Community, Family, and Addiction Sciences

Statement on Access & Engagement

As a department, we are committed to enhancing the human condition and building communities of campus access & engagement. This includes upholding the principles outlined in the following: College of Human Sciences' Campus Access & Engagement and TTU Campus Access & Engagement, and by treating our students and colleagues with the dignity and respect they deserve. We stand with the CMFT faculty in our department who wrote, "We are committed to listening, and we will continue our lifelong efforts to educate ourselves, raise awareness, and speak out for the change that is essential for reducing disparities and working to heal the trauma of those who are affected the most. We acknowledge the pain experienced as the result of systemic oppression and discrimination happening to many communities...we see you, and we are here for you." As a department, we will support initiatives that are focused on eliminating the systemic bias that has marginalized and oppressed people of color for far too long. Given recent events, we note the current tragedies associated with the Black community and are highly supportive of their unique struggle for racial justice.

In an effort to provide this support and participate in the process of change, we offer some initial steps the CFAS department will focus on as we attempt to move forward and improve the human condition. We recognize these steps are not exhaustive and welcome thoughtful feedback and suggestions related to them.

• Make greater efforts to recruit and mentor graduate students from HBCU's for our graduate programs—mentoring for HS students (McNair scholars and Mentor Tech).
• Continue to make every effort to recruit diverse faculty members.
• Encourage at least 1 faculty member per year to participate in the Institute for Inclusive Excellence.
• Require all incoming graduate students to complete the "Voices for Change" training course offered by Campus Access & Engagement.
• Include conversations about campus access & engagement within each faculty meeting by sharing relevant content about our campus and student needs.
• Encourage faculty to attend at least one workshop, seminar, or other event related to increasing self-awareness around issues of campus access & engagement.
• Encourage faculty to become a member of the National Center for Faculty Development & Diversity. (https://www.facultydiversity.org/institutions/ttu).
• Regularly conduct an anonymous survey of our students (undergraduate and graduate) and faculty about the department's strengths and areas of growth related to campus access & engagement.
• Involve and listen to student voices when considering survey and other feedback.
• Showcase student and faculty research related to issues of race, gender, and sexuality.