverse schools in the country, UB owes its successes to a special committee created 14 years ago that still plays an important role, campus officials said.
Comprised of faculty, staff and students who represent a broad range of campus constituencies, the Diversity Committee develops university-wide workshops, conferences, and film series focusing on specific topics relevant to issues of tolerance and diversity.
Ellen Christensen, a Sub-Board official who is a member of the committee, said she believes it is important to understand and accept people's differences.
"Some students choose UB because of its diversity," said Christensen, director of Health Education and Human Services. "However, many people do not understand differences. One of the roles of the Diversity Committee is to provide education and accurate information in order to dispel myths. We do that through Life and Learning Workshops as well as other program offerings throughout the academic year."
Christensen said the challenge for UB is how to channel its enormous intellectual resources toward the celebration of its diversity, while preserving an environment conducive to learning.
"In a workshop offered by the Diversity Committee, we try to challenge students to go beyond their comfort zone, and to approach someone who is different and get to know a little bit about them," Christensen said.
Justin Oviedo, a junior communication major, said he believes there is diversity on campus, but there should be less separation of cultures.
"Under normal circumstances, people of various backgrounds tend to be subjected to cultural cliques," he said. "One goal of the committee should be to focus on the integration of all students based on individuality and the elimination of stereotyping based on first impressions."
Christensen said the Diversity Committee also created the "Diversity Advocates," comprised of students who offer interactive workshops for classes and other campus groups.
Dennis Black, vice president for student affairs, stressed the significance of the committee.
"This is an important issue being pursued by a dedicated group here at UB," he said.
The committee's seven sub-committees include disability, gender, race and ethnicity, and sexual orientation.
"We are promoting awareness in seven different target areas so that people become aware of the diversity of the university and we're trying to promote acceptance of those diversities," Christensen said.
Black echoed Christensen's sentiments.
"We need to always be rethinking our approaches to basic understanding and fairness. The Diversity Committee helps us focus that thinking," he said.
In the past two years, the committee has changed leadership. Vicki Sapp from Multicultural Affairs and Patrick Zengierski from Campus Ministries currently chair the committee.
"They have created a lot of new energy, new programming, and new attitudes," Christensen said.
"The issue requires an ongoing, as well as a fresh approach. The UB group is dedicated to both paths," Black said.
Ray Camacho, junior in business administration, said he believes the Diversity Committee has a great purpose on campus.
"UB is such a diverse campus that it is great to have a committee dedicated to protecting students' rights," he said. "We should celebrate our diversity - not be afraid of it."
