In the liberal arts, exploration and discovery is all. It is a point of pride and necessity with students and scholars of the liberal arts to approach the world around us with profound respect and appreciation for its marvelous diversity. In the liberal arts, we know that knowledge and wisdom come from our understanding and appreciating both similarities and differences in the world, be they in scientific areas, in cultural or religious traditions, or in differences of opinions or theories. This is the path of exploration and discovery, the path to truly understanding our place as citizens of this planet and the marvelous mysteries of its reality in the universe.

This perspective informs our desire for diversity in our faculty and student population and in the perspectives that are part of our academic discourse. The Diversity Committee of the College of Arts and Sciences has the special charge to help our students and faculty experience, celebrate, and learn from our diverse community and to encourage that diversity. This is a broad charge. I have asked the committee to serve in such areas as promotion and retention of a diverse faculty and student body, sponsorship of scholars and programs that bring intriguing perspectives to our campus, participating in forums that examine issues of diversity, and providing advice regarding diversity in our curriculum and the programs we offer.

Diversity may mean differences but differences need not be divisive. A mature and strong intellect values freedom of speech and open debate and knows that civility and respect for all perspectives are equally as important in the University community. Therefore, the College of Arts and Sciences Diversity Committee is charged also with developing ways to build awareness of hostile acts toward members of our community and to communicate that these behaviors are inconsistent with the values and ideals of our community.

As the state's largest and best liberal arts college, the College of Arts and Sciences sets and example for this state and for the region. The disciplines in our college are many, over 25 departments and programs. The many cultures, beliefs, and perspectives reflected in our student body and faculty and in their intellectual interests provide a rich and interesting community in which to live, learn, and grow. The University of Alabama is, indeed, a marvelous place in which to explore and discover. Our Diversity Committee is committed to maintaining and advancing this richly varied community. I hope you will share your perspectives on this with our committee members and join them in this important work.

Robert F. Olin
Dean
College of Arts and Sciences
The University of Alabama