Singularity: English 15, Fall 2005: Diversity

Most recent edit on 2005-09-25 19:26:44 by EschaTon

Additions:
The United States, known as the “melting pot,“ has quickly become a nation with no cultural trademarks. We call this “melting pot” diversity. As a population, we contain citizens deriving from every part of the globe from Asia to Zimbabwe [nice]. Every part of our existence as Americans relies on meshing with people from different cultures. “Each individual's distinctive differences, even the negatively valued ones, are usually considered an essential part of self-identity(WikiPedia).” From the party scene to the workplace, from the playground to the bus station, Americans are forced to interact with a multitude of people from varying backgrounds daily. The public school system is no different. Penn State’s Enrollment Management and Administration committee claims, “Exposure to and appreciation of diversity is a cornerstone of the Penn State educational experience.”(PSU-Enrollment Management and Administration) How does one define this diversity in American colleges? How, for example, does Penn State University, a most profound [quintessential is probably the word you want here] American University, go about developing such a diverse campus? We must begin by focusing on several aspects which both result from and create this diversity: differing opinions and backgrounds, an array of programs and majors, as well as, the university’s major policies concerning diversity.
What two humans think exactly alike? Coming into a major university, such a[s] Penn State, one must maintain an open mind at all times. Personalities and preferences vary from sports favorites to political allegiances. Diversity is a variation from person to person in [c]haracteristics such as age, income, ancestry, color, sexual orientation, creed, as well as many other factors. Even a recently [renowned] college-renown[themed] website, “Facebook[,]” allows students to voice their opinions through joining groups ranging from “Irish-Americans” to “E-A-G-L-E-S EAGLES!”(Facebook). Such alliances[,] though they can often bring people together, similarly can have the adverse affect. Less positive groups are also prevelant in society as well. Currently in Pennsylvania, 32 hate groups exist ranging from the Ku Klux Klan to Neo Nazis(Tolerance). Specifically, at State College in 1999, threatening e-mails were sent to Latino, black and Asian students(Tolerance).
Secondly, students and faculty include people from different parts of the world. In 2004, Penn States student body of 41,289 were made up of 1,664 from African American descent, 2160 of Asian American descent, 1,251 Hispanic Americans, 51 of Native American nationality, 3,204 International students, and 32,959 Caucasians(PSU-Enrollment By Ethnicity). Because of this wide range of differences, schools work to encourage cultural acceptance through an array of programs and majors, as well as grants and scholarships. At Penn State, one can become involved in anything from volunteer organizations like Amnesty International or Habitat for Humanity. Students can explore a variety [of] majors such as African American Studies or Women‘s Studies(PSU-EMA). These programs and classes allow students to become more cultured and thus more accepting of the differences of others. So, too does Penn State offer scholarships for minorities as well as students coming from families of low income. (PSU-EMA). Such scholarships include the University Diversity Scholarship as well as The Buton-Waller Scholarship, which is awarded to students who are both underrepresented and extremely economically disadvantaged(PSU-EMA) [doesn't this also set people apart, by making them "disadvantaged" and "underrepresented"?]. The University also offers students many chances to study abroad, thus expanding both their influence and educational experience. Penn State encourages students to travel to parts of the world from France to Asia(PSU-EMA).
In addition, Penn State fosters an altered acceptance policy for minorities. “The Minority Admissions and Community Affairs unit of the Undergraduate Admissions Office has primary responsibility at the undergraduate level for recruiting students from underrepresented populations.” (PSU-EMA) While the ideals of this process are aimed well, the result is not always positive. One of the EMA's main goals is [to] work to “admit and enroll both academically high achieving and educationally disadvantaged students who, with support, can succeed at Penn State.” (PSU-EMA) This policy is created to develop an assortment of cultures, when in reality, many of these policies prove to be unfair. For example, students who may not have, “made the grade,” have merely been admitted based on their status as a minority, and thus may not succeed in the long run. This is a most unfair tactic used by many schools, not only Penn State. This affirmative action policy allows for students to be accepted who may not be prepared for the challenges faced at such a prestigious university, while also creating much harder standards for mainstream Caucasian Americans.
[Overall, this is an excellent paper, but it seems to indicate a lack of careful proofreading and revision. In addition a number of claims are made that are not fully developed. Overall, though, this is good work.]

