Seeing through their eyes: the diversity and inclusion lessons learned from rural university students
Purpose – In recent years, diversity and inclusion in higher education has become a topic of increased interest both nationally and internationally. Given the importance of this topic in today's world, it is surprising that the research is limited, especially with university students in the rur...
| Main Authors: | , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Emerald Publishing
2022-05-01
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| Series: | Higher Education Evaluation and Development |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/HEED-12-2020-0053/full/pdf |
| _version_ | 1797799389182296064 |
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| author | Catherine S. Browers Henry Wai Leong Ho |
| author_facet | Catherine S. Browers Henry Wai Leong Ho |
| author_sort | Catherine S. Browers |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Purpose – In recent years, diversity and inclusion in higher education has become a topic of increased interest both nationally and internationally. Given the importance of this topic in today's world, it is surprising that the research is limited, especially with university students in the rural areas. This study examines on-campus students' perceptions of university diversity initiatives, and their value to the university environment. Design/methodology/approach – Focus-group interviews with both undergraduate and graduate students from a public university in rural Michigan, USA, were conducted. Focus groups were used in this study because they are a particularly good method for generating discussion and stimulating ideas. Findings – Overall, the participants identified several positive attitudes toward diversity and inclusion that included being accepting and respectful. However, it is significant that some participants are limited in their perceptions of culturally diverse backgrounds, which has resulted in some anxiety. Originality/value – This study not only provides guidance to current institution administrators to create effective inclusive environments in their university. It can also be treated as a model for other rural universities, as building a successful inclusive environment in the future. |
| first_indexed | 2024-03-13T04:18:09Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-d5414588d55245f084d24d05b0ab6db8 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 2514-5789 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-03-13T04:18:09Z |
| publishDate | 2022-05-01 |
| publisher | Emerald Publishing |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Higher Education Evaluation and Development |
| spelling | doaj.art-d5414588d55245f084d24d05b0ab6db82023-06-20T16:51:43ZengEmerald PublishingHigher Education Evaluation and Development2514-57892022-05-0116121510.1108/HEED-12-2020-0053Seeing through their eyes: the diversity and inclusion lessons learned from rural university studentsCatherine S. Browers0Henry Wai Leong Ho1College of Business, Ferris State University, Big Rapids, Michigan, USACollege of Business, Ferris State University, Big Rapids, Michigan, USAPurpose – In recent years, diversity and inclusion in higher education has become a topic of increased interest both nationally and internationally. Given the importance of this topic in today's world, it is surprising that the research is limited, especially with university students in the rural areas. This study examines on-campus students' perceptions of university diversity initiatives, and their value to the university environment. Design/methodology/approach – Focus-group interviews with both undergraduate and graduate students from a public university in rural Michigan, USA, were conducted. Focus groups were used in this study because they are a particularly good method for generating discussion and stimulating ideas. Findings – Overall, the participants identified several positive attitudes toward diversity and inclusion that included being accepting and respectful. However, it is significant that some participants are limited in their perceptions of culturally diverse backgrounds, which has resulted in some anxiety. Originality/value – This study not only provides guidance to current institution administrators to create effective inclusive environments in their university. It can also be treated as a model for other rural universities, as building a successful inclusive environment in the future.https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/HEED-12-2020-0053/full/pdfHigher educationUSARural universityDiversity and inclusionStudents' perceptions |
| spellingShingle | Catherine S. Browers Henry Wai Leong Ho Seeing through their eyes: the diversity and inclusion lessons learned from rural university students Higher Education Evaluation and Development Higher education USA Rural university Diversity and inclusion Students' perceptions |
| title | Seeing through their eyes: the diversity and inclusion lessons learned from rural university students |
| title_full | Seeing through their eyes: the diversity and inclusion lessons learned from rural university students |
| title_fullStr | Seeing through their eyes: the diversity and inclusion lessons learned from rural university students |
| title_full_unstemmed | Seeing through their eyes: the diversity and inclusion lessons learned from rural university students |
| title_short | Seeing through their eyes: the diversity and inclusion lessons learned from rural university students |
| title_sort | seeing through their eyes the diversity and inclusion lessons learned from rural university students |
| topic | Higher education USA Rural university Diversity and inclusion Students' perceptions |
| url | https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/HEED-12-2020-0053/full/pdf |
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