Oral Presentations: UC 326
Presentation Type
Presentation
Faculty Mentor’s Full Name
Eliot Graham
Faculty Mentor’s Department
Davidson Honors College
Abstract / Artist's Statement
Abstract:
The University of Montana has a diverse student body, consisting of individuals from a variety of different religious backgrounds, abilities, ethnic identities, gender identities and sexual orientations. Despite the diverse populations at the University, the value the school has placed on them is questionable. Providing proper support for members of marginalized communities not only helps individuals have access to resources, but it also is beneficial to the university itself. In this research, I combine interview data with analysis of websites and campus events to evaluate how the university has been both successful and unsuccessful in reflecting a specific stance toward, responsibility for, and engagement with issues of diversity. I interviewed students and faculty, examined the websites of every department on campus, and considered events such as the President's Lecture Series. I found that the University's department’s websites included more information on diversity than I was expecting. However, the information for resources was provided rather inconsistently, with some departments mentioning diversity while others did not have any information. The university must improve the consistency of its diversity resources in order to provide proper support to students.
Category
Social Sciences
White Folks Has Everything They Need": Diversity and Inclusivity at the University of Montana
UC 326
Abstract:
The University of Montana has a diverse student body, consisting of individuals from a variety of different religious backgrounds, abilities, ethnic identities, gender identities and sexual orientations. Despite the diverse populations at the University, the value the school has placed on them is questionable. Providing proper support for members of marginalized communities not only helps individuals have access to resources, but it also is beneficial to the university itself. In this research, I combine interview data with analysis of websites and campus events to evaluate how the university has been both successful and unsuccessful in reflecting a specific stance toward, responsibility for, and engagement with issues of diversity. I interviewed students and faculty, examined the websites of every department on campus, and considered events such as the President's Lecture Series. I found that the University's department’s websites included more information on diversity than I was expecting. However, the information for resources was provided rather inconsistently, with some departments mentioning diversity while others did not have any information. The university must improve the consistency of its diversity resources in order to provide proper support to students.