Deletions:
The United States, known as the “melting pot,“ has quickly become a nation with no cultural trademarks. We call this “melting pot” diversity. As a population, we contain citizens deriving from every part of the globe from Asia to Zimbabwe. Every part of our existence as Americans relies on meshing with people from different cultures. “Each individual's distinctive differences, even the negatively valued ones, are usually considered an essential part of self-identity(WikiPedia).” From the party scene to the workplace, from the playground to the bus station, Americans are forced to interact with a multitude of people from varying backgrounds daily. The public school system is no different. Penn State’s Enrollment Management and Administration committee claims, “Exposure to and appreciation of diversity is a cornerstone of the Penn State educational experience.”(PSU-Enrollment Management and Administration) How does one define this diversity in American colleges? How, for example, does Penn State University, a most profound American University, go about developing such a diverse campus? We must begin by focusing on several aspects which both result from and create this diversity: differing opinions and backgrounds, an array of programs and majors, as well as, the university’s major policies concerning diversity.
What two humans think exactly alike? Coming into a major university, such a Penn State, one must maintain an open mind at all times. Personalities and preferences vary from sports favorites to political allegiances. Diversity is a variation from person to person in Characteristics such as age, income, ancestry, color, sexual orientation, creed, as well as many other factors. Even a recently college-renown website, “Facebook” allows students to voice their opinions through joining groups ranging from “Irish-Americans” to “E-A-G-L-E-S EAGLES!”(Facebook). Such alliances though they can often bring people together, similarly can have the adverse affect. Less positive groups are also prevelant in society as well. Currently in Pennsylvania, 32 hate groups exist ranging from the Ku Klux Klan to Neo Nazis(Tolerance). Specifically, at State College in 1999, threatening e-mails were sent to Latino, black and Asian students(Tolerance).
Secondly, students and faculty include people from different parts of the world. In 2004, Penn States student body of 41,289 were made up of 1,664 from African American descent, 2160 of Asian American descent, 1,251 Hispanic Americans, 51 of Native American nationality, 3,204 International students, and 32,959 Caucasians(PSU-Enrollment By Ethnicity). Because of this wide range of differences, schools work to encourage cultural acceptance through an array of programs and majors, as well as grants and scholarships. At Penn State, one can become involved in anything from volunteer organizations like Amnesty International or Habitat for Humanity. Students can explore a variety majors such as African American Studies or Women‘s Studies(PSU-EMA). These programs and classes allow students to become more cultured and thus more accepting of the differences of others. So, too does Penn State offer scholarships for minorities as well as students coming from families of low income. (PSU-EMA). Such scholarships include the University Diversity Scholarship as well as The Buton-Waller Scholarship, which is awarded to students who are both underrepresented and extremely economically disadvantaged(PSU-EMA). The University also offers students many chances to study abroad, thus expanding both their influence and educational experience. Penn State encourages students to travel to parts of the world from France to Asia(PSU-EMA).
In addition, Penn State fosters an altered acceptance policy for minorities. “The Minority Admissions and Community Affairs unit of the Undergraduate Admissions Office has primary responsibility at the undergraduate level for recruiting students from underrepresented populations.” (PSU-EMA) While the ideals of this process are aimed well, the result is not always positive. One of the EMA's main goals is work to “admit and enroll both academically high achieving and educationally disadvantaged students who, with support, can succeed at Penn State.” (PSU-EMA) This policy is created to develop an assortment of cultures, when in reality, many of these policies prove to be unfair. For example, students who may not have, “made the grade,” have merely been admitted based on their status as a minority, and thus may not succeed in the long run. This is a most unfair tactic used by many schools, not only Penn State. This affirmative action policy allows for students to be accepted who may not be prepared for the challenges faced at such a prestigious university, while also creating much harder standards for mainstream Caucasian Americans.

