Higher Education and Student Affairs Faculty Publications

Document Type

Article

Abstract

In the past two decades, the proportion of students of color at American colleges and universities has increased substantially, and similar trends toward diversification are also occurring in other nations (McInnis, 2003). In the context of this burgeoning campus heterogeneity, promoting a positive climate for diversity has become increasingly important. Institutions that have sought to promote racial/ethnic diversity have generally started by increasing the representation of students of color, but many have not been sufficiently prepared to support a more diverse student population (Hurtado, Milem, Clayton-Pedersen, & Allen, 1999). Such a lack of support can be quite problematic because perceptions of a hostile campus racial climate are associated with lower college adjustment, sense of belonging, institutional commitment, satisfaction, grades, and persistence for both minority and majority students (e.g., Fischer, 2007; Locks, Hurtado, Bowman, & Oseguera, 2008; Nora & Cabrera, 1996). This evidence suggests that improving campus climate is important for any institution that seeks to improve student success and flourishing. The current study explores the relationship between Australian students’ college diversity experiences and perceived climate.

Publisher's Statement

Copyright © 2014 The Johns Hopkins University Press. This article first appeared in Journal of College Student Development, Volume 55, Issue 3, April, 2014, pages 323-330.

Publication Date

4-2014

Publication Title

Journal of College Student Development

Publisher

Johns Hopkins University Press

DOI

https://doi.org/10.1353/csd.2014.0024

Start Page No.

323

End Page No.

303

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