Lies, Damn Lies, and Statistics about

Diversity in Higher Education

Pablo Garcia-Molina, Keith W. McIntosh, and Melissa Woo

Housekeeping

Speaker IntroductionsPlease evaluate this session onlineEncourage you to ask questionsTwitter hashtag #E12_SESS006

Topics

DefinitionsStatisticsPro/ConMythsSpeakers' thoughts/journeyQuestions

How diverse are we?

Audience QuestionHow do you define diversity?

Definitions

Merriam Webster Definition of DIVERSITYhttp://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/diversity

di·ver·si·ty noun \də-ˈvər-sə-tē, dī-\plural di·ver·si·ties1. the condition of having or being composed of differing elements : variety; especially :

the inclusion of different types of people (as people of different races or cultures) in a group or organization <programs intended to promote diversity in schools>

2 an instance of being composed of differing elements or qualities : an instance of being diverse <a diversity of opinion>

Dictionary.com Definition of DIVERSITYhttp://dictionary.reference.com/browse/diversity

di·ver·si·ty   [dih-vur-si-tee, dahy-] Show IPAnoun, plural di·ver·si·ties.1. the state or fact of being diverse; difference; unlikeness.2. variety; multiformity.3.a point of differences

The concept of diversity encompasses acceptance and respect.

It means understanding that each individual is unique, and recognizing our individual differences. These can be along the dimensions of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, age, physical abilities, religious beliefs, political beliefs, or other ideologies. It is the exploration of these differences in a safe, positive, and nurturing environment.

It is about understanding each other and moving beyond simple tolerance to embracing and celebrating the rich dimensions of diversity contained within each individual.

Audience QuestionWhat are the gaps you see in the higher

ed IT profession in terms of diversity?

Lies“Companies that rank high in a growing number of “best in diversity” lists may be ranking more on style than substance, cautions Dr. Christopher Metzler, Senior Associate Dean of the  Master in Human Resources Management program at Georgetown University School of Continuing Studies.”

Damn LiesDr. Metzler's conclusion is drawn from a recent study, "Diversity Rankings: A Critique of the Landscape," conducted by the university's Consortium of Chief Diversity Officers. The consortium's findings raise questions about the science behind published diversity ranking methodologies used by many top diversity magazines and others to rank diversity-management best practices.

Statistics

Statistics

OECD Graduation Rates

Statistics

More on Graduation Rates• While Georgetown’s graduation rate for the Class of

2010 was among the highest in the nation at 88.9 percent, disparities exist within the university between graduation rates for different racial groups.

• White students, who make up the majority of the student body, graduated at a rate of 90.7 percent in four years or less. Asian students represented Georgetown’s highest graduation rate at 92.6 percent, according to data from the Chronicle of Higher Education.

• These two rates are each more than 10 percentage points higher than the graduation rates for black, Hispanic and Native American students, who graduated at rates of 78 percent, 79 percent and 75 percent, respectively.

Georgetown Law Campus 2000-2012

2000 2012

Women 3 5

LBGT 0 1

African Americans 5 5

Asian Americans 0 3

Hispanics 0 2

Non-US natives 1 6

Pros and Cons

Cons

• Employees get tired of hearing about it

• It's viewed by some as affirmative action

• Employees do not want diversity forced upon them (i.e. briefings, trainings)

• Concerns about the effectiveness of diversity programs

• Emphasis on diversity can adversely affect some employees

• Continual accommodations for diverse populations (i.e cultural, religious, disabled, language, etc..)

Pros

• Creates a synergy within the work team

• Enhances creativity• Exposes employees to new

thoughts and/or ways to do things

• Can help break down barriers • Encourages employees to

become more well rounded• Leverage the strength and

minimize the weaknesses of each employee

Myths

Audience QuestionsWhat are some myths about diversity?

1.It is not just about race or gender

2.It is not just about equal opportunity

3.It is not just an issue for HR4.It is not just a leadership

concern5.It is not just an agenda or

program

Div

ersi

ty W

heel

Our Journeys

Pablo“As an ethics professor, I believe that

diversity is the morally right thing to do. To achieve the benefits of diversity, we must actively seek diversity in every aspect of society.”

Mac"I try to demonstrate my support of

diversity through my words and actions which encourage openness, inclusion, acceptance, and differing opinions and thoughts."

Melissa"My philosophy is to demonstrate

diversity by by not calling attention to it."

Consider...

1.What is Diversity?2.Does it matter? Why or Why not?3.Should we establish or promote

diversity?4.How do we establish or promote

diversity? 5.How will an emphasis or focus on

diversity help my institution, department, or me?

6.Do we need to have Diversity Offices and Diversity Officers?

Reflecting the core values of the colleges it represents, the American Association of Community Colleges is committed to access and equity for and the inclusion of every person.

The association demonstrates this commitment in its hiring and business practices, its steadfast efforts to develop and support diverse leaders, and its implementation of programs to ensure opportunity and success for the most diverse student body in higher education.

Walter G. Bumphus President and CEO, AACC

Final Thoughts1. Incorporate into everyday activities2.Become knowledgeable3.Help colleagues and employees 4.Build acceptance and understanding5.Be flexible

Audience QuestionHow do you think higher ed IT, as a

community, address these challenges of diversity?

Additional Diversity Discussions

Fostering Diverse IT Leadership and Staff for a Global FutureWednesday, November 7th, 2012, 3:40 PM - 4:20 PM, Meeting Room

402(hash tag #E12_SESS085)

CIO Open Space Session on Diversity in Higher EducationThursday, November 8th, 2012, 9:10 AM - 10:00 AM, Meeting Room

605(hash tag #E12_SESS159)

Diversity in ITThursday, November 8th, 2012, 1:30 PM - 2:20 PM, Meeting Room

402(hash tag #E12_DISC21)

Diversity ResourcesNational Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Educationwww.nadohe.org

Diverse: Issues In Higher Educationwww.diverseeducation.com

Journal of Diversity in Higher Educationwww.apa.org/pubs/journals/dhe

Questions?