Diversity in Higher Education - 1432 Words

Compiling a Case Study In higher education, diversity has many meanings and even more implications. The Encarta World English Dictionary defines diversity as, â€Å"social inclusiveness - ethnic variety, as well as socioeconomic and gender variety, in a group, society, or institution† (Soukhanov, 1999). As important as diversity is tolerance. Encarta World English Dictionary defines tolerance as, â€Å"acceptance of different views - the acceptance of the differing views of other people, e.g. in religious or political matters, and fairness toward the people who hold these different views† (Soukhanov, 1999). The following is a definition of diversity in higher education, description of the diversity of the students and staff of WGU, and how WGU†¦show more content†¦Promoting Diversity and Tolerance According to the Southern Poverty Law Center (2010), One in 10 students says that someone at school has called them a derogatory word related to race, religion, ethnicity, disability, gender, or sexual orientation in the past six months (as cited by Luther, Seeberger, Phelan, Simpson, p. 1, 2011). This may be typical of traditional higher education organizations. However, online universities have the unique ability to appeal to a wider population of students and staff without the common incidents of racism, bigotry, and ageism experienced at brick-and-mortar universities. Following is a description of how WGU appeals to a diverse student population and ensures a diverse population of faculty. Student Stakeholders There are multiple ways WGU appeals to a diverse student population. One way is through television advertisement. Along with the main university, WGU has many state-based universities that promote their institution with local advertising. The advertising provided in each state varies based upon the needs of the target students in that state. An example is an advertisement used by WGU Texas that depicts graduation that features a pregnant mother who was able to finish her degree while being pregnant and taking care of her other children. To add another element to the advertisement’s appeal, the pregnant mother is also African American. Another method to increase diversity on the student side of the universityShow MoreRelatedEssay on Diversity in Higher Education2007 Words   |  9 PagesCourt often viewed education as a state issue and was reluctant to get involved. That all changed in the 1954 Supreme Court decision known as Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, Kansas. In this ruling, it was decided that, â€Å"State-sanctioned segregation of public schools was a violation of the 14th Amendment and was therefore constitutional† (National Archives, n.d.). It was at this time that the Supreme Court began to hear more cases regarding racial inequities in education, even when it cameRead MoreThe Lack of Diversity in Higher Education Institutions2120 Words   |  9 PagesAttending higher education institution for minorities has been an uneasy struggle and one that few minorities accomplish. The dilemma of African American enrollment for example, in a college lecture hall at Texas AM containing 250 seats, only a maximum 4 out of 250 seats will contain African American students. Unfortunately, many institutions are similar to Texas AM University, they have an underrepresentation of minorities their on campus in relationship to white students. The lack of diversity keepsRead MoreCultural Diversity For Higher Education Campuses2237 Words   |  9 Pagesand to examine cultural diversity outcomes in higher education campuses. According to my role as the writer of this paper, I intended to typify the different stages that any international student could be exposed to, and how they interact with target culture, coupled with the outcomes of such adjustment trails. In the social context, international students often experience a phase of homesickness and then a period of cultural shock. For instance, instructors in higher education classrooms apply variousRead MoreIs Diversity Is The Great Issue Of Our Time ( Macdeo, 2000, P.1 ) Essay887 Words   |  4 PagesTHEORITICAL FRAMEWORK OF THE RE SEARCH: â€Å"Diversity is the great issue of our time (Macdeo, 2000, p.1).† The U.S. is one the most diverse countries in the world. 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