1. Matthew P. Ciszek
Penn State Shenango
March 16, 2013

2.  Diversity and multiculturalism have become
goals in higher education in past 40 years
 Many reasons, including:
◦ Change in demographics
◦ Recognition that diverse points of view enrich the
educational experience
◦ Using education to further social justice and
socioeconomic equality
 Central role in mission statements, strategic
plans, and educational priorities

3.  Most IHEs support and represent “historically
underrepresented” groups
 These groups include:
◦ Racial minorities
◦ Ethnic minorities
◦ Women
 Many IHEs are only beginning to consider the
how to support and represent other
underrepresented groups

4.  Diversity and multicultural climate is the
responsibility of whole institution
 “One’s cultural identity is more than ethnicity
or race”
 “Gender, age, religion, geographic
identity, and sexual orientation are equally
part of the makeup of a multicultural
individual”

5.  Biracial and
Multiracial Students
 Lesbian, Gay, Bisex
ual, and
Transgender
Students
 International
Students
 Non-traditional Age
Students
 Students with
Disabilities
 Students with
Diverse Religious
Beliefs or
Spirituality

6.  Typically 25 years or older
 More than 70% of new students in recent
years
 Come to higher education with different
expectations
 Preparation for college level work is often less
than traditional age students
 Students juggling work, family, and other
priorities

7.  Be available outside the classroom and during
weekend/evening hours
 Build additional help and assistance with
technology and research into curriculum
 Be flexible on attendance and other policies
due to family commitments
 Incorporate expertise of older students into
examples and curriculum
 Highlight areas of coursework that speak to
work/family life, job seeking, and like topics

8.  Individuals with a sexual orientation or
gender expression/identity different from the
majority
 Number of self-identified LGBT students has
grown in last 20 years
 Due to social stigmatization, many students
struggle emotionally/academically in high
school

9.  Creation of “safe spaces” in the classroom
where LGBT students can have open
discussion
 Inclusion of LGBT themes in curriculum or
classroom instruction
 Training faculty on sensitivity and awareness
of LGBT issues
 Partnering with campus LGBT groups and
resource centers
 Developing a minor in LGBT/Queer Studies

10.  Due to the ADA (1990), increasing number of
disabled students are enrolling at IHEs
 More than 11% of all students report a
disability
 Students with learning disabilities are a
growing segment of this group

11.  Accessible spaces in the classroom
 Ensure that curricular materials are available
for all students regardless of disability
 Supplementing traditional materials with
audiovisual and technology
 Training for faculty on dealing with learning
disabilities and physical disabilities
 Working with disability offices on
accommodation of student needs

12.  Ciszek, M. P. Diversifying Diversity. College &
Research Libraries News, 73 (9), 547-549.
 Cuyjet, M. J., Howard-Hamilton, M. F., and
Cooper, D. L., editors. Multiculturalism on Campus:
Theory, Models, and Practices for Understanding
Diversity and Creating Inclusion. Stylus Publishing:
Sterling, VA, 2011.

14. Matthew P. Ciszek
Penn State Shenango
mpc16@psu.edu