In 2003, Trites empanelled the Underrepresented Group Task Force to investigate formally concerns about departmental climate and reasons for faculty attrition, especially in relation to traditionally underrepresented groups. This task force submitted a report of its findings, which was then distributed to the departments. Departments responded by identifying programs and procedures already in place to tend to some of the issues in the report, suggesting other ways of addressing concerns, and setting departmental goals. The Implementation Committee will be working with these documents to plan specific actions for the College to take. Dean Olson hopes to present the Committee’s plan to the Strategic Planning Steering Committee so that these concerns can be addressed explicitly in the College's Strategic Plan.

The Committee discussed addressing issues of immediate concern as well as setting longterm goals. Initial discussions focused on possible ways to engage community and university resources to facilitate new faculty's sense of welcome. Associate Dean Sam Catanzano said, "My hope is that we'll be able to identify a range of specific steps we can take so all faculty, staff, and students know that Illinois State is a place where they can thrive—personally and professionally."

The following representatives comprise the Committee:

Sam Catanzaro, Associate Dean
Valerie Hackstadt, Student, Physics (Vice-Chair of College Council)
Adam Hall, Student, Foreign Languages
Gardenia Harris, Faculty, Social Work
Sean Limon, Faculty, Communication
Maria Pao, Faculty, Foreign Languages
David Malone, Chair, Geology-Geography
Thomas Simon, Faculty, Philosophy (College Council representative)
George Seelinger, Chair, Mathematics
Nancy Tolson, Faculty, English (College Council representative)

The Committee will meet after the Thanksgiving break to discuss further the suggestions raised at the first meeting and to propose other actions the College can take.