Diversity

With Nush…

Why Diversity?

People!!!• Unique• Diversity cannot simply be demarcated through

geographic or ethnic variation(Cohen, 2009, p.194) …Add sexual orientation, gender, disability etc.

Activity!!!

Diversity and Higher Education

But, WHY should we have these TOUGH conversations?

• College is one of the FIRST places that students are being exposed to diversity in a grand scale.

• Studies have observed that before reaching college most students settle within the comfortable homogeneity that their parents encourage them to stay in.(Syed, 2010, p.1510)

• If college overlooks addressing diversity, then students will

continue to create their own homogenous comfort zones within the campus community, and one will notice the development of a disjointed campus culture (Gurin, et al. 2002, p.332).

Disjointed Campus Culture =

Disjointed Community

Can We Afford to Have a Disjointed Community?

Can We Afford to Have a Disjointed Community?

Social Cohesion = Strong Community

Gains for the Individual

• Social Cohesion• More Marketable • Better at Problem Solving• Development of Individual Identity

So…Why Should FDU Care About Diversity?

Mission Statement

“Fairleigh Dickinson University is a center of academic excellence dedicated to the preparation of world citizens through global education. The University

strives to provide students with the multi-disciplinary, intercultural, and ethical understandings necessary

to participate, lead and prosper in the global marketplace of ideas, commerce and culture.”

But…Why should YOU care?

• Choose to do diversity related ice-breakers.

• Choose to organize programs addressing diversity needs.

• Choose to attend diversity related programs organized by the University.

• Encourage students to attend diversity related programs and events.

“Education is the Most Powerful Weapon Which YOU can use to Change the World.”

― Nelson Mandela