The Faculty Senate responded to the recent multicultural open forum that discussed the inclusion and safety of minority students as well as approved new opportunities for students Tuesday.

Robert Wallace, Faculty Senate president and associate professor of ecology, evolution and organismal biology, talked about the multicultural forum that took place in the Great Hall of the Memorial Union on Sept. 30. 

“We commend these students for taking the initiative and raising our awareness on a range of issues of concern present on our campus,” Wallace said.

Multicultural Student Affairs and Student Government hosted the forum. Nearly 550 people were in attendance, and many students talked about the discrimination and racism they have experienced at Iowa State.

“As a faculty, we unite behind the basic principles of inclusiveness, valuing diversity in all of its forms,” Wallace said.

Wallace went on to say faculty members take their roles and responsibilities very seriously and are committed to having a welcoming and engaged campus.

“We welcome the arrival of Reginald Stewart,” Wallace said, “[We] look forward to being part of new initiatives that he and his staff develop.”

Stewart has been appointed Iowa State’s first vice president for diversity and inclusion, which was announced last week. Leath appointed Stewart after receiving recommended improvements for diversity programs and resources from the Jackson Consulting Firm.

If Stewart’s appointment is approved by the Board of Regents on Thursday, he will start at Iowa State on Dec. 1.

As for business, the second reading of the cybersecurity proposal has been approved by the Faculty Senate.

The purpose of the proposal is to permit computer engineering, computer science, software engineering and management information systems students to work in cybersecurity.

A variety of lab-based courses will give students the opportunity to complete the cybersecurity career.

The College of Design will also present new opportunities. The college’s request for an urban studies minor was approved by the Faculty Senate during its second reading.

The program proposal stated the minor will provide undergraduate students with “an opportunity to pursue their loves of cities and communities while understanding the processes of urban growth and change.”

The minor can go with any field of study except community and regional planning. The minor requires 15 credits with two required courses and the students’ choice of three pre-approved courses.

Another change in the College of Design is the bachelor’s program, which has had its name changed from “art and design” to “art and visual culture.” 

“The old name of the … program is no longer an accurate description of the mission of the department,” the proposal stated.

Students who will graduate after the name change will have the option of changing the bachelor’s title if they choose to do so. Nothing will change within the course besides the name.