November 2013 Update
Linfield College has moved forward on its 2012-18 Strategic Plan by enhancing its commitment to diversity; expanding support of sustainability through academic programs and community efforts; completing a site visit for the reaccreditation of the Linfield-Good Samaritan School of Nursing; and implementing Phase I of the Strategic Facilities Initiative.
Enhance and expand commitment to diversity
The college's diversity statement, "Respect Diversity - Linfield College honors human rights and academic freedom, celebrates diverse cultures, fosters a climate of mutual respect, and promotes an inclusive environment that affirms the value of all persons," now appears on a series of posters displayed in many classrooms, conference rooms and offices on both the McMinnville and Portland Campuses. The posters not only renew the commitment of the college, but serve as a reminder that our community is made up of individuals who vary in age, sexual orientation, religion and economic class as well as color and culture.
The President's Advisory Committee on Diversity, appointed by the president last year, spearheaded efforts to create a diversity website to provide a central location and clearinghouse for a variety of information, including academic and student support, information on the diversity committee, links for international students, and a link to the five diversity posters. A "respect diversity" panel is a permanent part of the slideshow on the home page. Expansion of the website will continue.
Joann Moody, a nationally known faculty development and faculty diversity specialist, will visit Linfield in late November. She will present a series of workshops with faculty and staff to further the college's efforts to attract a diverse faculty.
Sustainability efforts expanded across campus
Duncan Reid '10, environmental stewardship and sustainability assistant, engages students in a variety of projects, assists faculty who seek to incorporate sustainability more fully into their courses, and works with facilities personnel to keep Linfield at the forefront of sustainable practices. Faculty were invited to participate in a sustainability in curriculum workshop, and some classes have integrated sustainability projects into course work.
The Sustainable Food Systems Internship Program, launched last summer, gives students the opportunity to take a critical look at our current food system, and even put in sweat equity on local farms. Students attended guest lectures, went on field trips and studied the history, business and politics of food. They explored whether local, sustainable food systems are a viable solution to the problems associated with industrial agriculture.
The college launched a Zero Waste Campaign to reduce the amount of waste taken to the landfill. Those efforts include adding compost buckets to each residence hall and a solar-powered trash compactor and new recycling bins throughout the college including all athletic fields.
Reid's efforts were recognized with the Educator of the Year award presented by the Yamhill Soil and Water Conservation District.
Nursing accreditation
In October Linfield-Good Samaritan School of Nursing hosted site visit teams from the Oregon State Board of Nursing and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. The visits coincided with the regularly scheduled renewal periods for both state approval and voluntary accreditation. During the visit site visitors met with students, faculty and administrators to evaluate compliance with regulatory and quality indicators. At the conclusion of the site visit both teams found LGSSON to be in full compliance with all standards and offered commendations in areas related to students, faculty and program evaluation. The Oregon State Board of Nursing will vote on final approval in February and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education will make a final decision on accreditation in April.
Phase I, Strategic facilities planning
Phase I of a three-part strategic facilities planning effort will begin implementation in the coming months. The project will address how to best utilize facilities and space on both the McMinnville and Portland Campuses to support the goals of the Strategic Plan: strengthen academic programs, enhance the college's regional, national and global connection and strategically align Linfield's resources.
In recent months a number of changes were made on the Portland Campus. The college has assumed management of the residence hall on the Portland Campus. That has resulted in some renovations as well as a revitalized and expanded student life program. This fall, a former science lab was renovated into a mid-fidelity nursing lab, which consolidated facilities to create a more unified and efficient space.
On the McMinnville Campus, Phase I calls for Melrose Hall to be reorganized to create more effective space to better serve students, faculty and the community. In the coming months, the lower floor will be designed around a "student services" theme, to create a one-stop location that will include financial aid, registrar, student accounts, enrollment services, career development, academic advising and learning support services. The main floor of Melrose will focus on public outreach with the upper floor emphasizing leadership and support.
The Observatory will house a Sustainability Center and Withnell Commons will become home for Community Engagement Services, creating a student community service and engagement hub adjacent to the community garden.
Student Health Services in Walker Hall were realigned last year to improve staff effectiveness and access for students, faculty and the community. Some modifications are planned. The main change in Walker Hall will be the creation of a large suite to serve as an International Center accommodating the Political Science Department and International Programs Office to provide better proximity to the Sociology/Anthropology and Modern Languages Department.