Faculty are the gatekeepers to admissions and must represent a high diversity level that characterizes students’ needs. Statistics previously shared depict white-faced admission committees tasked with selecting students who personify an institution’s dogma. Logically, to increase diversity, faculty training must support the transformation of their weltanschauung.
So, What factors need to be included in preparing a curriculum in Diversity Training?
The worldview of much of academia tends to reinforce the mindset of conformity to the existing system. This conformity includes values, behaviors, and beliefs. As the demographics of the nation continues to change, higher education needs to make adjustments to encourage and support the population of students who are entering the universities at this time. Training for faculty and staff in higher education should include a historical component that provides context for the systemic challenges faced by marginalized/underrepresented groups, as well as the effects of prolonged disenfranchisement on these diverse groups. In-depth training on the cultural values of diverse groups will increase the background knowledge of academics who are mainly members of the dominant culture and have limited exposure or practical interaction with a more diverse population.
One means I believe might be promising would be to develop more communication and cooperation between 2-year (Junior) colleges and four year institutions. Minorities are often resource poor and unable to afford the tuition and fees of four year colleges and universities, but two year institutions are considerably less expensive. Furthermore, many motivated minorities pursue their education while holding down one or more jobs. Given appropriate skills and background, such individuals should do well in four year institutions.
Setting up a supportive structure within universities also helps. Buddy systems, help with studying and essay writing, etc. Some of these students need to know where they can get help, and what type of help - academic, as well as psycho-social
Hassan Izzeddin Sarsak
Thank you for your response. You correctly included International students as they easily get excluded in discussions. International students assist in the R&D programs and help to attract huge funding.
Karen Carroll Thank you for your response. You mentioned one aspect to be discussed is, "the effects of prolonged disenfranchisement on these diverse groups." I am in agreement, despite the challenges such a discussion will present.
Douglas Raybeck Josann Cutajar Thank you both for responding. While I grew up in the typical middle class household, my mom was uneducated and left it to the school to ensure I was equipped with certain decision making skills. Unfortunately, while I could label myself as street smart, I didn't know what life could look like after high school. In essence I had no college preparedness skills. Which is why, I am in agreement with your statements:
1. Given appropriate skills and background, such individuals should do well in four year institutions Douglas Raybeck
2. Some of these students need to know where they can get help, and what type of help - academic, as well as psycho-social Josann Cutajar
I would say strategies for building tolerance and emotional intelligence.
Adita Maharaj Thank you for your response and I believe this would be the first course in the diversity curriculum to be taught! lol. Thank you!
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