Most recent edit on 2005-09-25 15:14:08 by EschaTon
Additions:
[In the U.S. court case Grutter v. Bollinger, reshaping the process of University of Michigan’s admissions, Justice [Francis Day ]O’Connor stated: ]“In order to cultivate a set of leaders with legitimacy in the eyes of the citizenry, it is necessary that the path to leadership be visibly open to talented and qualified individuals of every race and ethnicity” (Introduction, par. 9). In the U.S. court case Grutter v. Bollinger, reshaping the process of University of Michigan’s admissions, Justice O’Connor stated this quote [Justice O'Connor wanted ]to stress the importance of an educational setting that is diverse and prepares students for leadership and citizenry[ship; citizenry is a body of citizens, citizenship is the state of being a citizen]. Not only do universities aim for diversity, but businesses and many organizations do also[, as well]. However, what exactly is diversity? According to Merriam-Webster Dictionary, diversity is “composed of distinct or unlike elements and qualities” (Merriam-Webster). To personally add to this, I believe that diversity is a variety of different backgrounds, jobs, likes/dislikes, cultures and religions. As people have different perspectives, they may agree or disagree with my definition of diversity. [You are the rhetor-god of this paper. While this is a true statement, it is your role, as author, to appear infalliable]
How can Penn State measure the significance of diversity on their campus? The Introduction page of the Framework decribes how administrators believe that diversity is a way to develop skills and bring on more opportunities for the undergraduates. Penn State has created their own mission of diversity by creating various programs and developing a "Framework to Foster Diversity." The University has built a "zero tolerance for hate" and offers support to students that feel threatened. Also, the seven challenges brought forth in the “Framework to Foster Diversity” has been referred to as a “concrete roadmap for achieving our diversity goals”(Index, par. 1). The third paragraph of the Background of the Framework developed the challenges as:
The Penn State Fact Book reports that the whole Pennsylvania State University system admits over 81,000 students each year. Out of these students, about 68,000 are white. This leaves [means that] only approximately 12% of the students are minority, consisting of African-American, Asian-American, Hispanic, and Native American; and 4% of the total student population is international. People may say that Penn State is not diverse because of these numbers, since we are predominantly white; however, diversity does not mean strictly differences in race. Another criticism of diversity is “in the political arena, diversity is a code word for forcing people to tolerate or approve people and practices they find repugnant” (Diversity, par. 3). Students that have been sheltered their whole life may find it difficult to be around different people and may feel forced to approve them, but this is another example of how the university is preparing the students for the diverse, real world. The students here have various backgrounds, beliefs, cultures, friends, values, morals, et cetera, and that is what makes Penn State diverse. Aside from race and these individual characteristics, Penn State offers a diverse collection of majors and study programs, such as studying abroad, which provides endless opportunities for the students attending.
Out of the classroom, the university offers a diverse amount [collection[ of activities to keep students busy, such as LateNight PSU. Although many students would rather go to “Frat Row” or a random apartment to party, this is the beauty of diversity of activities that Penn State offers. There is always something to do, and I believe that Penn State secretly incorporates students being exposed to the different cultures by providing these activities. For example, the Alumni Hall threw a free dance party the other night, and a diverse group of students attended and all had fun, ultimately leading to a skirmish when the cops were called. Diversity may cause conflict; however, it exposes to students the differences that people lead in their lives which will better prepare them for the real world [!!!].
Penn State’s definition of diversity should follow the Framework that it is currently using, while stressing that diverse learning environments lead to endless opportunities. Since I have attended this college, I have noticed diversity at Penn State everywhere. Primarily, my group of friends consists of African Americans, Hispanics, Indians, Asians, and Whites, and that is just on 5th floor[,] Stuart where I reside. We all cheer for different football teams, like different foods, music, girls, and so on; whereas [Despite this,] we all have one common goal: to succeed at Penn State. The integrated cultures and hobbies that I have witnessed first-hand at Penn State have helped me understand the goal of diversity. I grew up in two completely different towns, one being predominantly black, and the other being mostly white, and I now see it coming all together. The world is not going to be one or the other, and Penn State is preparing us for the diverse world that we will work and travel throughout our lives.
