Diversity is defined as "the quality or state of having many different forms, types, ideas, etc. or the state of having people who are differnet races or who have different cultues in a group or organization." (Merriam-Webster) The session held on High Point's campus was to talk about and address issues that students felt about diversity. Questions were taken from a survey and asked to administration by Dr. Robert E. Moses, Assistant Professor of Religion. Most of the questions were answered by President Dr. Nido R. Qubein. Other questions throughout the session were also answered by Gail C. Tuttle, Vice President for Student Life and Dr. Denniss Carroll, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs.
Dr. Qubein gave a brief introduction at the start of the discussion, and then introduced Dr. Robert Moses, who posed the questions that he had compiled from an anonymous survey. The first question asked addressed the issue of High Point University not having an office of diversity or multicultural affairs. Dr. Qubein answered this question, stating that it upset him to have students compare HPU to other schools (the question stated the Guilford College and UNCG both have offices of multicultural affairs). Dr. Qubein spoke very passionately and stated that High Point University would start an office on multicultural affairs, as that is something that the student body is requesting. He stated that "High Point University is a global institution and it is part of our focus to be inclusive." He stressed the importance of High Point being a community, a family.
The second question was given to Ms. Tuttle, asking her about student opportunity and freedom of expression on campus, including posting materials on campus and peaceful protesting. Ms. Tuttle stated that students do have to follow the "poster policy" and the guide to campus life, but that the students on High Point's campus have a great sense of freedom of expression. Posters and boards are often used on campus for students to raise awareness and spread the word for events and ongoings to other students. Because this is such a large part of student life, they are investing in purchasing a video messaging board for these purposes. Tuttle stated that posting are always allowed, assuming they uphold High Point University standards and expectations (i.e. respectful). She also covered information on protests, stating that "there is no protocol for having a peaceful protest. If students want to protest, they can." The only time an issue like this is banned would be during finals, or if it was not a respectful, peaceful protest.
The third question was given again to Dr. Qubein, coming directly from students who had felt profiled on campus, specifically by campus security. Many students of either Middle Eastern descent or African American students had identified issues of feeling profiled on campus. Dr. Qubein was clearly upset, and asked that if anyone ever feels uncomfortable, disrespected, or the like, to speak out. He made it clear that if there was an issue he wanted to know the specifics (i.e. time, date, name, etc.) and that he would do with it what he could to make it right. "If someone is mistreated on this campus, I will take responsibility for it. I will handle it" Dr. Qubein said.
A final question, which spiraled into other questions, was answered by Dr. Carroll and Dr. Qubein. Dr. Carroll took the initial portion of the question, how can/are we increasing diversity among faculty and administration? The question also acknowledged that we have a very diverse curriculum, but how are we making students aware of the specific courses that offer such diverse topics? Dr. Carroll clearly appreciate the question and the insight that those who had expressed interested were asking a question to benefit what goes on at High Point University. He stated that they are making strides in hiring more diverse staff, recruiting through specific medias and websites, as well as trying to make students aware of courses that they can take which are rich in diversity. He understood and relayed the importance of educating freshman coaches as well as the student body as a whole. He stated that there is a talk of creating a diversity minor at High Point University and how they are hiring 35-40 faculty and staff per year, actively trying to make that population more diverse.
Dr. Carroll also brought up the Accreditation visits that High Point's academic schools go though, most recently The School of Communication and The School of Education. These accreditation visits have diversity standards and High Point has passed them with flying colors. But, these are steps in the journey that High Point University is taking in order to make the campus a more diverse place. Dr. Qubein then added to what Dr. Carroll had stated, saying "I'm embarrassed by the lack of diversity of faculty, staff and students."
As a participant of this discussion, it was eye opening. Especially as both a teacher and a student, I found this topic particularly interesting. "Multicultural education has evolved into a well-established discipline based on the work of scholars and researchers committed to its vision and basic principles." (Hollins, 2008) It was a very valuable experience. To hear Dr. Qubein himself make comments about how hard he and the staff have worked to make High Point the University it is today, it was clear how passionate he is. It was also clear that High Point is making strides to achieve a more diverse community.
Resources:
Hollins, E. R. (2008) Culture in School Learning: Revealing the Deep Meaning. New York: Routledge.
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/diversity
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