Edited on 2005-09-22 22:48:58 by MikeJones

Additions:
The United States, known as the “melting pot,“ has quickly become a nation with no cultural trademarks. We call this “melting pot” diversity. As a population, we contain citizens deriving from every part of the globe from Asia to Zimbabwe. Every part of our existence as Americans relies on meshing with people from different cultures. “Each individual's distinctive differences, even the negatively valued ones, are usually considered an essential part of self-identity(WikiPedia).” From the party scene to the workplace, from the playground to the bus station, Americans are forced to interact with a multitude of people from varying backgrounds daily. The public school system is no different. Penn State’s Enrollment Management and Administration committee claims, “Exposure to and appreciation of diversity is a cornerstone of the Penn State educational experience.”(PSU-Enrollment Management and Administration) How does one define this diversity in American colleges? How, for example, does Penn State University, a most profound American University, go about developing such a diverse campus? We must begin by focusing on several aspects which both result from and create this diversity: differing opinions and backgrounds, an array of programs and majors, as well as, the university’s major policies concerning diversity.
What two humans think exactly alike? Coming into a major university, such a Penn State, one must maintain an open mind at all times. Personalities and preferences vary from sports favorites to political allegiances. Diversity is a variation from person to person in Characteristics such as age, income, ancestry, color, sexual orientation, creed, as well as many other factors. Even a recently college-renown website, “Facebook” allows students to voice their opinions through joining groups ranging from “Irish-Americans” to “E-A-G-L-E-S EAGLES!”(Facebook). Such alliances though they can often bring people together, similarly can have the adverse affect. Less positive groups are also prevelant in society as well. Currently in Pennsylvania, 32 hate groups exist ranging from the Ku Klux Klan to Neo Nazis(Tolerance). Specifically, at State College in 1999, threatening e-mails were sent to Latino, black and Asian students(Tolerance).

Secondly, students and faculty include people from different parts of the world. In 2004, Penn States student body of 41,289 were made up of 1,664 from African American descent, 2160 of Asian American descent, 1,251 Hispanic Americans, 51 of Native American nationality, 3,204 International students, and 32,959 Caucasians(PSU-Enrollment By Ethnicity). Because of this wide range of differences, schools work to encourage cultural acceptance through an array of programs and majors, as well as grants and scholarships. At Penn State, one can become involved in anything from volunteer organizations like Amnesty International or Habitat for Humanity. Students can explore a variety majors such as African American Studies or Women‘s Studies(PSU-EMA). These programs and classes allow students to become more cultured and thus more accepting of the differences of others. So, too does Penn State offer scholarships for minorities as well as students coming from families of low income. (PSU-EMA). Such scholarships include the University Diversity Scholarship as well as The Buton-Waller Scholarship, which is awarded to students who are both underrepresented and extremely economically disadvantaged(PSU-EMA). The University also offers students many chances to study abroad, thus expanding both their influence and educational experience. Penn State encourages students to travel to parts of the world from France to Asia(PSU-EMA).
Penn State’s policies and agencies also encourage a socially accepting society and discourage hate crime and racial prejudice. For example, Penn State’s Enrollment Management and Administration agency works for the appreciation of and respect for differences among students and staff including disabilities, ethnicity, and language(PSU-EMA). The EMA also supports what is called a Diversity Advisory Committee which works to foster diversity and communication within the community through a series of surveys. Through these surveys, the Diversity Advisory Committee is able to address any concerns regarding diversity. These policies show the University’s determination to maintain a peaceful and safe society where people from every culture can thrive.
In addition, Penn State fosters an altered acceptance policy for minorities. “The Minority Admissions and Community Affairs unit of the Undergraduate Admissions Office has primary responsibility at the undergraduate level for recruiting students from underrepresented populations.” (PSU-EMA) While the ideals of this process are aimed well, the result is not always positive. One of the EMA's main goals is work to “admit and enroll both academically high achieving and educationally disadvantaged students who, with support, can succeed at Penn State.” (PSU-EMA) This policy is created to develop an assortment of cultures, when in reality, many of these policies prove to be unfair. For example, students who may not have, “made the grade,” have merely been admitted based on their status as a minority, and thus may not succeed in the long run. This is a most unfair tactic used by many schools, not only Penn State. This affirmative action policy allows for students to be accepted who may not be prepared for the challenges faced at such a prestigious university, while also creating much harder standards for mainstream Caucasian Americans.
“Diversity-particularly in a social context, the term diversity refers to the presence in one population of a wide variety of cultures, opinions, ethnic groups, socio-economic backgrounds, and so on (WikiPedia).” Such differences are sure to run rampant at a university supporting a student body of 40,000. Allowing for such differences encourages students at Penn State to be better prepared for life in the future, and ultimately makes them better people. By supporting and nourishing such a diverse community, Penn State is able to culture their students and learn to be socially accepting.