[This is a great paper. I especially was thrilled with the moment where you escaped from the trap of equating diversity solely with race. Excellent work. That said, there is some word misusage and some other grammatical rough spots, but, overall, excellent work]
Michael Niffenegger
[In the U.S. court case Grutter v. Bollinger, reshaping the process of University of Michigan’s admissions, Justice [Francis Day ]O’Connor stated: ]“In order to cultivate a set of leaders with legitimacy in the eyes of the citizenry, it is necessary that the path to leadership be visibly open to talented and qualified individuals of every race and ethnicity” (Introduction, par. 9). In the U.S. court case Grutter v. Bollinger, reshaping the process of University of Michigan’s admissions, Justice O’Connor stated this quote [Justice O'Connor wanted ]to stress the importance of an educational setting that is diverse and prepares students for leadership and citizenry[ship; citizenry is a body of citizens, citizenship is the state of being a citizen]. Not only do universities aim for diversity, but businesses and many organizations do also[, as well]. However, what exactly is diversity? According to Merriam-Webster Dictionary, diversity is “composed of distinct or unlike elements and qualities” (Merriam-Webster). To personally add to this, I believe that diversity is a variety of different backgrounds, jobs, likes/dislikes, cultures and religions. As people have different perspectives, they may agree or disagree with my definition of diversity. [You are the rhetor-god of this paper. While this is a true statement, it is your role, as author, to appear infalliable]
How can Penn State measure the significance of diversity on their campus? The Introduction page of the Framework decribes how administrators believe that diversity is a way to develop skills and bring on more opportunities for the undergraduates. Penn State has created their own mission of diversity by creating various programs and developing a "Framework to Foster Diversity." The University has built a "zero tolerance for hate" and offers support to students that feel threatened. Also, the seven challenges brought forth in the “Framework to Foster Diversity” has been referred to as a “concrete roadmap for achieving our diversity goals”(Index, par. 1). The third paragraph of the Background of the Framework developed the challenges as:
The Penn State Fact Book reports that the whole Pennsylvania State University system admits over 81,000 students each year. Out of these students, about 68,000 are white. This leaves [means that] only approximately 12% of the students are minority, consisting of African-American, Asian-American, Hispanic, and Native American; and 4% of the total student population is international. People may say that Penn State is not diverse because of these numbers, since we are predominantly white; however, diversity does not mean strictly differences in race. Another criticism of diversity is “in the political arena, diversity is a code word for forcing people to tolerate or approve people and practices they find repugnant” (Diversity, par. 3). Students that have been sheltered their whole life may find it difficult to be around different people and may feel forced to approve them, but this is another example of how the university is preparing the students for the diverse, real world. The students here have various backgrounds, beliefs, cultures, friends, values, morals, et cetera, and that is what makes Penn State diverse. Aside from race and these individual characteristics, Penn State offers a diverse collection of majors and study programs, such as studying abroad, which provides endless opportunities for the students attending.
Out of the classroom, the university offers a diverse amount [collection[ of activities to keep students busy, such as LateNight PSU. Although many students would rather go to “Frat Row” or a random apartment to party, this is the beauty of diversity of activities that Penn State offers. There is always something to do, and I believe that Penn State secretly incorporates students being exposed to the different cultures by providing these activities. For example, the Alumni Hall threw a free dance party the other night, and a diverse group of students attended and all had fun, ultimately leading to a skirmish when the cops were called. Diversity may cause conflict; however, it exposes to students the differences that people lead in their lives which will better prepare them for the real world [!!!].
Penn State’s definition of diversity should follow the Framework that it is currently using, while stressing that diverse learning environments lead to endless opportunities. Since I have attended this college, I have noticed diversity at Penn State everywhere. Primarily, my group of friends consists of African Americans, Hispanics, Indians, Asians, and Whites, and that is just on 5th floor[,] Stuart where I reside. We all cheer for different football teams, like different foods, music, girls, and so on; whereas [Despite this,] we all have one common goal: to succeed at Penn State. The integrated cultures and hobbies that I have witnessed first-hand at Penn State have helped me understand the goal of diversity. I grew up in two completely different towns, one being predominantly black, and the other being mostly white, and I now see it coming all together. The world is not going to be one or the other, and Penn State is preparing us for the diverse world that we will work and travel throughout our lives.
