Education is no longer restricted by continental barriers and political borders. Immigrant students occupied 31% of America’s higher education institutions in 2021, according to a study by the Higher Ed Immigration Portal. Every American Ivy League university has a large number of international students. Those universities have now embodied diversity as one of their unique qualities. But ensuring that diversity is flawless is another challenge.
Diversity, Equity, and Equality: balancing all three parameters is a rigorous challenge for any institution, as erring in any of these three parameters can lead to undesired consequences. Any country that boasts itself as a higher education destination is bound to have a diverse set of students in their classrooms; the classroom, which may be around 100 sq. ft, is filled with students from all seven continents. Institutions must take tremendous care while treading this slippery slope so as not to cause any unintentional blunders with non-native students. Numerous universities, along with governments, have come up with policies to create an inclusive ecosystem that is meant to foster a stress-free learning environment for all students. A few of them outlined below are strongly enforced in all major universities.
Diversity in Curriculum
If an institution wishes to have a diverse talent pool, its curriculum must reflect that desire. Numerous universities have drafted their curriculum with authors of various nationalities, offering historical perspectives and cultural content in their course offerings. Institutions are also encouraging faculty members to integrate numerous teaching methods.
This teaching aspect enhances the learning experiences for students. Exposure to a variety of perspectives is vital for preparing students for the complexities of a globalized world and is proven to develop critical thinking.
“Universities must make special efforts to identify talent gaps and train girls for in-demand futuristic skills, since preparing them for the workforce is equally important," Dr. Rajani Gupte, Vice Chancellor, Symbiosis International (Deemed University).
Stanford University has implemented such a curriculum, which is dubbed the “Global Studies” program. This program injects diverse perspectives by offering courses that explore global issues from the views of differing socio-economic and cultural viewpoints.
Culturally Competent Faculty and Staff
The bar to secure the position of a teaching faculty in reputed universities has gotten higher, and the duty they must undertake has also scaled with it. Faculties are now trained in cultural competence as a measure to create an inclusive environment. The workshops organized to tackle this assist educators in understanding the environment their students grew up in, enabling them to tailor their teaching methodologies to meet the varying needs of the students.
Interaction with students of diverse backgrounds also fosters empathy and understanding among each other. When institutions take the initiative to actively promote inclusivity, they contribute to the social development of their nation while preparing individuals to navigate the interconnected world.
"The focus on diversity and inclusivity prepares students to excel in an interconnected and diverse world," Anirban Bhattacharya, Vice President, Partner Schools, Seth Anandram Jaipuria Group of Schools.
Australia’s University of Queensland conducts a competence training program for its faculty periodically through its “Inclusive UQ” program, cultivating a culturally aware and responsive academic community.
Accessible Campus Infrastructure
Under the umbrella of diversity and inclusivity, not only race and ethnicity are catered to, but specially challenged students are also beneficiaries under this shade. Physical accessibility is a vital aspect of inclusivity. Educational institutions must ensure the architecture and facilities of the campus are designed to accommodate the needs of those with disabilities. Institutions are not only meeting the minimum legal requirement but also going beyond to make sure to create a welcoming environment.
The establishment of robust accessibility services is also a key metric for fostering equity. Recognizing and remedying challenges faced by numerous disabled groups can significantly improve their chances of academic success.
"With digitization, online education (OE) has the ability to penetrate the remotest areas of the country and provide the students with quality education," Abhishek Patil, CEO & Co-Founder, of Oliveboard.
Japan’s University of Tokyo has implemented a plethora of accessibility features in its infrastructure, such as ramps, dedicated elevators, and tactile pathways, ensuring a smooth commuting environment for special needs students.
Data Collection and Assessment
Periodically collecting data and analyzing said data on the demographic composition has aided numerous universities in identifying their improvement areas and tracking their progress. The data-driven approach has enabled education institutions to polish their strategies to address the needs of diverse student populations. By embracing a data-driven approach, universities can not only identify challenges but also celebrate successes and promote a culture of inclusivity that extends beyond the classroom and into the fabric of campus life.
The University of Florida’s Office of Institutional Planning and Research utilizes a robust data collection and assessment system for tracking the demographic trends and effectiveness of its existing diversity and inclusion initiatives.
"We, humans, create data on almost all aspects of our lives, which can be used and analyzed to provide powerful and meaningful insights into our behavior, choices and future actions," Amit Singh, CEO and Co-founder of OutsiteVR.
A good university follows all specified guidelines that are required for it to operate legally. Great universities take the initiative to do the right thing without waiting for anyone to mandate the right thing. The goal of creating inclusive environments is not a solidly definable metric, but it is an ongoing process that requires commitment and effort from all the involved parties. Diversity initiatives not only shape the academic success of a student but also their social development. Inclusivity initiatives are no longer a choice; it is a responsibility that educational institutions must shoulder to build and usher in a bright future.