Deletions:
The United States, known as the “melting pot,“ has quickly become a nation with no cultural trademarks. We call this “melting pot” diversity. As a population, we maintain citizens deriving from every part of the globe from Asia to Zimbabwe. Every part of our existence as Americans relies on meshing with people from different cultures. “Each individual's distinctive differences, even the negatively valued ones, are usually considered an essential part of self-identity(WikiPedia).” From the party scene to the workplace, from the playground to the bus station, Americans are forced to interact with a multitude of people from varying backgrounds daily. The public school system is no different. Penn State’s Enrollment Management and Administration committee claims, “Exposure to and appreciation of diversity is a cornerstone of the Penn State educational experience.”(PSU Web-EMA) So then, how does one define this diversity in American colleges? How, for example, does Penn State University, a most profound American University, go about developing such a diverse campus? We must begin by focusing on several aspects which both result from and create this diversity: differing opinions and backgrounds, an array of programs and majors, as well as, the university’s major policies concerning diversity.
What two humans think exactly alike? Coming into a major university, such a Penn State, one must maintain an open mind at all times. Personalities and preferences vary from sports favorites to political allegiances. Diversity is a variation from person to person in Characteristics such as age, income, ancestry, color, sexual orientation, creed, as well as many other factors. Even a recently college-renown website, “Facebook” allows students to voice their opinions through joining groups ranging from “Irish-Americans” to “E-A-G-L-E-S EAGLES!”(face book notation). Such alliances though they can often bring people together, similarly can have the adverse affect.
Secondly, students and faculty include people from different parts of the world. In 2004, Penn States student body of 41,289 were made up of 1,664 from African American descent, 2160 of Asian American descent, 1,251 Hispanic Americans, 51 of Native American nationality, 3,204 International students, and 32,959 Caucasians.
Because of this wide range of differences, schools work to encourage cultural acceptance through an array of programs and majors, as well as grants and scholarships. At Penn State, one can become involved in anything from volunteer organizations like Amnesty International or Habitat for Humanity to majors such as African American Studies or Women‘s Studies(PSU Web site). These programs and classes allow students to become more cultured and thus more accepting of the differences of others. So, too does Penn State offer scholarships for minorities like this, or for families of low income. (PSU Website). Such scholarships include the University Diversity Scholarship as well as The Buton-Waller Scholarship, which is awarded to students who are both underrepresented and extremely economically disadvantaged“(EMA website). The University also offers students many chances to study abroad, thus expanding both their influence and educational experience. Penn State encourages students to travel to parts of the world from France to Asia.
Penn State’s policies and agencies too, encourage a socially accepting society and discourage hate crime and racial prejudice. For example, Penn State’s Enrollment Management and Administration agency works for the appreciation of and respect for differences among students and staff including disabilities, ethnicity, and language (PSU web-EMA) The EMA also supports what is called a Diversity Advisory Committee which works to foster diversity and communication within the community through a series of surveys they distribute. Through surveys, the Diversity Advisory Committee is able to address any concerns regarding diversity. These policies show the University’s determination to maintain a peaceful and safe society where people from every culture can thrive.
So, too, does Penn State foster an altered acceptance policy for minorities. “The Minority Admissions and Community Affairs unit of the Undergraduate Admissions Office has primary responsibility at the undergraduate level for recruiting students from underrepresented populations.” (PSU-EMA) While the ideals of this process are aimed well, the result is not always positive. One of the EMA main goals is work to “admit and enroll both academically high achieving and educationally disadvantaged students who, with support, can succeed at Penn State.” (PSU-EMA) This policy is created to develop an assortment of cultures, when in reality, many of these policies prove to be unfair. For example, students who may not have (excuse the cliché), “made the grade,” have merely been admitted based on their status as a minority, and thus may not succeed in the long run. This is a most unfair tactic used by many schools, not only Penn State. This affirmative action policy allows for students to be accepted who may not be prepared for the challenges faced at such a prestigious university, while also creating much harder standards for mainstream Caucasian Americans.
“Diversity-(amongst humans), particularly in a social context, the term diversity refers to the presence in one population of a wide variety of cultures, opinions, ethnic groups, socio-economic backgrounds, and so on (WikiPedia).” Such differences are sure to run rampant at a university supporting a student body of 40,000. Allowing for such differences encourages students at Penn State to be better prepared for life in the real world, and ultimately makes them better people. By supporting and nourishing such a diverse community, Penn State is able to culture their students and learn to be socially accepting.

