In 1996, Middle Tennessee State
University crafted an Academic Master Plan that predicted, "The student
population over the next 15 years will become more diverse and
multicultural." One of the major goals of the plan was to: "Create a
student-centered learning environment responsive to the needs of a diverse
student population." In its 1999 report, the Committee on Marketing MTSU
into the Next Millennium declared, "MTSU aspires to be one of the best
teaching universities in the nation... one that values cultural
diversity."
MTSU has an Office of Cultural Diversity Initiatives that was established
in 2002 to enhance the quality of the relationships that students,
faculty, administrators and the Middle Tennessee State University
community have with those of different cultures. This office coordinates
the MTSU Bi-Annual International Conference on Cultural Diversity, a
preparatory academy for culturally diverse students and a Multicultural
Caucus for faculty, administrators and staff. This office seeks to help
close the gap between the recognized need for cultural diversity and the
actualization of the university's potential in this area.
The Goals and Objectives of the office are to support the President's
Priorities of Excellence, Student-Centeredness, and
Partnerships.
They are to: -
Create an Atmosphere of Excellence through Cultural Competence by
Providing Capacity-Building Opportunities for the MTSU Family
- Provide Leadership in Creating a Welcoming Environment for Faculty
and Administrators and an atmosphere of excellence for Students of Color.
- Support the Cultural Competency Education of MTSU Students
- Provide Consultation and Support to all TBR Institutions as
Resources Allow
For more information, see the website for cultural diversity.
MTSU currently has a minority enrollment of around 18%. This is up from
13.45% ten years ago (fall 1995). It is essential to prepare all of our
students to work in a global society where the citizens are increasingly
culturally diverse. When incorporated into the curriculum, diversity has a
positive impact on attitudes toward racial issues, on opportunities to
interact with students from different backgrounds, and on overall college
satisfaction.
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