Background Statement on Diversity and Excellence

Background

In 1996, Middle Tennessee State University crafted an Academic Master Plan that predicted, "The student population over the next 15 years will become more diverse and multicultural." One of the major goals of the plan was to: "Create a student-centered learning environment responsive to the needs of a diverse student population." In its 1999 report, the Committee on Marketing MTSU into the Next Millennium declared, "MTSU aspires to be one of the best teaching universities in the nation... one that values cultural diversity."

Diversity at MTSU

MTSU has an Office of Cultural Diversity Initiatives that was established in 2002 to enhance the quality of the relationships that students, faculty, administrators and the Middle Tennessee State University community have with those of different cultures. This office coordinates the MTSU Bi-Annual International Conference on Cultural Diversity, a preparatory academy for culturally diverse students and a Multicultural Caucus for faculty, administrators and staff. This office seeks to help close the gap between the recognized need for cultural diversity and the actualization of the university's potential in this area.

Goals & Objectives

The Goals and Objectives of the office are to support the President's Priorities of Excellence, Student-Centeredness, and Partnerships. They are to:

• Create an Atmosphere of Excellence through Cultural Competence by Providing Capacity-Building Opportunities for the MTSU Family
• Provide Leadership in Creating a Welcoming Environment for Faculty and Administrators and an atmosphere of excellence for Students of Color.
• Support the Cultural Competency Education of MTSU Students
• Provide Consultation and Support to all TBR Institutions as Resources Allow

For more information, see the website for cultural diversity. MTSU currently has a minority enrollment of around 18%. This is up from 13.45% ten years ago (fall 1995). It is essential to prepare all of our students to work in a global society where the citizens are increasingly culturally diverse. When incorporated into the curriculum, diversity has a positive impact on attitudes toward racial issues, on opportunities to interact with students from different backgrounds, and on overall college satisfaction.