Edited on 2005-09-20 16:46:29 by MikeJones

Additions:
WORKSCITED

Deletions:
CITED

Edited on 2005-09-20 16:45:25 by MikeJones

Additions:
Penn State’s policies and agencies too, encourage a socially accepting society and discourage hate crime and racial prejudice. For example, Penn State’s Enrollment Management and Administration agency works for the appreciation of and respect for differences among students and staff including disabilities, ethnicity, and language (PSU web-EMA) The EMA also supports what is called a Diversity Advisory Committee which works to foster diversity and communication within the community through a series of surveys they distribute. Through surveys, the Diversity Advisory Committee is able to address any concerns regarding diversity. These policies show the University’s determination to maintain a peaceful and safe society where people from every culture can thrive.

Deletions:
Penn State’s policies and agencies too, encourage a socially accepting society and discourage hate crime and racial prejudice. For example, Penn State’s Enrollment Management and Administration agency works for the appreciation of and respect for differences among students and staff including disabilities, ethnicity, and language (PSU web-EMA) The EMA also supports what is called a Diversity Advisory Committee which works to foster diversity and communication within the community through a series of surveys they distribute. Through surveys, the Diversity Advisory Committee is able to address any concerns regarding diversity. These policies show the University’s determination to maintain a peaceful and safe society where people from every culture can thrive.

Edited on 2005-09-20 16:45:01 by MikeJones

Additions:
The United States, known as the “melting pot,“ has quickly become a nation with no cultural trademarks. We call this “melting pot” diversity. As a population, we maintain citizens deriving from every part of the globe from Asia to Zimbabwe. Every part of our existence as Americans relies on meshing with people from different cultures. “Each individual's distinctive differences, even the negatively valued ones, are usually considered an essential part of self-identity(WikiPedia).” From the party scene to the workplace, from the playground to the bus station, Americans are forced to interact with a multitude of people from varying backgrounds daily. The public school system is no different. Penn State’s Enrollment Management and Administration committee claims, “Exposure to and appreciation of diversity is a cornerstone of the Penn State educational experience.”(PSU Web-EMA) So then, how does one define this diversity in American colleges? How, for example, does Penn State University, a most profound American University, go about developing such a diverse campus? We must begin by focusing on several aspects which both result from and create this diversity: differing opinions and backgrounds, an array of programs and majors, as well as, the university’s major policies concerning diversity.
What two humans think exactly alike? Coming into a major university, such a Penn State, one must maintain an open mind at all times. Personalities and preferences vary from sports favorites to political allegiances. Diversity is a variation from person to person in Characteristics such as age, income, ancestry, color, sexual orientation, creed, as well as many other factors. Even a recently college-renown website, “Facebook” allows students to voice their opinions through joining groups ranging from “Irish-Americans” to “E-A-G-L-E-S EAGLES!”(face book notation). Such alliances though they can often bring people together, similarly can have the adverse affect.
Secondly, students and faculty include people from different parts of the world. In 2004, Penn States student body of 41,289 were made up of 1,664 from African American descent, 2160 of Asian American descent, 1,251 Hispanic Americans, 51 of Native American nationality, 3,204 International students, and 32,959 Caucasians.
Because of this wide range of differences, schools work to encourage cultural acceptance through an array of programs and majors, as well as grants and scholarships. At Penn State, one can become involved in anything from volunteer organizations like Amnesty International or Habitat for Humanity to majors such as African American Studies or Women‘s Studies(PSU Web site). These programs and classes allow students to become more cultured and thus more accepting of the differences of others. So, too does Penn State offer scholarships for minorities like this, or for families of low income. (PSU Website). Such scholarships include the University Diversity Scholarship as well as The Buton-Waller Scholarship, which is awarded to students who are both underrepresented and extremely economically disadvantaged“(EMA website). The University also offers students many chances to study abroad, thus expanding both their influence and educational experience. Penn State encourages students to travel to parts of the world from France to Asia.
So, too, does Penn State foster an altered acceptance policy for minorities. “The Minority Admissions and Community Affairs unit of the Undergraduate Admissions Office has primary responsibility at the undergraduate level for recruiting students from underrepresented populations.” (PSU-EMA) While the ideals of this process are aimed well, the result is not always positive. One of the EMA main goals is work to “admit and enroll both academically high achieving and educationally disadvantaged students who, with support, can succeed at Penn State.” (PSU-EMA) This policy is created to develop an assortment of cultures, when in reality, many of these policies prove to be unfair. For example, students who may not have (excuse the cliché), “made the grade,” have merely been admitted based on their status as a minority, and thus may not succeed in the long run. This is a most unfair tactic used by many schools, not only Penn State. This affirmative action policy allows for students to be accepted who may not be prepared for the challenges faced at such a prestigious university, while also creating much harder standards for mainstream Caucasian Americans.
“Diversity-(amongst humans), particularly in a social context, the term diversity refers to the presence in one population of a wide variety of cultures, opinions, ethnic groups, socio-economic backgrounds, and so on (WikiPedia).” Such differences are sure to run rampant at a university supporting a student body of 40,000. Allowing for such differences encourages students at Penn State to be better prepared for life in the real world, and ultimately makes them better people. By supporting and nourishing such a diverse community, Penn State is able to culture their students and learn to be socially accepting.
CITED

