Nearly 250 Wichita State University students, faculty and staff came together Thursday, Nov. 12, for a dialogue on opportunities for moving the university forward on its strategic goal to "reflect the evolving diversity of society."

WSU President John Bardo moderated the discussion and responded to questions and concerns from about 25 people who spoke during the 90-minute discussion.

Topics included improving student, faculty and staff diversity; better communication about resources for minority students; diversity training for faculty and staff; and campus safety.

“I heard ideas and concerns today that were valuable and important to me and our university,” Bardo said. “There are some we can act on right now and more that we will work on in the future.”

Communication is key to this process, Bardo said, and he encourages everyone with follow-up ideas to email them to president@wichita.edu.

“We want every student at Wichita State to feel included, treated well and be in a position where they can fulfill their educational goals,” Bardo said.