Cultural Diversity Online Tutoring Training Workshop The Learning Center The University of Louisiana-Lafayette

Cultural Diversity Todays college campuses reflect the diversity of the U.S. population, but are you aware how diverse the U.S. is? And why thats a reason to celebrate?

Race, Ethnic Groups and Culture Race: generally refers to a group with similar inherited features. Ethnic group: refers to a group that shares language, national origin or religious tradition. Culture: refers to the behaviors and beliefs characteristic shared by a group of people. The ideas and behaviors of an ethnic group, for example, are part of their culture.

The Changing U.S. Population According to the Census Bureau, the U.S. is the only nation in the world where virtually every group represented has its origin in another country.

A Century of Change Total U.S. Population, 2000, by race

What does the future hold for you, me, & us? If the current rate of growth continues, the groups that make up a minority of the current population will make up 50% of the U.S. population by If you live in or near an urban center, chances are that your community is already more diverse than you may think. In small communities it may be less so.

Appreciating Diversity Yet… Even in college, people often tend to seek out other people like themselves… College is a tremendous opportunity to meet people unlike yourself! Seek out student groups, volunteer opportunities, and organizations that help meet new people. Research shows that students benefit from positive relations with other students of different racial and ethnic backgrounds. Diversity is the reason that Americas language, food, fashion, music, business, and accomplishments are as rich and varied as they are!

Broaden Your Diversity Vista Make all people and groups feel welcome, including those with differences in sexual orientation, age or ability.

Being Mindful of Others Respect culture and diversity Understand gender issues Respect sexual orientation Improve your relationships with diverse others Different isnt bad, its just different

Diversity on Campus College campuses are among Americas most diverse settings, including both students and faculty. Despite opportunities to mix, people often associate with their own kind. Our fear of the unknown may keep us close to those whose background we share. This prevents us from taking advantage of the rich opportunities on campus to meet and learn about people who are different from us.

Discrimination and Prejudice on College Campuses In addition to being morally and personally repugnant, discrimination is also ILLEGAL. Respect and tolerance, on th other hand, are highly encouraged!

Ethnicity, Stereotypes, and Prejudice on Campus Many of us sincerely think that we are not prejudiced, but experts believe that every person harbors some prejudices. Stereotypes lead us to view others in limited and limiting ways. There is so much more to people than the social roles they play, or the groups to which they belong. We tend to identify with others who are like us, and fear people who are different from us.

We tend to be ethnocentricfavoring groups we belong to and tending to think of them as superior. Some of us are also egocentric – thinking we are superior to everyone else. Ethnicity, Stereotypes, and Prejudice on Campus (continued)

Diversity Attitude Scale: Where are you? Celebration We need each other. Affirmation Ive got something to learn from you. Civility I respect your rights. Tolerance You have a right to be here. Intolerance Ill work to keep you out

International Students Most colleges have students from a wide range of countries. They bring customs, values, and behaviors that may be different from those of American students. If you are an American-born student, consider getting to know one or more international students; it will expand your education. If you are an international student, adapting to college in America may bring some confusion and problems; for help, read your text and ask your instructor.

Dont Put Up with Sexual Harassment It is estimated that two million women currently enrolled in college will experience some form of sexual harassment in their student lives. Sexual harassment includes several behaviors. Gender harassment - sexist remarks and behavior that insult and degrade women, a problem apart from harassment for sex. Seductive behavior - unwanted, inappropriate, and offensive advances. Sexual bribery - harassment for sex, with the threat of punishment for refusal. Every college is required by law to take action against sexual harassment.

Homosexuality and Bisexuality A recent figure estimates that about 2–5% of people are homosexual, and about 1% are bisexual. Sexual orientation is not necessarily a fixed decision that is made once in lifeforever. People sometimes experiment with homosexual behavior in adolescence, but not as an adult. In most ways the college goals of homosexual and bisexual students are no different from those of heterosexual students. These students do experience some difficulties due to their minority status.

Improving the Lives of Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual College Students Many campuses have organizations for students who are gay, lesbian, or bisexual. They not only involve the students, but their friends and families as well. If your campus does not have an organization consider starting one. Check with your student activities office for correct procedures. Many good books exist that have been written for and by homosexual and bisexual people, covering many practical issues. Be tolerant of the sexual orientation of others. Take a course on human sexuality to learn more.

Improve Your Relationships with Different Kinds of People Honestly assess your attitudes Put yourself in perspective with others Seek personal contact Respect differences but dont overlook similarities Search for more knowledge Treat people as individuals rather than stereotyping them Include, dont exclude

REFERENCES Roadways to Success by James C. Williamson, Debra A. McCandrew, and Charles T. Muse, Sr., Pearson Education Focus on College Success by Constance Staley, Wadsworth Cengage Learning

TAKE THE QUIZ! To receive Tutor Training credit for your CRLA certification requirements, please complete the Quiz via the link below, and sign, print and bring the completed form to The Learning Center Coordinator - Lee 204b CULTURAL DIVERSITY QUIZ