Deletions:
The United States, known as the “melting pot,“ has quickly become a nation with no cultural trademarks. We call this “melting pot” diversity. As a population, we maintain citizens deriving from every part of the globe from Asia to Zimbabwe. Every part of our existence as Americans relies on meshing with people from different cultures. “Each individual's distinctive differences, even the negatively valued ones, are usually considered an essential part of self-identity(WikiPedia).” From the party scene to the workplace, from the playground to the bus station, Americans are forced to interact with a multitude of people from varying backgrounds daily. The public school system is no different. Penn State’s Enrollment Management and Administration committee claims, “Exposure to and appreciation of diversity is a cornerstone of the Penn State educational experience.”(PSU Web-EMA) So then, how does one define this diversity in American colleges? How, for example, does Penn State University, a most profound American University, go about developing such a diverse campus? We must begin by focusing on several aspects which both result from and create this diversity: differing opinions and backgrounds, an array of programs and majors, as well as, the university’s major policies concerning diversity.

What two humans think exactly alike? Coming into a major university, such a Penn State, one must maintain an open mind at all times. Personalities and preferences vary from sports favorites to political allegiances. Diversity is a variation from person to person in Characteristics such as age, income, ancestry, color, sexual orientation, creed, as well as many other factors. Even a recently college-renown website, “Facebook” allows students to voice their opinions through joining groups ranging from “Irish-Americans” to “E-A-G-L-E-S EAGLES!”(face book notation). Such alliances though they can often bring people together, similarly can have the adverse affect.
Secondly, students and faculty include people from different parts of the world. In 2004, Penn States student body of 41,289 were made up of 1,664 from African American descent, 2160 of Asian American descent, 1,251 Hispanic Americans, 51 of Native American nationality, 3,204 International students, and 32,959 Caucasians.
Because of this wide range of differences, schools work to encourage cultural acceptance through an array of programs and majors, as well as grants and scholarships. At Penn State, one can become involved in anything from volunteer organizations like Amnesty International or Habitat for Humanity to majors such as African American Studies or Women‘s Studies(PSU Web site). These programs and classes allow students to become more cultured and thus more accepting of the differences of others. So, too does Penn State offer scholarships for minorities like this, or for families of low income. (PSU Website). Such scholarships include the University Diversity Scholarship as well as The Buton-Waller Scholarship, which is awarded to students who are both underrepresented and extremely economically disadvantaged“(EMA website). The University also offers students many chances to study abroad, thus expanding both their influence and educational experience. Penn State encourages students to travel to parts of the world from France to Asia.
So, too, does Penn State foster an altered acceptance policy for minorities. “The Minority Admissions and Community Affairs unit of the Undergraduate

Admissions Office has primary responsibility at the undergraduate level for
recruiting students from underrepresented populations.” (PSU-EMA) While the ideals of this process are aimed well, the result is not always positive. One of the EMA main goals is work to “admit and enroll both academically high achieving and educationally
disadvantaged students who, with support, can succeed at Penn State.” (PSU-EMA) This policy is created to develop an assortment of cultures, when in reality, many of these policies prove to be unfair. For example, students who may not have (excuse the cliché), “made the grade,” have merely been admitted based on their status as a minority, and thus may not succeed in the long run. This is a most unfair tactic used by many schools, not only Penn State. This affirmative action policy allows for students to be accepted who may not be prepared for the challenges faced at such a prestigious university, while also creating much harder standards for mainstream Caucasian Americans.