Deletions:
“In order to cultivate a set of leaders with legitimacy in the eyes of the citizenry, it is necessary that the path to leadership be visibly open to talented and qualified individuals of every race and ethnicity” (Introduction, par. 9). In the U.S. court case Grutter v. Bollinger, reshaping the process of University of Michigan’s admissions, Justice O’Connor stated this quote to stress the importance of an educational setting that is diverse and prepares students for leadership and citizenry. Not only do universities aim for diversity, but businesses and many organizations do also. However, what exactly is diversity? According to Merriam-Webster Dictionary, diversity is “composed of distinct or unlike elements and qualities” (Merriam-Webster). To personally add to this, I believe that diversity is a variety of different backgrounds, jobs, likes/dislikes, cultures and religions. As people have different perspectives, they may agree or disagree with my definition of diversity.
How can Penn State measure the significance of diversity on their campus? The Introduction page of the Framework decribes how administrators believe that diversity is a way to develop skills and bring on more opportunities for the undergraduates. Penn State has created their own mission of diversity by creating various programs and developing a "Framework to Foster Diversity." The University has built a "zero tolerance for hate" and offers support to students that feel threatened. Also, the seven challenges brought forth in the “Framework to Foster Diversity” has been referred to as a “concrete roadmap for achieving our diversity goals”(Index, par. 1). The third paragraph of the Background of the Framework developed the challenges as:
The Penn State Fact Book reports that the whole Pennsylvania State University system admits over 81,000 students each year. Out of these students, about 68,000 are white. This leaves only approximately 12% of the students are minority, consisting of African-American, Asian-American, Hispanic, and Native American; and 4% of the total student population is international. People may say that Penn State is not diverse because of these numbers, since we are predominantly white; however, diversity does not mean strictly differences in race. Another criticism of diversity is “in the political arena, diversity is a code word for forcing people to tolerate or approve people and practices they find repugnant” (Diversity, par. 3). Students that have been sheltered their whole life may find it difficult to be around different people and may feel forced to approve them, but this is another example of how the university is preparing the students for the diverse, real world. The students here have various backgrounds, beliefs, cultures, friends, values, morals, et cetera, and that is what makes Penn State diverse. Aside from race and these individual characteristics, Penn State offers a diverse collection of majors and study programs, such as studying abroad, which provides endless opportunities for the students attending.
Out of the classroom, the university offers a diverse amount of activities to keep students busy, such as LateNight PSU. Although many students would rather go to “Frat Row” or a random apartment to party, this is the beauty of diversity of activities that Penn State offers. There is always something to do, and I believe that Penn State secretly incorporates students being exposed to the different cultures by providing these activities. For example, the Alumni Hall threw a free dance party the other night, and a diverse group of students attended and all had fun, ultimately leading to a skirmish when the cops were called. Diversity may cause conflict; however, it exposes to students the differences that people lead in their lives which will better prepare them for the real world.
Penn State’s definition of diversity should follow the Framework that it is currently using, while stressing that diverse learning environments lead to endless opportunities. Since I have attended this college, I have noticed diversity at Penn State everywhere. Primarily, my group of friends consists of African Americans, Hispanics, Indians, Asians, and Whites, and that is just on 5th floor Stuart where I reside. We all cheer for different football teams, like different foods, music, girls, and so on; whereas we all have one common goal: to succeed at Penn State. The integrated cultures and hobbies that I have witnessed first-hand at Penn State have helped me understand the goal of diversity. I grew up in two completely different towns, one being predominantly black, and the other being mostly white, and I now see it coming all together. The world is not going to be one or the other, and Penn State is preparing us for the diverse world that we will work and travel throughout our lives.
