Goal 5: Greater Campus Diversity

Both the content and the context of a Miami education are shaped by the students and faculty who form the core of our community. To encourage the energetic exchange of ideas and to provide the broadest exposure to different cultures, languages, and ways of understanding, Miami has long sought a diverse student body and faculty. First in 2009 provides a detailed strategy for pursuing this goal, with the ultimate aim of creating a climate in which difference is respected and diversity is valued.

Accomplishments

• Center for American and World Cultures Established - With the mission of promoting intergroup understanding and interaction, the center offers innovative educational programs, serves as a clearinghouse for resources, and develops strategies for infusing a multicultural perspective across the curriculum.
• International Study Opportunities Augmented - Mindful of an ever-shrinking world, approximately one-third of Miami students take advantage of our broad array of international study options. Because international experience helps students to learn more deeply, we are taking new steps to increase the number of students studying abroad and the number of international students studying here.
• University Diversity Statement Approved – Created in 2004, this statement underscores our belief in diversity as an educational resource for all students, faculty and staff.
• University-Wide Diversity Programs Held – Since its creation in 2001, the University Multicultural Council has worked diligently to advance diversity understanding across the campus by producing white papers and open forums on multicultural topics.
• Office of GLBT Services Opened – Administered by the Division of Student Affairs, this office provides support to gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered persons in our community.
• New China Business Program Planned – Begun in 2006, this innovative program includes an optional living learning community, coursework in the Chinese language and culture, a study abroad experience at a Chinese university, and a summer internship in China.