DIVERSITY RESEARCH
AND EVALUATION AT Mount St. Mary's College
Measurement of multicultural initiatives
- Multicultural Course Evaluation:
piloted Spring 1995, to be administered
once a year with faculty evaluation
process (alternating between Fall
and Spring semesters) starting Fall
1997.
- Freshmen/Senior Interview: an open
ended interview question administered
by 6-7 trained student interviewers
to a representative sample of 25 freshman
and 25 seniors. Interview transcripts
are coded based on multicultural outcome
statement. A cross-sectional analysis
of the results is conducted to ascertain
growth between freshmen and senior
year.
Preliminary findings indicate that
students who engage in community service
or volunteer activities gain a higher
level of understanding, sensitivity
and respect for diverse cultures. It
seems that sustained and structured
interaction promotes growth in the aforementioned
areas.
- Campus Climate Survey: a close
ended questionnaire (obtained from
the "Resource Guide for Assessing
Campus Climate" by the California
Postsecondary Education Commission)
administered to the freshman/senior
sample after the interview is completed.
- Current Student Survey: a questionnaire
mailed in spring to sophomores and
seniors. Measures effectiveness of
general studies program (including
diversity issues), mission, and satisfaction
with programs and services.
- The Alumnae Survey: a questionnaire
mailed in fall to students two, five
and ten years after graduation. Measures
mission and general studies effectiveness
(including diversity issues), as well
as, career and graduate school plans/activities.
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