Edited on 2005-09-23 10:17:49 by MichaelNiffeneggerTestUser
Additions:
How can Penn State measure the significance of diversity on their campus? The Introduction page of the Framework decribes how administrators believe that diversity is a way to develop skills and bring on more opportunities for the undergraduates. Penn State has created their own mission of diversity by creating various programs and developing a "Framework to Foster Diversity." The University has built a "zero tolerance for hate" and offers support to students that feel threatened. Also, the seven challenges brought forth in the “Framework to Foster Diversity” has been referred to as a “concrete roadmap for achieving our diversity goals”(Index, par. 1). The third paragraph of the Background of the Framework developed the challenges as:
Deletions:
How can Penn State measure the significance of diversity on their campus? Administrators believe that diversity is a way to develop skills and bring on more opportunities for the undergraduates. Penn State has created their own mission of diversity by creating various programs and developing a “Framework to Foster Diversity.” The University has built a zero tolerance for hate and offers support to students that feel threatened. Also, the seven challenges brought forth in the “Framework to Foster Diversity” has been referred to as a “concrete roadmap for achieving our diversity goals”(Index, par. 1). The third paragraph of the Background of the Framework developed the challenges as:
Edited on 2005-09-22 18:40:56 by MichaelNiffeneggerTestUser
Additions:
WORKS CITED
A Framework to Foster Diversity at Penn State: Introduction. U Ed. July 22, 2005. 18 Sept. 2005
A Framework to Foster Diversity at Penn State: Index. U Ed. July 22, 2005. 18 Sept. 2005
Office of the Vice Provost for Educational Equity. The Pennsylvania State University.18 Sept. 2005
A Framework to Foster Diversity at Penn State: Introduction. U Ed. July 22, 2005. 18 Sept. 2005 < http://www.equity.psu.edu/Framework/intro.asp∞>
A Framework to Foster Diversity at Penn State: Index. U Ed. July 22, 2005. 18 Sept. 2005 < http://www.equity.psu.edu/Framework/index.html∞>
Office of the Vice Provost for Educational Equity. The Pennsylvania State University.18 Sept. 2005 < http://www.equity.psu.edu/>∞.
Edited on 2005-09-22 18:39:49 by MichaelNiffeneggerTestUser
Additions:
“In order to cultivate a set of leaders with legitimacy in the eyes of the citizenry, it is necessary that the path to leadership be visibly open to talented and qualified individuals of every race and ethnicity” (Introduction, par. 9). In the U.S. court case Grutter v. Bollinger, reshaping the process of University of Michigan’s admissions, Justice O’Connor stated this quote to stress the importance of an educational setting that is diverse and prepares students for leadership and citizenry. Not only do universities aim for diversity, but businesses and many organizations do also. However, what exactly is diversity? According to Merriam-Webster Dictionary, diversity is “composed of distinct or unlike elements and qualities” (Merriam-Webster). To personally add to this, I believe that diversity is a variety of different backgrounds, jobs, likes/dislikes, cultures and religions. As people have different perspectives, they may agree or disagree with my definition of diversity.
How can Penn State measure the significance of diversity on their campus? Administrators believe that diversity is a way to develop skills and bring on more opportunities for the undergraduates. Penn State has created their own mission of diversity by creating various programs and developing a “Framework to Foster Diversity.” The University has built a zero tolerance for hate and offers support to students that feel threatened. Also, the seven challenges brought forth in the “Framework to Foster Diversity” has been referred to as a “concrete roadmap for achieving our diversity goals”(Index, par. 1). The third paragraph of the Background of the Framework developed the challenges as:
• Developing a Shared and Inclusive Understanding of Diversity
• Creating a Welcoming Campus Climate
• Recruiting and Retaining a Diverse Student Body
• Recruiting and Retaining a Diverse Workforce
• Developing a Curriculum That Supports the Goals of Our New General Education Plan
• Diversifying University Leadership and Management
• Coordinating Organizational Change to Support Our Diversity Goals
These challenges make up the diversity plan for Penn State through 2009, and it is the University’s responsibility to uphold these challenges and to fulfill them.
The Penn State Fact Book reports that the whole Pennsylvania State University system admits over 81,000 students each year. Out of these students, about 68,000 are white. This leaves only approximately 12% of the students are minority, consisting of African-American, Asian-American, Hispanic, and Native American; and 4% of the total student population is international. People may say that Penn State is not diverse because of these numbers, since we are predominantly white; however, diversity does not mean strictly differences in race. Another criticism of diversity is “in the political arena, diversity is a code word for forcing people to tolerate or approve people and practices they find repugnant” (Diversity, par. 3). Students that have been sheltered their whole life may find it difficult to be around different people and may feel forced to approve them, but this is another example of how the university is preparing the students for the diverse, real world. The students here have various backgrounds, beliefs, cultures, friends, values, morals, et cetera, and that is what makes Penn State diverse. Aside from race and these individual characteristics, Penn State offers a diverse collection of majors and study programs, such as studying abroad, which provides endless opportunities for the students attending.
