ERIC Number: ED322244
Record Type: RIE
Publication Date: 1989-Oct
Pages: 32
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Institutional Climate and Minority Achievement.
Richardson, Richard C.
This paper discusses ways that institutions can change the higher education system and environment to accommodate more minority students. The first section, "Institutional Climate and Minority Achievement," presents an overview of the problems facing colleges and universities with respect to recruiting and retaining minority students. In the second section, "Interventions: the Visible Evidence of Organizational Culture," three stages of intervention strategies for increasing diversity are discussed. The following types of interventions characterize stage 1: (1) student recruitment; (2) financial aid; and (3) admissions and scheduling. The following types of interventions characterize stage 2: (1) outreach programs; (2) transition programs; (3) mentoring and advising; (4) environment; and (5) residence halls. The following types of interventions characterize stage 3: (1) student assessment; (2) learning assistance; and (3) curriculum content. In the third section, "Managing Organizational Culture," the following topics are discussed: (1) strategic planning; (2) coordination and control; (3) increasing staff diversity; and (4) faculty incentives and support. The fourth section, "Assessing Outcomes as Indicators of Organizational Culture," analyzes minority participation and achievement data for 20 institutions. The patterns exhibited by these institutions are discussed, and it is suggested that the following distinct organizational culture structures exist: (1) adaptive; (2) strategic/adaptive; (3) reactive/strategic; and (4) reactive. Seven tables are included. A list of 10 references is included. (JS)
Descriptors: Academic Achievement, Admission Criteria, Change Strategies, College Admission, College Curriculum, Educational Environment, Faculty Integration, Financial Support, Higher Education, Intervention, Mentors, Minority Groups, Multicultural Education, School Holding Power, Student Recruitment, Teacher Role, Undergraduate Students, Undergraduate Study
Education Commission of the States, 707 17th Street, Suite 2700, Denver, CO 80295 (MP-89-2; $6.75; quantity discount).
Publication Type: Reports - General; Numerical/Quantitative Data
Education Level: N/A
Audience: Policymakers; Practitioners
Language: English
Sponsor: Office of Educational Research and Improvement (ED), Washington, DC.
Authoring Institution: Education Commission of the States, Denver, CO.; National Center for Postsecondary Governance and Finance, Tempe, AZ.
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A