ERIC Number: ED397895
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 1995-Aug
Pages: 28
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Study of Multicultural Experiences, Perceptions and Attitudes of Current Students.
Lucas, John A.; Solano, Frank
In spring 1994, William Rainey Harper College, in Illinois, conducted a survey of random samples of 250 each of currently enrolled Asian, Black, Hispanic, and Caucasian students to determine their experiences, perceptions, and attitudes regarding the college's multicultural environment. Completed responses were received from 339 students, including 81 Asian, 56 Black, 97 Hispanic, and 105 Caucasian students. Study findings included the following: (1) of 13 positive and negative experiences provided on the questionnaire, the most frequent experience reported was the desire to socialize with students of different backgrounds, receiving an overall rating of 3.29 on a 4-point scale of frequency; (2) overall, students agreed that special interest groups were needed to provide support for students of similar backgrounds; (3) students gave a rating of 3.32 out of 4 with respect to the friendliness of the college and 3.26 regarding its respectfulness; (4) students generally disagreed that they had to change personal characteristics to fit in at the college; and (5) the two most common activities suggested for improving diversity were events that brought different racial groups together and art exhibits or concerts featuring special interest groups. Includes student comments to open-ended questions. The survey instrument and cover letter are appended. (BCY)
Descriptors: Asian American Students, Asian Americans, Black Students, College Environment, Community Colleges, Cultural Activities, Cultural Pluralism, Diversity (Institutional), Enrichment Activities, Hispanic American Students, Hispanic Americans, Minority Groups, Social Support Groups, Student Attitudes, Two Year College Students, Two Year Colleges, White Students
Publication Type: Reports - Research; Tests/Questionnaires
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: William Rainey Harper Coll., Palatine, IL. Office of Planning and Research.
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A