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Enhancing Support for Student Diversity Through Research

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Abstract

Based on a longitudinal studyof freshman students attending a privatecollege in the northeast section of the UnitesStates, the paper demonstrates howinstitutional research can promote anenlightened global perspective by enhancingunderstanding of international students'characteristics, values and aspirations. Results revealed that, compared with domesticstudents, international students had lowerverbal aptitude scores; rated themselves higheron spirituality and understanding of others;put more emphasis on gaining a generaleducation; and were more committed todeveloping a meaningful philosophy of life,helping others and promoting racialunderstanding. Policy recommendationsadvocated designing admission strategies toreflect international students' values;providing language support programmes; anddeveloping programmes for students to learn toappreciate the values and customs ofinternational students' countries.

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Delaney, A.M. Enhancing Support for Student Diversity Through Research. Tertiary Education and Management 8, 145–166 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1015625524720

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