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Curriculum matters: Creating a positive climate for diversity from the student perspective

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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.

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Correspondence to Matthew J. Mayhew.

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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

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11162-005-2967-0

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