Diversity by Design: A Study of 3 Alumni Cohorts Laura Palucki Blake, Michael Tamada, & Karen...
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Transcript of Diversity by Design: A Study of 3 Alumni Cohorts Laura Palucki Blake, Michael Tamada, & Karen...
Diversity by Design: A Study of 3 Alumni Cohorts
Laura Palucki Blake, Michael Tamada, & Karen Yoshino
Occidental College
Background Alumni survey was developed in
conjunction with advisory panel of diversity experts
Sent to 3 cohorts of alumni– 1980’s = pre-diversity initiatives– 1990’s = mid-diversity initiatives– 2000’s = established diversity initiatives
Survey Components
Learning Outcomes-active learning processes in which students are involved while in college
Democracy Outcomes-ways in which college prepares students to become involved as active participants in a society that is becoming increasingly diverse
Diversity Outcomes-ways in which students perceive that diversity enriched their college experience
Survey, continued
Sent to 3,037 alumni in 3 cohorts 19% response rate Representative as far as cohorts and
race/ethnicity, but women are over-represented in 1980’s and 2000’s cohort.
Analysis 4 sets of analysis were completed Basic Demographic information:
– n = 567 (19%)– Sex: Male = 37% Female = 63%– Grad School: Yes = 62% No = 38%– Ethnicity:
• Asian = 14%• Caucasian = 72%• URM = 14%
Learning Outcomes
All 8 learning outcomes show statistically significant differences by cohort– 1980’s significantly lower than 1990’s and
2000’s.
Learning Outcomes, continued
The College’s commitment to multiculturalism was evident
Informal interactions were influenced by commitment to multiculturalism
Contact with different races was “an essential part” of college experience
Took more courses from URM faculty, & took more courses that focused on concerns of racial and ethnic groups
Learning Outcomes, continuedOxy's commitment to multiculturalism was evident
in course readings, lectures or discussions
1
2
3
4
5
White 4.06 4.61 4.52
Underrep 3.3 4.58 4.81
Asian 3.64 4.65 4.24
1980's 1990's 2000's
Learning Outcomes, continuedContact w ith individuals from different racial/ethnic
backgrounds from mine was an essential part of my college experience
1
2
3
4
5
White 3.68 4 4.19
Underrep 4 4.56 4.71
Asian 3.91 4.19 4.31
1980's 1990's 2000's
Democracy Outcomes Attitudes 4 items showed statistically significant
difference Respondents from 1980’s differ from
those in the 1990’s & 2000’s. They report:
• Less understanding of racial and ethnic differences
• Less recognition/challenge of biases that affect their own thinking
• Less recognition of culturally biased behavior they had not previously recognized
Democracy Outcomes, continued Behaviors
– Less dramatic change– 1980’s & 1990’s differ from 2000’s:
• Call, write, or email to protest media perpetuating bias
• Organize an educational program to inform others
• Participate in jokes that are derogatory toward another group
– The nonsignificant items have to do with others’ behavior (e.g. challenge others who make jokes that are derogatory)
Democracy Outcomes, continuedMy experiences at Oxy have led me to
become more understanding of racial/ethnic differences
1
2
3
4
5
White 3.69 4.21 4.14
Underrep 3.8 4.36 4.61
Asian 3.45 4.05 3.92
1980's 1990's 2000's
Diversity Outcomes
Five diversity outcomes show statistically significant differences by cohort
Overall, increases in comfort with diversity
Diversity Outcomes, continued
Getting to know people with different racial/ethnic backgrounds was was easy
Increase in comfort in being with others whose background was different than theirs
No differences found for– Would recommend Oxy to siblings and friends– Prepared well for personal growth, profession, and
social networks
Diversity Outcomes, continuedThe racial/ethnic diversity at Oxy was one of
the reasons I chose to attend Oxy
1
2
3
4
5
White 2.25 3 3.47
Underrepresented 2.2 3.19 4.45
Asian 2.82 3 3.71
1980's 1990's 2000's
Lessons Learned
Changes in institutional mission are traceable through experiences of its alumni
Clarify Oxy’s values and institutional culture
Commitment to multiculturalism achieved without perceived loss of quality
Next Steps
Dissemination plan Longitudinal study Increase information from URM alumni Critical mass hypothesis External measures of quality of
education