SMU: A Conceptual Analysis

Diversity, what does it look like at Jackson State University (JSU), a historically black university, located in Jackson, MS? Administrators in higher education are charged with the responsibility of preparing students to be civil minded in a society that is changing rapidly as it relates to the inclusion of others. With such intensity to incorporate increased changes and differences, there is a need to collectively understand the full scope of differences among students.

Every college student has a different view on cultural diversity. No matter if they are from the inner city, rural areas, or even a different country, each student values ethnicity differently. In college, students experience a lot of diversity. I believe that it is very important to teach students to appreciate where people come from and their lifestyles. They don’t have to agree with that person's values, but they should learn to appreciate and respect them for their differences. At my university, I want to provide an opportunity for students, especially those who did not grow up in a diverse city, to expand their horizons and make friendships with people they would never felt comfortable talking to.

Even if the colleges are achieving their goals to get a diverse student body to the campuses, they fail to get those groups to interact.  In the article “The Lie About College Diversity,” Bruni’s interpretation on diversity explains that common college diversity programs are categorizing students together with similar backgrounds. Only a number of programs accept students to interact with fellow diversity students with different cultures, backgrounds or ethnic groups. These programs do not motivate students to reach out and share their thoughts with other groups because they could get rejected.  By learning other points of view and having diversity in the learning environment, it also helps individuals communicate better.  It also opens minds to ideas and concepts they might not have considered and provide them with

Since my visit to UM two years ago, I have imagined being a part of its culture of diversity and its campus full of amazing facilities. Through a college education there, I know I can place my studies in a bigger context that includes multicultural perspectives, global human and environmental needs, the role of technology and creativity, and service to our

Since entering SMU in the fall of 2013 I have had the honor and privilege of meeting some of the most outstanding indivuals. SMUs black population represents the crème of the crop. I say this because despite the numerous obstacles that society has placed in our way, we are all still here. We represent countless black people that continue to fight in the battle against oppression. When there isn’t a way we make a way. We make spaces for ourselves such as ABS, NPHC, SSS and BME. I have gone to numerous forums, meetings, film showings, service events, fish fry’s, barbeques, step shows, talent shows, church outings, teas, demonstrations, fundraisers and numerous other events with the goal of supporting my black brothers and sisters. The black community

Without coming to campus with knowledge of what you are looking for, the diversity on the campus is non-existent. There are ethnic students on posters

UMD is ranked #195 in ethnic diversity nationwide with a student body composition that is far above the national average (http://www.collegefactual.com/colleges/university-of-maryland-college-park/student-life/diversity/). Its student body consists of students from anywhere you could think of in the world. I have met people from Zimbabwe, England, to even my native country, Vietnam. I have made many friends and learned so many things that I thought I would never be able to if not for being at Maryland. From language to

Diversity is more than a racial term. While we are at a school that has a high concentration of nursing and engineering majors, we also live in a city that thrives on the arts. This encourages both mindsets to coexist together in a symbiotic relationship, both benefiting each other. Diversity also plays into a cultural aspect. Different cultures come together at the University of Louisiana to create an overall culture that focuses on the aspect of family. While there is a strong sense of Cajun culture, as embraced by the city of Lafayette and of the university as a whole, this does not drown a sense of pride of different cultures existing together, encouraging individuality in a community context.

Some of these benefits include: promoting the understanding of different cultures, allowing students to be part of an environment where ethnic, racial, and geographic stereotypes are broken down, and creating a welcoming atmosphere for students of all races where they don’t feel like spokespersons for their race. Student diversity in a public University allows students to experience other cultures, and to be exposed to a variety of different viewpoints and ideas. By interacting with individuals of all backgrounds, students would be better prepared to face the obstacles that arise with the diverse workforce. In educating the leaders of America, UT believes providing a diverse learning environment is beneficial for nonminority and minority students. UT believes that a critical mass of students from under-represented racial groups is necessary to promote these educational benefits. Lastly, part of UT’s educational mission is to provide exceptional educational opportunities along with contributing to the advancement of society. UT states that the educational benefits that come from student diversity have a huge impact on the educational mission it’s seeking to accomplish. In order to keep its educational promise to current and future students UT states it needs a diverse student

Growing up in a multiracial, multicultural household I have been fortunate enough to experience diversity at a young age. NC State’s diverse campus would expose me to different cultures, religions, and ethnic groups, all focused on enhancing the legacy of NC State. Exposure to these different lifestyles would increase my knowledge about different issues minorities from around the world have been faced with. The diversity would allow me to help implement new ways of increasing diversity throughout society, and college campuses, allowing NC State to be a model for the world. Campus diversity is important in making sure all students are comfortable in their learning environment. Being able to share my life experiences and background would allow

While I may not have had much exposure to diversity in my hometown, I have done my best to put myself out there and learn from those who have backgrounds different from my own. I even participated in the Walk a Mile in Her Hijab event last Spring. I think coming to Loyola has helped me to understand my personal privilege, and recognize that I have much to learn regarding all the beautiful things that each individual brings to the table.

The Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science has been called the most diverse square mile in Mississippi. Before coming to MSMS I had never seen other children my age who were Asian, Indian, or any other race except for Caucasian and Mexican. I didn't have a chance to talk to other children about their cultures or beliefs until I came to MSMS. Being at MSMS gives me the opportunity to speak to one of the most diverse student bodies in Mississippi. I am able to listen to the different languages spoken by the children here such as Vietnamese, Korean, Hindi, and Spanish. I also get the chance to join cultural clubs established by the student body. Currently, I am a member of the Asian Student Association. The ASA meets monthly to discuss

Supporting the success for diverse students on campus is just the beginning to make their experience as equal to that of the white community. Without positive campus attitude and without the recognition of what diversity brings to a school and a classroom, the system would not thrive and those of a different ethnic background will not be inclined to attend. The conclusion to Espinosa’s, Gaertner, and Orfields article is that college and university leaders

TU and TCC both have diverse student bodies. The TU website article “Diversity and Engagement” claims to have “students representing seventy-three countries.”. On the flip side, TCC makes no specific claims to the diversity of their student bodies. The TCC website article “Diversity and Civic Engagement” describes their ethically positive perspective on diversity. TU’s website also claims to have “Twenty-five campus organizations” that represent international students. TU has made more effort in addressing the statistics of the university's

From growing up in Fayetteville and Sneads Ferry, North Carolina I have not experienced much diversity. The person from whom I had to learn about different cultures and people was my mother. She is an attorney who has worked in public service and experiences peoples from different cultures, races, and creeds daily. My mother taught me not to judge people based on outside appearances but rather than on inside values. From my mother, I learned how to appreciate the fact that every person has their own talents and specialties. Each person has their own preference and opinion and that should be respected as long as it does not cause harm to another. By learning these values from my mom, I believe that I would be a great candidate for Hollins University.