Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to identify the factors that predict students’ perceptions of their institution’s success in achieving a positive climate for diversity. This study examines a sample of 544 students at a large, public, predominantly White Mid-Western institution. Results show that students’ perceptions of the institution’s ability to achieve a positive climate for diversity is a reflection of students’ precollege interactions with diverse peers and the institution’s ability to incorporate diversity-related issues into its curriculum. Results also indicate that these perceptions differ by race and gender. Implications for institutional researchers are discussed.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Adams, M., and Zhou-McGovern, Y. (1994). The sociomoral development of undergraduates in a ‘‘social diversity” course:developmental theory, researchand instructional applications. Paper presented at the Annual Meeting of the American Educational Research Association. New Orleans, LA.
Adams, M., and Zhou-McGovern, Y. (1990). Some cognitive developmental characteristics of social diversity education. Paper presented at the Annual Meeting of the American Educational Research Association. Boston, MA.
J. R. Ancis W. E. Sedlacek J. J. Mohr (2000) ArticleTitleStudent perceptions of campus cultural climate by race Journal of Counseling and Development 78 180–185
A. Astin (1993a) What Matters in College: Four Critical Years Revisited Jossey-Bass San Francisco
Astin, A. (1993b). Assessment for Excellence. American Council on Education. The Oryx Press.
A. G. Cabrera A. Nora (1994) ArticleTitleCollege student perceptions of prejudice and discrimination and their feelings of alienation: A construct validation approach Review of Education/Pedagogy/Cultural Studies 16 IssueID34 387–409
Chang, M. (2001). The positive educational effects of racial diversity on campus. In: Orfield, G. (ed.), Diversity Challenged: Evidence on the Impact of Affirmative Action. Education Publishing Group, Cambridge, Harvard, pp. 175–186.
M. Chang (2002a) ArticleTitleThe impact of an undergraduate diversity course requirement on students’ racial views and attitudes The Journal of General Education 51 IssueID1 21–42
M. J. Chang (2002b) ArticleTitlePreservation or transformation: Where’s the real educational discourse on diversity? The Review of Higher Education 25 IssueID2 125–140
M. Green (Eds) (1989) Minorities on campus:A handbook for enhancing diversity American Council on Education Washington DC
Gurin, P. (1999). Expert report of Patricia Gurin. In: The Compelling Need for Diversity in Higher Education. Gratz v. Bollinger No. 97-75231 (E.D. Mich.) and Grutter v. Bollinger No. 97-75928 (E.D. Mich). Ann Arbor Michigan:The University of Michigan, pp. 99–234.
P. Gurin E. L. Dey S. Hurtado G. Gurin (2002) ArticleTitleDiversity and higher education: Theory and impact on student outcomes Harvard Educational Review 72 IssueID3 330–366
Hurtado, S. (1993). The Institutional Climate for Diversity: The Climate for Talented Latino Students. Paper presented at the Association for Institutional Research (33rd, Chicago, IL, May 16–19, 1993). Eric Digest, ED 360 930.
S. Hurtado (1996) ArticleTitleHow diversity affects teaching and learning: A climate for inclusion and a positive effect on learning outcomes Educational Record 77 IssueID4 27–29
S. Hurtado (2001) Linking diversity and educational purpose: How diversity affects the classroom environment and student development G. Orfield (Eds) Diversity Challenged: Evidence on the Impact of Affirmative Action Education Publishing Group Cambridge, Harvard 187–203
S. Hurtado D. F. Carter (1997) ArticleTitleEffects of college transition and perceptions of campus racial climate on Latino’s sense of belonging Sociology of Education 70 IssueID4 324–245
S. Hurtado E. L. Dey (1997) Achieving the goals of multiculturalism and diversity M. Peterson D. Dill L. Mets (Eds) et al. Planning and Management for a Changing Environment Jossey-Bass San Francisco 405–431
S. Hurtado M. E. Engberg L. Ponjuan L. Landreman (2002) ArticleTitleStudents’ precollege preparation for participation in a diverse democracy Research in Higher Education 43 IssueID2 163–186
Hurtado, S., Mayhew, M. J., and Engberg, M. E. (2003). Diversity in the Classroom and Students’ Moral Reasoning. Paper presented at the Association for the Study of Higher Education. OR, November, 18–20. Portland.
