The freshmen have gone through their first two days successfully, the football team is undefeated and we are ready for a great year. Over the summer the Undergraduate Student Government has been working on many proposals and projects for the students.One of the major projects of the summer was the revision of the Draft Diversity Action Plan.The plan was revised over the summer, and some immediate questions were raised. How would these proposals be funded? How would there be accountability for the standards within the plan? These questions have been consistently raised ever since the first Draft Diversity Action Plan.Funding for diversity initiatives has been a perennial question at all universities across the country. To hammer out a plan that would both amply fund and have the accountability to institute change into the university has been a complex problem. This year’s Coke money and budget process has put diversity at the forefront.Diversity programs were a major part of the budget process. Now we will have the financial tools to back up the diversity plans that the students and administration have for the university. Out of the Coke funds there will be $100,000 set aside for diversity initiatives along with a $1 million endowment for Academic Programs in Diversity and $400,000 for seed Diversity Initiatives.Out of the Student Set Aside, $25,000 will go to Cultural Awareness and $31,000 for GLBT Outreach. This is a major commitment by the students and the administration to funding diversity initiatives. Within the new Diversity Action Plan it states, “A diverse environment at The Ohio State University is central to the mission and to the academic goals that have been set.” Putting money behind these words is imperative for any plan to succeed.We have taken a first step in recognizing that a successful plan must be a well-funded plan. In order for the students to take the efforts of the administration seriously, there must be a commitment by the administration. I am happy to see that the university has taken this step in the right direction and has put their money where their mouth is.Accountability has always been a question when it comes to any university plan. The Diversity Action Plan begins to address this problem, but more needs to be done.Within the plan a university wide Council on Diversity will be established. This body is to set goals, plans and foster collaboration and coordination between various initiatives. This is another step in the right direction, and we must strengthen the hand of those who are accountable so results are seen and not heard.The USG and student organizations like the Black Student Associations and other diversity-related organizations must come together to discuss the plan and ensure that this is what is best for the students. Student input is imperative to the success of the plan. Without it, it will not have a life and will be another hollow document on the campus.I am looking forward to the new year. We have a lot of issues on the agenda. From GEC reform, to the new Graduate, Professional and Undergraduate Honors Housing Project, to a safer University District we have a lot of work ahead of us as a student body to continue to make changes that benefit students. I will see you on campus. Go Bucks!
Robert “BJ” Schuerger is the USG President double majoring in Political Science and History. He is a junior from Hinckley, Ohio.