Updated October 2008
Mission Statement
The students of Georgia Tech created Finding Common Ground in 2006 for the purpose of initiating a continuing culture of dialogue to ensure the inclusion of as many voices as possible in discussions of issues that affect both the campus community and society at large.
Finding Common Ground seeks to foster this dialogue in a way that respects all individual points of view, with the goal of helping students, faculty, and staff acquire and refine the skills and tools they need to communicate effectively. The program does not attempt to change individual beliefs and attitudes, but strives to create an environment where differences of opinion and perspective can be understood, appreciated and discussed in a rational, respectful fashion.
Through the various ongoing initiatives of Finding Common Ground, Georgia Tech students will have an educational experience that will prepare them to appreciate differences in viewpoints and cultures in order to successfully compete in a globalized world.
Goals
A. Build relationships with students and faculty previously not known
B. Learn to communicate effectively and respectfully with people of diverse backgrounds
C. Fulfill a desire to become a better listener and to understand and appreciate the perspectives of others
D. Break down social barriers related to race, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, and other elements of identity
E. Find ways to ensure an ongoing campus conversation about potentially divisive issues
Structure
The Finding Common Ground Council shall be comprised of an executive board, campus liaisons, and faculty/staff advisors.
Executive Board
A. The Executive Board shall be the chief structural, planning, and executive body of FCG.
B. All Executive Board members shall have an equal vote in matters before the Council.
C. The Executive Board may chose to hold closed cabinet meetings at their discretion.
D. Members shall be selected by the previous year's board through a formal interview process.
E. The Chair of the board shall be selected by the Advisor and the previous year's Chair.
F. Other positions within the board may be created for the duration of one year by a consensus of the board.
Campus Liaisons
A. The following campus organizations--SGA, IFC, AASU, RHA, and the FLO's, shall each be invited to select a liaison to represent their organization to the Council.
B. The Council shall reserve the right to interview and approve or deny an organization's selection for liaison.
C. An organization may petition the Council for approval of additional liaison appointments.
D. Liaisons shall serve as fully functioning members of the Council, and are conferred the same responsibilities and voting privileges as board members.
E. Liaisons may not serve in an executive position on the Council.
Faculty/Staff Advisors
A. The Dean of Students shall serve as advisor to FCG.
B. A representative from Communications and Marketing shall serve as a second advisor to FCG.
C. Other faculty/staff may sit in an advisory capacity at the Council's discretion