Out of the classroom, the university offers a diverse amount of activities to keep students busy, such as LateNight PSU. Although many students would rather go to “Frat Row” or a random apartment to party, this is the beauty of diversity of activities that Penn State offers. There is always something to do, and I believe that Penn State secretly incorporates students being exposed to the different cultures by providing these activities. For example, the Alumni Hall threw a free dance party the other night, and a diverse group of students attended and all had fun, ultimately leading to a skirmish when the cops were called. Diversity may cause conflict; however, it exposes to students the differences that people lead in their lives which will better prepare them for the real world.
In 1990, The Office of the Vice Provost for Educational Equity was “originally charged to foster diversity at Penn State” (Office, par. 2). This group provides many services to the university and the surrounding community, as it “supports and evaluates the many diversity initiatives and serves as an advocate for a range of populations” (Office, par. 2). All in all, this group helps the underrepresented, ranging from racial minorities to gay/lesbians, to overcome the educational barriers holding them back from studying at Penn State.
WORKS CITED
A Framework to Foster Diversity at Penn State: Background. U Ed. July 22, 2005. 18 Sept. 2005
A Framework to Foster Diversity at Penn State: Introduction. U Ed. July 22, 2005. 18 Sept. 2005 < http://www.equity.psu.edu/Framework/intro.asp∞>
A Framework to Foster Diversity at Penn State: Index. U Ed. July 22, 2005. 18 Sept. 2005 < http://www.equity.psu.edu/Framework/index.html∞>
Diversity. “Centipedia.com”. 18 Sept. 2005 < http://centipedia.com/articles/Diversity>∞.
Office of the Vice Provost for Educational Equity. The Pennsylvania State University.18 Sept. 2005 < http://www.equity.psu.edu/>∞.
Penn State Fact Book. Fall 2004. The Pennsylvania State University.18 Sept. 2005
<
http://www.budget.psu.edu/factbook/StudentDynamic/MinorityEnrolbyEthnicity.asp?TableCount=3&Report;∞
Deletions:
“In order to cultivate a set of leaders with legitimacy in the eyes of the citizenry, it is necessary that the path to leadership be visibly open to talented and qualified individuals of every race and ethnicity”(Introduction, par. 9). In the U.S. court case Grutter v. Bollinger, reshaping the process of University of Michigan’s admissions, Justice O’Connor stated this quote to stress the importance of an educational setting that is diverse and prepares students for leadership and citizenry. Not only do universities aim for diversity, but businesses and many organizations do also. However, what exactly is diversity? According to Merriam-Webster Dictionary, diversity is “composed of distinct or unlike elements and qualities” (Merriam-Webster). To personally add to this, I believe that diversity is variety of different backgrounds, jobs, likes/dislikes, cultures and religions. As people have different perspectives, they may agree or disagree with my definition of diversity.
The whole Pennsylvania State University system admits over 81,000 students each year. Out of these students, about 68,000 are white. This leaves only approximately 12% of the students are minority, consisting of African-American, Asian-American, Hispanic, and Native American; and 4% of the total student population is international (Penn State Fact Book). People may say that Penn State is not diverse because of these numbers, since we are predominantly white; however, diversity does not mean strictly differences in race. Another criticism of diversity is “in the political arena, diversity is a code word for forcing people to tolerate or approve people and practices they find repugnant” (Centipedia, par. 3). Students that have been sheltered their whole life may find it different to be around different people and may feel forced to approve them, but this is another example of how the university is preparing the students for the diverse, real world. The students here have various backgrounds, beliefs, cultures, friends, values, morals, et cetera, and that is what makes Penn State diverse. Aside from race, Penn State offers a diverse collection of majors and study programs which provides endless opportunities for the students attending.
