later, Erik urged the group to stop accusing the University, but to come to some specific
suggestions-to establish an agenda.
Prof. Tom Ortmeyer, chairman of the Faculty Senate, joined Hurst in pledging the
support of the Faculty Senate in helping to solve the problems aired. Gwen Mitchell, director of
Human Resources, reported that a Council on Multiculturalism already had been formed, and
was the campus organization through which the minority students should work to help resolve
the problems brought to light at the forum.
This Council on Diversity reorganized in March and adopted the following as its
mission:
... to promote and coordinate actions which foster an environment that is accepting of and welcoming
to a diverse community of individuals. The Council will initiate educational efforts for the campus
community about the importance of understanding and respecting people of different gender, race, ethnic
background, sexual orientation, age, socioeconomic status, and/or ability. The Council will also work toward
coordinating the efforts and initiatives of campus groups and representatives of various campus
constituencies, and building an appreciation and celebration of diversity into the fabric of life at Clarkson
University.
As a result of the forum, several students gathered to form the "Diversity Alliance
Group." This group worked closely with members of the faculty, staff, administration, and
Trustees to aid the Council on Diversity in achieving its goals.
Congdon Dormitory Closed.
Because there was enough available housing on the Hill Campus
for every student residing in Congdon, the University decided to close the building. Its third
floor was the location of Sigma Chi fraternity, and its first two floors were occupied by a mix of
students. Thirty-three seniors, 29 juniors, and 47 sophomores resided in the building during the
spring semester. The Hill Campus residence halls were occupied by 440 seniors, 422 juniors,
490 sophomores, and 515 freshmen. Future use of the building was uncertain.
Congdon's Greeks.
When Congdon dormitory closed in spring 1993, members of Sigma Chi
fraternity, and Phi Mu and Delta Zeta sororities were allotted block housing in Woodstock.
Sigma Chi, however, chose to move into a block in the New Dorms. In fall 1994, they were
allowed to move back into Congdon Hall.
Black History Month.
Sponsored by SPECTRUMM, the minority student organization begun
on campus in 1988, a series of programs dealing with black issues was presented during the
month of February, designated as Black History Month.
Titled "Time for Some Action," this program included events which ranged from the
movies "Mississippi Burning," "Roots," "The Color Purple," to a lecture by a leading
motivational speaker, Dr. Julia Hare of "What Black Women Want From Black Men," and a
play, "Our Young Black Men are Dying & Nobody Seems to Care." It also contained a poetry
reading session, and was supplemented by having "soul food" served in the dining halls.
Weston's New Management.
On April 4, Barnes and Noble Bookstores, Inc., took over
management of Weston's Bookstore and the Knight and Day campus store in the Cheel Center.
As a result, Weston's was refurbished and changed its inventory to include more general and
trade books. In addition, it offered plenty of room for browsing, and space to sit and page
