Diversity & Why it Matters

• Definition – Underrepresented Minority (URM)

• Social & Cultural Benefits

• Economic Benefits – Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM)

• National Data on STEM PhD Attainment

• Barriers to Advanced Education

• Common Recruitment Practices

• Culturally Engaging Campus Environments (CECE) Model

• University Snapshot

• Proposed Intervention & Limitations

By 2050, America will be a country without any clear

racial or ethnic majority.

U.S. Census Bureau

Black/African AmericanAmerican Indian/Alaska Native

Native Hawaiian/Pacific IslanderHispanic/Latino

U.S. Office of Management & Budget

Underrepresented Minority Students

URM

Benefits of Diversity

• Social Development• Enriched Perspectives• Self-Awareness• Self-Confidence• Motivation• Cultural Awareness• Commitment to Equality

(Antonio, 2005; Chang, 1996 & 1999; Gurin, 1999; Milem, Chang & Antonio, 2005; Thompson, 2013)

(Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2014)

64%16%

12%

5%

3%

US Workforce

Non-Hispanic WhiteHispanic/LatinoAfrican American/BlackAsian/Pacific IslanderNative American/Alaskan Native

(Egan, 2001)

Economic Impacts of Diversity

Increased productivity & job performanceFinancial Outcomes

AdaptationInnovation

35 %

Ethnically diverse

• Top 10 Fastest Growing Occupations• 8 out of 10 most wanted employee• 20% more earnings

STEMScience, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics

Science, Technology, Engineering, MathematicsDisparities in Degree Attainment

(National Science Foundation, 2012)

Barriers to Advanced Education

• Environment• Socio-economic• Academic• Psychological

(Adelman, 2006; Hagedorn, Maxwell & Hampton, 2001;Linn & Harris, 2009; Wood & Williams, 2013, )

Common Recruitment Practices

(Arner & Yates, 1979; Griffin & Muniz, 2011; O’Rourke, 2008; Miller, 1986; Museus, 2014; Posselt, 2004; Saha et al., 2013; Swail, Redd, & Museus, 2014; Williams, Berger, & Mclendon, 214)

• URM Conferences (SACNAS & ABRCMS)• HBCU Relationships• Faculty Involvement & Rewards• Summer Programs & Campus Visits• Admissions Procedures• Campus Culture

Culturally Engaging Campus Environments Model

(Museus, 2014)

CECE ModelCultural Relevance:

1. Cultural Familiarity2. Culturally Relevant Knowledge3. Cultural Community Service4. Cross-Cultural Engagement5. Cultural Validation

Cultural Responsiveness:6. Collectivist Orientation7. Humanized Environments8. Proactive Philosophies9. Holistic Support

(Museus, 2014)

University Snapshot

Demographics• Public• MD, STEM PhD’s,

Nursing, Dentistry & Pharmacy

• 1,700+ Faculty• 3,000+ Students• PhD Program – 7 STEM Departments– 91 Current Students– 6 URM

Recruitment Efforts• URM Conferences • HBCU Relationships• Faculty Involvement &

Rewards• Summer Programs &

Campus Visits• Admissions Procedures• Campus Culture

Proposed Intervention

AEC• Academic Enrichment

Committee

• Systemic Change

CECE Project• Survey, Analysis &

Implementation

Culture of

Inclusion

Academic Enrichment Committee (AEC)

• Not the solution, but the channel• Diversity Office, Program Director,

Department Chairs, Administration, Faculty, Students & Staff

• 2 year terms• Transparency

Systemic Change

Broad Stakeholder Ownership

Systems ViewOf Education

Evolve Mindsets About Education

Understand the Systemic Change

Process

Systems Design

LearningCommunity

CECE Project PartnershipCECE Survey

Assessment

Analysis & Reporting

Goal Setting & Planning

Implementation

Evaluation & Modification

Culturally Engaging Campus

Environment

Increased URM

Matriculation & Retention

Greater STEM PhD

Attainment

Individuals, Society & the

Economy Benefit

America remains a leader in a

globally competitive

world

Limitations

• Failure to establish AEC• Lack of commitment of members• Unable to engage stakeholders• Disagreement on appropriate Diversity Model• Inability to change mindset• Not accepted as a CECE Project Partner Institution• Lack of financial resources • Absence of continual assessment & modification

Thank You

Indicator #1Cultural Familiarity

GOAL: Campus spaces for students to connect with faculty, staff, and peers who understand their cultural backgrounds, identities and experiences.

TACTICS METRICS DESIRED OUTCOME TIMELINEIdentify space on campus that can be dedicated for this purpose

Determine the financial resources needed to make the space comfortable

Identify individuals who may be interested in designing the space set up

Communicate to students that the space exists

 

A specific area is designated for URM student use

The annual budget includes dedicated funds to be used to design & furnish the space

Individuals from Logistics & Design create a development plan

Students are informed about the space using a variety of media

Students, faculty and community members will an identifiable space to connect with others who understand their backgrounds, identities and experiences

Summer Term 2016

Diversity Action Plan TemplateDepartment: Quantitative Bioscience & Biomedical Engineering