Out of the classroom, the university offers a diverse amount of activities to keep students busy, such as LateNight PSU. Although many students would rather go to “Frat Row” or a random apartment to party, this is the beauty of diversity of activities that Penn State offers. There is always something to do, and I believe that Penn State secretly incorporates students being exposed to the different cultures by providing these activities. For example, the Alumni Hall threw a free dance party the other night, and a diverse group of students attended and all had fun, ultimately leading to a skirmish when the cops were called. Diversity may cause conflict; however, it exposes to students the differences that people lead in their lives which will better prepare them for the real world.
The Office of the Vice Provost for Educational Equity was “originally charged to foster diversity at Penn State”(Office, par. 2) in 1990. This group provides many services to the university and the surrounding community, as it “supports and evaluates the many diversity initiatives and serves as an advocate for a range of populations”(Office, par. 2). All in all, this group helps the underrepresented, ranging from racial minorities to gay/lesbians, to overcome the educational barriers holding them back from studying at Penn State.
WORKS CITED
A Framework to Foster Diversity at Penn State: Background. U Ed. July 22, 2005. 18 Sept. 2005
A Framework to Foster Diversity at Penn State: Introduction. U Ed. July 22, 2005. 18 Sept. 2005 < http://www.equity.psu.edu/Framework/intro.asp∞>
A Framework to Foster Diversity at Penn State: Index. U Ed. July 22, 2005. 18 Sept. 2005 < http://www.equity.psu.edu/Framework/index.html∞>
Diversity. “Centipedia.com”. 18 Sept. 2005 < http://centipedia.com/articles/Diversity>∞.
Office of the Vice Provost for Educational Equity. 18 Sept. 2005 < http://www.equity.psu.edu/>∞.
Penn State Fact Book. 18 Sept. 2005 <http://www.budget.psu.edu/factbook/StudentDynamic/MinorityEnrolbyEthnicity.asp?TableCount=3&Report;∞
Edited on 2005-09-19 10:14:37 by MichaelNiffeneggerTestUser
Additions:
The Office of the Vice Provost for Educational Equity was “originally charged to foster diversity at Penn State”(Office, par. 2) in 1990. This group provides many services to the university and the surrounding community, as it “supports and evaluates the many diversity initiatives and serves as an advocate for a range of populations”(Office, par. 2). All in all, this group helps the underrepresented, ranging from racial minorities to gay/lesbians, to overcome the educational barriers holding them back from studying at Penn State.
Deletions:
The Office of the Vice Provost for Educational Equity was “originally charged to foster diversity at Penn State” in 1990 (Office, par. 2). This group provides many services to the university and the surrounding community, as it “supports and evaluates the many diversity initiatives and serves as an advocate for a range of populations”(Office, par. 2). All in all, this group helps the underrepresented, ranging from racial minorities to gay/lesbians, to overcome the educational barriers holding them back from studying at Penn State.
Oldest known version of this page was edited on 2005-09-19 00:46:29 by MichaelNiffeneggerTestUser []
Page view:
Michael Niffenegger
Definitive Argument: Diversity
“In order to cultivate a set of leaders with legitimacy in the eyes of the citizenry, it is necessary that the path to leadership be visibly open to talented and qualified individuals of every race and ethnicity”(Introduction, par. 9). In the U.S. court case Grutter v. Bollinger, reshaping the process of University of Michigan’s admissions, Justice O’Connor stated this quote to stress the importance of an educational setting that is diverse and prepares students for leadership and citizenry. Not only do universities aim for diversity, but businesses and many organizations do also. However, what exactly is diversity? According to Merriam-Webster Dictionary, diversity is “composed of distinct or unlike elements and qualities” (Merriam-Webster). To personally add to this, I believe that diversity is variety of different backgrounds, jobs, likes/dislikes, cultures and religions. As people have different perspectives, they may agree or disagree with my definition of diversity.
How can Penn State measure the significance of diversity on their campus? Administrators believe that diversity is a way to develop skills and bring on more opportunities for the undergraduates. Penn State has created their own mission of diversity by creating various programs and developing a “Framework to Foster Diversity.” The University has built a zero tolerance for hate and offers support to students that feel threatened. The seven challenges brought forth in the “Framework to Foster Diversity” has been referred to as a “concrete roadmap for achieving our diversity goals”(Index, par. 1). The Framework developed the challenges as: “Developing a Shared and Inclusive Understanding of Diversity; Creating a Welcoming Campus Climate; Recruiting and Retaining a Diverse Student Body; Recruiting and Retaining a Diverse Workforce; Developing a Curriculum That Supports the Goals of Our New General Education Plan; Diversifying University Leadership and Management; Coordinating Organizational Change to Support Our Diversity Goals”(Background, par. 3). These challenges make up the diversity plan for Penn State through 2009, and it is the University’s responsibility to uphold these challenges and to fulfill them.
