Defining diversity: An exploration of the perceptions of first semester students at a mid-sized midwestern institution

Abstract

The present study is a qualitative exploration of how first semester college students operationalize the term diversity and whether or not they believed their university was successful in creating an environment supportive of diversity. Previous research in this area focused primarily on how to train faculty to teach diversity related issues within their classrooms; yet there has been limited research about student conceptions of diversity. While scholars and practitioners research multiculturalism, the effectiveness of diversity awareness programs, the effectiveness of diversity training programs, and other related ideas, there seems to be a gap in the literature in terms of the student perspective on the concept of diversity. A qualitative study was conducted using three focus groups and one interview following a semi-structured protocol. Focus groups arld the individual interview were electronically recorded, transcribed, and content analyzed for emerging themes. Eight themes were identified, including lack of understanding and confidence in one's own perceptions, Catholicism not perceived as diverse, diversity is difference, diversity is "the other", diversity is race, diversity is best learned about through experience, fear of mixing, and the institution can only do so much.

Date of Award	2009
Original language	American English
Awarding Institution	Eastern Illinois University
Supervisor	Charles G Eberly (Supervisor)