Messy Middle Musings Track
Kristine Cody, M.S., Associate Director, Student Center for Reconciliation and Diversity
Carlos Acosta, Undergraduate, Psychology
Tabitha Parker, Undergraduate, Psychology
Angela Pham, Undergraduate, Economics and Honors Humanities
Nicholas Ramos, Undergraduate, Business and Economics
Jaeda Smith, Undergraduate, Theater Arts/Acting for the Stage and Screen
Jordan Vaz, Undergraduate, Communication Studies
Diversity is one of Azusa Pacific’s core values. This value is often espoused by modern United States universities, but minority students at historically white institutions often find themselves questioning institutional commitment. This presentation probes assumptions and realities regarding the role of ethnic organizations at private universities. Through a collection of interviews from student leaders of ethnic organizations and other key figures at universities comparable to Azusa Pacific, we explore ethnic organizations’ purposes and effectiveness in carrying out their missions. Based on academic research, we understand that the purpose of promoting diverse community and maintaining diversity as a core value is to cultivate intercultural competence among students and prepare them for success in modern society. Ethnic organizations tend to stand at the forefront of intercultural conversations at the student level; therefore, universities that claim to value diversity must resource their student ethnic organizations in proportion to their significance in fulfilling the aforementioned goals.
John and Marilyn Duke Academic Complex, Room 125
701 E. Foothill Blvd.
Azusa, CA 91702
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