1997 - Incidents on campus raised the question "How is our campus 'culture' for non-dominant groups?" A task force was formed to look at diversity issues on campus and how the campus as a community was supporting the core value of "valuing diversity." Through focus groups and surveys we learned that some students who were not members of the dominant culture felt very devalued and marginalized.

1999-Task force developed 18 recommendations. One of these was a mandated campus-wide diversity experience.

1999-2001 - Sexual/affectional orientation included in "protection" statement.

Assistant to the President for Cultural Diversity named.

GEAC Board looked at core classes to see how well issues of diversity were addressed in the curriculum.

2001- Committee established to begin training initiative.

President's Council for Cultural Diversity began looking at 18 recommendations and working with President Stanton to keep diversity in the forefront at ETSU.

2001 - Committee formed to develop training modules for faculty, staff, and students. Modules were piloted with Student Affairs staff, the English department, and several student groups/classes, then presented to the President's Council.

2002 - Endorsement by President Stanton of training initiative.

2002 -Logistics and Implementation Committee formed to outline steps that would bring to the campus a 6-hour diversity training that would have integrity and worth. Committee remains in effect until campus-wide training is complete, fall 2004, or spring 2005.

2003- Training for the educators who will be facilitating the training process campus-wide begins January 31 and continues through the summer.

Fall, 2003- Diversity training for all faculty and staff projected to begin.