“Diversity-(amongst humans), particularly in a social context, the term diversity refers to the presence in one population of a wide variety of cultures, opinions, ethnic groups, socio-economic backgrounds, and so on (WikiPedia).” Such differences are sure to run rampant at a university supporting a student body of 40,000. Allowing for such differences encourages students at Penn State to be better prepared for life in the real world, and ultimately makes them better people. By supporting and nourishing such a diverse community, Penn State is able to culture their students and learn to be socially accepting.

Oldest known version of this page was edited on 2005-09-19 10:35:15 by MikeJones []

Page view:

Diversity
The United States, known as the “melting pot,“ has quickly become a nation with no cultural trademarks. We call this “melting pot” diversity. As a population, we maintain citizens deriving from every part of the globe from Asia to Zimbabwe. Every part of our existence as Americans relies on meshing with people from different cultures. “Each individual's distinctive differences, even the negatively valued ones, are usually considered an essential part of self-identity(WikiPedia).” From the party scene to the workplace, from the playground to the bus station, Americans are forced to interact with a multitude of people from varying backgrounds daily. The public school system is no different. Penn State’s Enrollment Management and Administration committee claims, “Exposure to and appreciation of diversity is a cornerstone of the Penn State educational experience.”(PSU Web-EMA) So then, how does one define this diversity in American colleges? How, for example, does Penn State University, a most profound American University, go about developing such a diverse campus? We must begin by focusing on several aspects which both result from and create this diversity: differing opinions and backgrounds, an array of programs and majors, as well as, the university’s major policies concerning diversity.
What two humans think exactly alike? Coming into a major university, such a Penn State, one must maintain an open mind at all times. Personalities and preferences vary from sports favorites to political allegiances. Diversity is a variation from person to person in Characteristics such as age, income, ancestry, color, sexual orientation, creed, as well as many other factors. Even a recently college-renown website, “Facebook” allows students to voice their opinions through joining groups ranging from “Irish-Americans” to “E-A-G-L-E-S EAGLES!”(face book notation). Such alliances though they can often bring people together, similarly can have the adverse affect.
Secondly, students and faculty include people from different parts of the world. In 2004, Penn States student body of 41,289 were made up of 1,664 from African American descent, 2160 of Asian American descent, 1,251 Hispanic Americans, 51 of Native American nationality, 3,204 International students, and 32,959 Caucasians.
Because of this wide range of differences, schools work to encourage cultural acceptance through an array of programs and majors, as well as grants and scholarships. At Penn State, one can become involved in anything from volunteer organizations like Amnesty International or Habitat for Humanity to majors such as African American Studies or Women‘s Studies(PSU Web site). These programs and classes allow students to become more cultured and thus more accepting of the differences of others. So, too does Penn State offer scholarships for minorities like this, or for families of low income. (PSU Website). Such scholarships include the University Diversity Scholarship as well as The Buton-Waller Scholarship, which is awarded to students who are both underrepresented and extremely economically disadvantaged“(EMA website). The University also offers students many chances to study abroad, thus expanding both their influence and educational experience. Penn State encourages students to travel to parts of the world from France to Asia.
Penn State’s policies and agencies too, encourage a socially accepting society and discourage hate crime and racial prejudice. For example, Penn State’s Enrollment Management and Administration agency works for the appreciation of and respect for differences among students and staff including disabilities, ethnicity, and language (PSU web-EMA) The EMA also supports what is called a Diversity Advisory Committee which works to foster diversity and communication within the community through a series of surveys they distribute. Through surveys, the Diversity Advisory Committee is able to address any concerns regarding diversity. These policies show the University’s determination to maintain a peaceful and safe society where people from every culture can thrive.
So, too, does Penn State foster an altered acceptance policy for minorities. “The Minority Admissions and Community Affairs unit of the Undergraduate

Singularity: English 15, Fall 2005 : Diversity