Kristina Bryant Case

EDL 661 Diversity

Final Paper
Dr. Teasdale
06.10.10

The importance of diversity and multicultural issues is at the heart of the student
affairs profession. Even when looking up the definition of what a career in student affairs is,
diversity issues are mentioned. Understandably Wikipedia.org is not a reliable source for
research and academic papers, however when coming up with a quick definition or the
essence of an issue, it is a go-to information center. Wikipedia.org gives a lengthy definition
of student affairs, Student affairs professionals incorporate the issues of diversity into their
every day tasks and work with an array of students in such areas as campus activities,
counseling, resources, etc. This department, like others within the higher education system,
seeks to serve the needs of the student.
The in class reading Multicultural Competence in Student Affairs, the authors posit
that student affairs professionals have been in the forefront of the quest to create more
welcoming and affirming campus environments and have often been called upon to address
the discontent and outrage of students who have experienced an alienating and hostile
campus climate (Pope, pg.5). The above quote shows that student affairs professionals
nationwide have and are expected to embrace diversity as well as be catalysts for change in
their campus environments with respect to diversity. The author goes on to say these efforts

are consistent with the expectations of the role of student affairs on a college campus that
has always been to address the needs of students outside the classroom (Pope, pg.5).
The author also questions student affairs professionals commitment to diversity and
asks if the concept has been integrated into the core values, beliefs, and practices of the
profession. I think that at least in the programs I have been introduced to here in Ohio,
every student affairs graduate program has committed to making diversity and multicultural
issues a core value. At Wright State University, the issues surrounding diversity and
multiculturalism seem to have been beaten into every student. Lessons about racisms,
classism, ageism, sexism and many other issues that students come into contact with have
been discussed in every single graduate class Ive taken at this institution. I would have to
submit that diversity is especially important at Wright State University because the topic
comes up frequently.
I plan on having a career in student affairs at multiple different institutions. I went to
a small private liberal arts institution and I found that I really loved it there. Having been
here at Wright State as a graduate student, this institution is medium sized, but it still feels
that most of the students have a connection to each other and to the institution. I would like
to get a feel for institutions of different types and sizes to be well rounded in experience. I
would also like to teach classes, maybe leadership classes, diversity classes, or even
psychology classes and be an adjunct professor in addition to be a student affairs
professional. I am also interested in writing, either creative writing or for magazines. My
career plans are many and I havent even skimmed the surface of my interests, but as far as
student affairs is concerned, my main goal would be to either be a VP for student affairs, a
provost or a president of a university.

I am interested in this career field because of the acceptance that diversity is

important, there is no need to fight anyone to prove that all groups should have a voice.
Since in student affairs everyone acknowledges that privilege and oppression exist, it frees
us up to explore the ability to teach our students about these issues. In the class reading
What Can We Do? There is a section exactly about the topic of the acknowledgement of
privilege and oppression. The authors write A key to the continued existence of every
system of privilege is unawareness, because privilege contradicts so many basic human
values that it invariably arouses opposition when people know about it (Chapter 9, pg.
137). I enjoy that we as student affairs professionals get to push the minds of our students,
introduce them to new concepts and ideas, make them see the world through new and
different lens, make them aware of these issues, but most of all help them create the
foundation to live a life of purpose with distinction.
My method to bringing multicultural issues and competence into my career and my
method for navigating the issues inherent with diversity and multiculturalism is through an
education and respectful discussion approach. My plan is to address each issue through
educating all those around me and having discussions at meetings, events, classrooms, and
bringing all the issues to light. Awareness is incredibly important to me and I hope that the
institution will be as committed to diversity as I am.
One issue which is incredibly important to me is in our book for the class, Race,
Class and Gender in the United States. On page 446, Keith Olbermann discusses the issue of
gay marriage. His experience in this story is very similar to mine. He says..,Im not gay, I
had to strain to think of one member of even my very extended family who is, I have no
personal stories of close friends or colleagues fighting the prejudice that still pervades their

lives (Olbermann, pg.446). This is almost true for me, although I have no family members,
I do have close friends and colleagues who are. Olbermann continues If you voted for
proposition 8 or support those who did or the sentiment they expressed, I have some
questions, because, truly, I do not understand. Why does this matter to you?...These people,
they want what you want- a chance to be a little less alone in the world (Olbermann,
pg.446).
I feel the same way. Why do straight, conservative, religious people care about gays
marrying one another? Yet calling those people straight or conservative or religious is just
another stereotype which promotes prejudice which leads to discrimination. How is student
affairs able to fight this battle against the real world and teach their students the importance
of acceptance, tolerance, and diversity, when the world is not committed to diversity
themselves? It is definitely a frustrating situation.
One way to affect change and policy at institutions of higher education is through the
Multicultural Change Intervention Matrix (MCIM). Found on page 56 of the Multicultural
Competence in Student Affairs chapter, this matrix helps student affairs professionals
conceptualize and plan multicultural interventions. This is one way to begin the
conversation with your colleagues, your institution, your students, and your supervisors or
subordinates. This also a great tool for assessment, strategic planning, curriculum changes,
and policy revisions. I absolutely plan to use this model as a student affairs professional to at
least start those conversations, if not use the model and create change by using the model
(Chapter 3, pg.57).
Finally, as part of my commitment to diversity issues and making sure that education
and awareness are addressed, I think it is important to add multicultural competency to class

curriculum, to hiring descriptions, to all programming and to campus events. In the Chapter
9, Multicultural Competence: Reflection and Practices, the chapter explains the model for
multicultural competence and gives multiple case studies in which the model can be applied.
This is another extremely important tool that professionals are able to use. Case Studies and
using the model to apply what you have learned is another way to help students and
colleagues to understand the importance of multicultural issues.
In addition to students learning about and understanding diversity and multicultural
issues, it is important that student affairs professionals are well prepared to handle the
different diverse issues of their students and respond to them appropriately. Student affairs
professionals need to be sensitive to the issues and needs of their students and therefore
professionals who dont approach the situation from an educated standpoint could hurt a
student deeply. Their hurt could be emotional or mental. Often students need someone who
will listen to them without judgment and offer them valuable straight forward advice. These
are what I like to call teachable moments. In these teachable moments, students can often
learn a life lesson through your words as a professional and maybe even remedy the current
situation and future situations through their newly acquired knowledge. Students also need
someone who will be an advocate for them. I consider being a student advocate one of the
most important parts of being a student affairs professional. Student affairs personnel are
often in an awkward spot because not only are they expected to be student advocates but
they are also a part of the system that is potentially hurting the student. Not all policies are
student centered and it is your job as student affairs professionals to uphold policy. However,
it is also your job to be a student advocate. How do you accomplish both?

In closing, multiculturalism and diversity should be important to everyone. It is our

job as student affairs professionals to make sure that the students lives that we touch, are
understood by us and that they leave the institution with an infused knowledge of diversity
and multicultural issues. Hopefully, with this knowledge students will go out into the world
and spread the message of tolerance and the importance of recognizing and celebrating
diversity.