The whole Pennsylvania State University system admits over 81,000 students each year. Out of these students, about 68,000 are white. This leaves only approximately 12% of the students are minority, consisting of African-American, Asian-American, Hispanic, and Native American; and 4% of the total student population is international (Penn State Fact Book). People may say that Penn State is not diverse because of these numbers, since we are predominantly white; however, diversity does not mean strictly differences in race. Another criticism of diversity is “in the political arena, diversity is a code word for forcing people to tolerate or approve people and practices they find repugnant” (Centipedia, par. 3). Students that have been sheltered their whole life may find it different to be around different people and may feel forced to approve them, but this is another example of how the university is preparing the students for the diverse, real world. The students here have various backgrounds, beliefs, cultures, friends, values, morals, et cetera, and that is what makes Penn State diverse. Aside from race, Penn State offers a diverse collection of majors and study programs which provides endless opportunities for the students attending.
Out of the classroom, the university offers a diverse amount of activities to keep students busy, such as
LateNight PSU. Although many students would rather go to “Frat Row” or a random apartment to party, this is the beauty of diversity of activities that Penn State offers. There is always something to do, and I believe that Penn State secretly incorporates students being exposed to the different cultures by providing these activities. For example, the Alumni Hall threw a free dance party the other night, and a diverse group of students attended and all had fun, ultimately leading to a skirmish when the cops were called. Diversity may cause conflict; however, it exposes to students the differences that people lead in their lives which will better prepare them for the real world.
The Office of the Vice Provost for Educational Equity was “originally charged to foster diversity at Penn State” in 1990 (Office, par. 2). This group provides many services to the university and the surrounding community, as it “supports and evaluates the many diversity initiatives and serves as an advocate for a range of populations”(Office, par. 2). All in all, this group helps the underrepresented, ranging from racial minorities to gay/lesbians, to overcome the educational barriers holding them back from studying at Penn State.
Penn State’s definition of diversity should follow the Framework that it is currently using, while stressing that diverse learning environments lead to endless opportunities. Since I have attended this college, I have noticed diversity at Penn State everywhere. Primarily, my group of friends consists of African Americans, Hispanics, Indians, Asians, and Whites, and that is just on 5th floor Stuart where I reside. We all cheer for different football teams, like different foods, music, girls, and so on; whereas we all have one common goal: to succeed at Penn State. The integrated cultures and hobbies that I have witnessed first-hand at Penn State have helped me understand the goal of diversity. I grew up in two completely different towns, one being predominantly black, and the other being mostly white, and I now see it coming all together. The world is not going to be one or the other, and Penn State is preparing us for the diverse world that we will work and travel throughout our lives.
WORKS CITED
A Framework to Foster Diversity at Penn State: Background. U Ed. July 22, 2005. 18 Sept. 2005
A Framework to Foster Diversity at Penn State: Introduction. U Ed. July 22, 2005. 18 Sept. 2005 <
http://www.equity.psu.edu/Framework/intro.asp∞>
A Framework to Foster Diversity at Penn State: Index. U Ed. July 22, 2005. 18 Sept. 2005 <
http://www.equity.psu.edu/Framework/index.html∞>
Diversity. “Centipedia.com”. 18 Sept. 2005 <
http://centipedia.com/articles/Diversity>∞.
“Merriam-Webster Online.” 2005. Merriam-Webster, Incorporated. 18 Sept 2005. <
http://www.merriam-webster.com∞>∞.
Office of the Vice Provost for Educational Equity. 18 Sept. 2005 <
http://www.equity.psu.edu/>∞.
Penn State Fact Book. 18 Sept. 2005 <
http://www.budget.psu.edu/factbook/StudentDynamic/MinorityEnrolbyEthnicity.asp?TableCount=3&Report;∞