More on Psychological Diversity

Pyschological diversity reflects the beliefs and perceptions of individuals about relations between groups as well as the institutional responses to diversity, perceptions of racial conflict and attitudes held toward individuals of different race, ethnicity or background (Hurtado et. al. 1998, 1999).  This includes the views of faculty, administrators and students of different backgrounds, with an understanding that each group has profoundly different perceptions of campus climate.

Hurtado and collegues (1998,1999) assert that who people are and their position within the institution influence each individual's perception of the campus climate.  It is important not to ignore the impact of these differences, as they are a critical part of the institutional environment.

Hurtado, S., J.F. Milem, A.R. Clayton-Pedersen, and W.R. Allen. (1998). Enhancing campus climates for racial/ethnic diversity through educational policy and practice.  Review of Higher Education 21 (3) : 279-302.

Hurtado, S., J.F. Milem, A.R. Clayton-Pedersen, and W.R. Allen. (1999). Enacting diverse learning environments: Improving the campus climate for racial/ethnic diversity in higher education. ASHE-ERIC Higher Education Reports Series 26 (8). San Francisco: Jossey Bass.

Milem, J. F., Chang, M. J., & Antonio, A. L. (2005). Making diversity work on campus: A research-based perspective. Washington, DC: Association American Colleges and Universities.