Hurtado, S., Milem, J., Clayton-Pedersen, A., and Allen, W. (1998). Enacting Diverse Learning Environments: Improving the Climate for Racial/Ethnic Diversity in Higher Education. ASHE-ERIC Higher Education Report Volume 16, No. 8. Washington D.C:Graduate School of Education and Human Development, The George Washington University.
Hurtado, S., and Others. (1995). Social Interaction on Campus:Differences Among Self-perceived Ability Groups. Paper presented at the Association for Institutional Research (35th, Boston, MA, May 28–31, 1995). ERIC Digest, ED 387 014.
R. Jessor (1981) The perceived environment in psychological theory and research D. Mangnusson (Eds) Toward a Psychology of Situations:An Interactional Perspective Lawrence Erlbaum Associates Hillsdale NJ
C. M. Loo G. Rolison (1986) ArticleTitleAlienation of ethnic minority students at a predominantly White university The Journal of Higher Education 57 58–77
K. A. Mackay G. D. Kuh (1994) ArticleTitleA comparison of students effort and educational gains of Caucasian and African-American students at predominantly White liberal arts colleges Journal of College Student Development 35 217–223
K. E. McClelland C. J. Auster (1990) ArticleTitlePublic platitudes and hidden tensions: Racial climates at predominantly White liberal arts colleges Journal of Higher Education 61 607–642
J. P. Milem (1998) ArticleTitleAttitude change in college students: Examining the effect of college peer groups and faculty normative groups The Journal of Higher Education 69 IssueID2 117–140
J. P. Milem (2001) Increasing diversity benefits: How campus climate and teaching methods affects student outcomes G. Orfield (Eds) Diversity challenged: Evidence on the impact of Affirmative Action Education Publishing Group Cambridge, Harvard 233–249
J. C. Nunnelly (1978) Psychometric Theory EditionNumber2 McGraw Hill New York
M. L. Oliver C. J. Rodriguez R. A. Mickelson (1985) ArticleTitleBrown and Black in White: The social adjustment and academic performance of Chicano and Black students in a predominantly White university The Urban Review: Issues and Ideas in Public Education 17 3–24
E. T. Pascarella M. Edison A. Nora L. S. Hagedorn P. T. Terenzini (1996) ArticleTitleInfluences on students’ openness to diversity and challenge in the first year of college Journal of Higher Education 67 IssueID2 174–195
A. M. Patterson W. E. Sedlacek F. W. Perry (1984) ArticleTitlePerceptions of Blacks and Hispanics in two campus environments Journal of College Student Personnel 25 513–518
Peterson, M. W., and Spencer, M. G. (1990). Understanding academic culture and climate. In: Peterson M. W., Chaffee E. E., and White T. H. ASHE Reader on Organization and Governance in Higher Education. 4th ed. Simon and Schuster Custom Publishing, Needham Heights, MA. pp.140--152. (Reprinted from New Directions for Institutional Researchno. 68, 1990).
M. W. Peterson T. H. White (1992) ArticleTitleFaculty and administrator perceptions of their environments:Different view or different model of organization? Research in Higher Education 33 IssueID2 177–204
Smith, D. G., Gerbick, G. L., Figueroa, M. A., Watkins, G. H., Levitan, T., Moore, L. C., Merchant, P. A., Beliak, H. D., and Figueroa, B. (1997). Diversity Works: The Emerging Picture of How Students Benefit. Washington, DC: American Colleges and Universities. ERIC Digest, ED 416797.
J. S. Stark L. R. Lattuca (1997) Shaping the college curriculum:Academic plans in action Allyn & Bacon Needham Heights, MA
Villalpando, O. (1994). Comparing the Effects of Multiculturalism and Diversity on Minority and White Students’ Satisfaction with College. Paper presented at the Association for the Study of Higher Education. Tuscon AZ.
E. J. Whitt M. I. Edison E. T. Pascarella P. T. Terenzini A. Nora (2001) ArticleTitleInfluences on students’ openness to diversity and challenge in the second and third year of college The Journal of Higher Education 72 IssueID2 172–204
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Mayhew, M.J., Grunwald, H.E. & Dey, E.L. Curriculum matters: Creating a positive climate for diversity from the student perspective. Res High Educ 46, 389–412 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11162-005-2967-0
Received:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11162-005-2967-0