,路viva Mexico! Janelle Ayon of the Ensemble Folklorico de Colorado performs a traditional dance last Thursday at St. Cajetans during Diez y Seis de Septiembre, the celebration of Mexican Independence from Spain in 1810. The same day, a group marched to President Kaplan's office to protest the lack of minority retention programs at MSCD. See story page 3.
Photo by Andy Cross
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Kaplan Strives for Improved Diversity, Communication Annual College Convocation Officially Introduces MSCD's First Woman President Jennifer Ann McMillin FEATURES EDITOR
New President Sheila Kaplan outlined her top five priorities for MSCD Sept. 21 during her fust State of the College Address at the College Convocation. Administrative reorganization, diversity, communication; and fundraising and development will be Kaplan's focus during her fust year as president. Kaplan's first priority, she said, will be administrative restructuring. Reorganization is necessary to "provide quality and cost-effective services to our students." Kaplan "The current administra~ tive structure at Metro is unnecessarily convoluted and not as efficient, customer-
oriented or accountable as it should be, or will be," Kaplan said. Further reorganization will take place after she chooses new vice presidents for Student Afffairs and for Academic Affairs, she said. David Williams, provost and vice president of Academic and Student Affairs, will be leaving his position June 30. Kaplan said MSCD's minority enrollment is at its highest rate ever, although minority student retention, graduation rates and faculty hiring need improvement. "We will use every program currently on the books at Metro to attract minority faculty and staff members," she said. Kaplan said she has met with members of the state legislature and community leaders to "learn more about their opinions of Metro ...and to understand the role they see the college playing in the growth and development of our region." Kaplan said she plans to be active in college fundraising activities and is working with the MSCD Foundation Board to agree on key fundraising priorities. Kaplan also stated her willingness to work coopera-
tively with the other two Auraria schools. Improving internal communications was Kaplan's final goal. 路 "The rumor mill at Metropolitan State College of Denver is alive and very, very well," she said. While she was vacationing this summer, she said she beard various accounts of what she had done, who she had fired and actions she would take on campus. Jokingly, she invited campus members to call her if they hear any good rumors, adding that she was always the last to hear them. "I am always interested in what is being sa id around the campus, and more importantly, I will be happy to provide accurate information if I have it." Her plans to improve communications include meeting regularly with leaders of the Faculty Senate, Student Government and other campus groups, and using campus electronic mail. Kaplan closed saying that her fust two weeks were exciting and fascinating. She praised the talented faculty and staff members and the impressive students she has met, as well as her optimism toward MSCD's future.