What is the goal of diversity?
The goal of diversity is not to
count people but to benefit from the best mix of people. The goal also is
to attract people with an array of talents, experiences, and perspectives,
and then empower them to give everything they have to a given situation.
What's the difference between
Affirmative Action and Diversity?
Diversity is not the same thing
as Affirmative Action, though it addresses similar social concerns and has
been nurtured by many of the same advocates. Diversity is different in two
significant ways. First, Affirmative Action sprang into being because of ethical
considerations grounded in a vision of the "level playing field."
Attaining EO/AA goals has required legislation and litigation. In contrast,
diversity arises from an informed awareness of factors contributing to productivity
from the mailroom to the boardroom. Diversity is not mandated. It requires
no help from legislators and lawyers.
Second, Affirmative Action compels
the identification and count of people on the basis of gender and heredity-
Asian male, white female, etc. Granted, there may be a reason for doing things
that way, but this is a narrow approach to the richly textured variety of
human beings. Diversity avoids this narrow view. Diversity commitment says,
"People differ in dozens of ways, and in their differences lie a wide
variety of talents and perspectives."
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Are there different dimensions
of diversity?
Yes, and they can be classified
as:
Human Diversity
Characterized by virtue of
the physicality or life experience of an individual. These include:
- Race
- Sex
- Differently-Abled
- Marital/Family Status
- Sexual Orientation
- Ethnicity
- Age
- Military Experience
Cultural Diversity
Characterized by fundamental
beliefs, attitudes, assumptions, values, and personal characteristics. These
include:
- Language
- Learning Style
- Gender
- Historical Differences
- Cross-Cultural Relationship/Communication
- Religion
- Workstyle
- Classism/Elitism
- Ethics/Values
- Lifestyle
- Family-Friendly Practices
Systems Diversity
Characterized by the integration
of organizational structures and management operating systems where differences
are involved or implicit. These include:
- Teamwork
- Innovation
- Reengineering
- Strategic Alliances
- Empowerment
- Quality
- Education
- Corporate Acquisitions
Source: Gillory, W. A. (2001). The business of diversity: The case for action. (6th ed., pp. 10-11). Salt Lake City, UT:Innovations International, Inc.
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What kinds of assistance does
OMA provide?
OMA advises and gives professional
guidance primarily to students from underrepresented groups at all levels
and serves as a liaison to academic departments and student services. Assistance
may be provided regarding:
- Academic progressions and concerns
- Students' socialization into
the academic sub-culture
- Academic support and referral
for related services
- Advise to faculty, upon request,
in curriculum development and revision
What percentage of students at the School of Nursing are students of color?
In 2006-2007, students of color comprise:
- 21.4% of BSN students
- 23.12% of MSN students
- 39.5% of PhD students
What percentage of male students
are at the SON?
Males comprise:
- 10.4% of BSN students
- 8.33% of MSN students
- 12.5% of PhD students
- 6.15% of the faculty
- 18.39% of staff
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How is diversity represented in
the nursing workforce within the state of North Carolina?
Diversity in North Carolina:
- 11.9% of the RN workforce comes
from underrepresented groups
- 6.3% of nurses are male
- African Americans represent
21.6% of the state's population and 8% of the nursing workforce
- Hispanics are 4.7% of the state's population
and .06% of the nursing workforce
- The Hispanic population in North Carolina over the last decade has had the largest rate of growth (393%) of any state
in the nation
Need to contact OMA by mail or phone?
For general inquiries, write to:
Dr. Rumay Alexander, Director-Office
of Multicultural Affairs
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
School of Nursing
Carrington Hall, CB #7460
Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7460
For general phone inquiries, call
919-966-7767
To send a facsimile,dial 919-966-1280
Have Other Questions?
Contact
us via e-mail
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