Are We Satisfied?: A Look at Student Satisfaction with Diversity at Traditionally White Institutions

Abstract

Using a national longitudinal dataset of college students, this study examines satisfaction with the ethnic diversity of the student body and faculty at traditionally White institutions. The strongest predictor of satisfaction with diversity for White and Latino/a students was the heterogeneity of the institution; the strongest predictors for Black and Asian American students were satisfaction with community, peer interactions, and the overall college experience. The findings suggest that supporting positive peer interactions and a sense of community are critical parts of a positive campus racial climate, in addition to increasing the heterogeneity of the campus.

Is university internationalization bad for performance? Examining two different types of diversity

“…However, our quantitative results indicate that those worries may be somewhat over-emphasized and that gender diversity could be even more damaging to the success and satisfaction of academic organizations. This is consistent with a recent large scale study by Park (2009) where it was found that an increase in higher education student and staff ethnic diversity affected student satisfaction positively.…”

The Associations of Intergroup Interactions and School Racial Socialization with Academic Motivation

“…Importantly, the results showed that, even in a seemingly homogenous environment, perceptions of school racial climate varied and were associated with how students saw themselves and connected to others. Studies of culturally relevant teaching have examined predominantly African American schools and classrooms but not considered the impact of messages about diversity and intergroup interactions (e.g., Howard, 2001;Young, 2010), while studies of diversity programming and intergroup interactions often intentionally exclude homogenous settings such as historically Black colleges and universities (e.g., Hurtado, 1992;Jayakumar, 2008;Park, 2009). The present study highlights the fact that both intergroup interactions and multiculturalism are present and impactful in all types of settings.…”

Thriving in College

“…For example, ethnic minority students' satisfaction and sense of belonging on campus are typically lower than what White students report (Park, 2009), their relationships with faculty are qualitatively different and contribute differently to their learning gains (Cole, 2007;Lundberg and Schreiner, 2004), and their process of adjustment to college differs, along with the role that campus involvement plays in their success (Fischer, 2007).…”