Perceptions of Institutional Commitment to Diversity as a Predictor of College Students' Openness to Diverse Perspectives

Abstract

This study examined longitudinal data by multiple regression analyses to determine personal and institutional characteristics associated with students' openness to diverse perspectives. Students' openness was positively associated with (a) feeling that the university was committed to diversity issues, (b) taking diversity courses, and (c) interacting with students of a different racial or ethnic group. Among students of color, openness was significantly predicted by (a) the racial diversity of students' friendship group, (b) feeling that the university supported ethnic and religious support networks, and (c) taking diversity courses. Among White students, the unique predictor was interacting with students of a different race at informal social events.