Whenever I read or begin talking about diversity in college I think of how great college can be if we all would have open minds regarding how other people live and learn. If we do not promote diversity on campus, then where is it going to happen? In the home? Primary school? In the community? The answer to these questions is NO! Admissions departments should be aware of the diversity during the process by which they admit students to their university. I don't think that the average American wants a person from an under-represented group to be admitted to college just because they are black, Hispanic or a w omen, I think that person should be admitted because they are qualified and that diversity matters. In chapter 14 Diversity Matters that statement "....when students interact more frequently across race or engage with diversity......also tend to report higher levels of self-efficacy and self-change concerning general academic skills and racial cultural engagement." This ties into what Cluster #2 read and will present regarding HOPE!
When a person is engaged CHANGE CAN HAPPEN!
In Chapter 15 Enhancing Campus Climates for Racial/Ethnic Diversity poses the question "...should higher education merely reflect society or whether it should try to consciously shape the society?" In 2011 this question should not be up for discussion. The time spent as a college student should be providing opportunities to improve our human capitol. This should happen in classrooms and the dormitories! Student engagement should be woven into the curriculum for all to participate. Human capitol, what will the next generation contribute to the world if they have no understand and NO TOLERANCE? WORLD WAR? CIVIL WAR? Remember September 11th!
In conclusion as we talk about diversity among students, the need for college presidents, vice-presidents, deans and chairs to also be diverse. This will promote change in the hiring process by which colleges and universities tenure professors that will be teaching tolerance and inclusion.
ACTION! ACTION! ACTION! We can shape society as we want, if we take action in the political process and we remain engaged (Obama)! We have not arrived and as history shows if we make the effort, we can create change.
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