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In the KnowDiversity On CampusResearchers studying the impact of campus diversity efforts find that diversity, for students, carries many different meanings. But, overall, students come to college with open minds. A recent study, sponsored by the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators, Diversity on Campus: Reports From the Field, looked at the impact of diversity on student learning. The study, based on small research projects on a number of campuses, was intended to encourage the group's members to explore how diversity contributes to quality education. The findings were, overall, quite positive about the impact of diversity, but some results did surprise researchers. One example: Students seem to come to college open to new experiences, but "left to their own devices," note the survey authors, "students fall into the habit of associating with those most like themselves." Despite this reality, the report's authors say, campuses that promote diversity activities will reap benefits. "Regardless of background, students will tend to accept and appreciate diversity on campus if they have had a broad range of positive experiences that were deliberately structured to achieve the goals of acceptance and appreciation," the authors note. Beginning students view institution diversity education initiatives in a positive light, the researchers found, especially programs specifically designed to promote better understanding of a particular minority group. One other activity that promotes better understanding: team sports. Researchers found that team play promotes mutual respect and a sense of community. Some of the study's findings, however, perplexed researchers. At one institution, there were major discrepancies between what students said during interviews and focus groups and their answers to survey questions. Interviews revealed that the majority of students were critical of this college's multicultural efforts. Survey data found students to be neutral or even positive about their campus's efforts. The study's authors conclude that students might be better able to express their real feelings when they were able to elaborate on their answers. For diversity programs to be effective, the report concludes, faculty and student affairs staff, must be trained to "engage in activities that are consistent" with a campus policy of respect and support for diversity. The studies this report is based on are available in their entirety at www.naspa.org.
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