Diversity Works

Book excerpt: This report presents a review of the literature and an annotated bibliography of research on the impact of campus diversity initiatives on American college students. First, an executive summary concludes that, overall, the literature suggests that diversity initiatives positively affect both minority and majority students on campus. It specifically identifies successful strategies such as programs which focus on the transition to college of underrepresented students, mentoring programs, specialized student support programs, programs which emphasize opportunities for interaction between and among student groups, and serious engagement with diversity issues in the curriculum and classroom. The two chapters of Part 1 provide a context for campus diversity research and explain the framework for searching, organizing, and analyzing the literature. Part 2 presents the research findings in four chapters which address: (1) representation inclusion and success of underrepresented populations; (2) campus climate and intergroup relations; (3) education and scholarship curriculum, teaching, and learning; and (4) institutional transformation findings on comprehensive campus commitments to diversity. A final chapter considers implications for the future. An annotated bibliography provides abstracts for over 250 related articles and books. (Also contains approximately 150 references.) (DB)