The Impact of Diversity and Multiculturalism on All Students: Findings from a National Study

Abstract

This longitudinal study examined the differential impact of a range of college diversity initiatives on white, African American, Mexican American/Chicano(a), and Asian American college students. The sample included 15,600 students from 365 four-year colleges and universities, who were initially surveyed in 1985 and followed up again in 1989. After four years of college, regardless of the students’ race/ethnicity, their overall level of satisfaction with their college experience was positively influenced by (a) attending racial/cultural awareness workshops; (b) socializing with students of different racial/ethnic groups; (c) taking courses from faculty who use instructional methodology with content on ethnic/racial issues, research, or writing addressing women, ethnicity or race; and (d) campus policies and practices that promote diversity initiatives.