Preparing our students well
for their future is one of the essential tasks of institutions of higher
education. At this juncture, our challenge is knowing what this may
entail as we enter a new millennium, as the demographics change significantly
in our society, as globalization increases human interaction among many
people, and the internet connects us more than ever with different perspectives
and values. Certainly a strong curriculum that provides a sound academic
foundation is imperative. However, just as important, providing our
college students with the skills and experiences that will equip them
to be competent in a world of diversity is necessary. With this in mind,
we have dedicated this issue of Diversity Exchange to "Preparing our
students for the new millennium: a world of diversity."
Florida International
University represents the future with its significantly diverse student
composition as well as with its strong commitment to diversity. With
diversity as one of our management philosophies in our strategic plan,
our initiative has led the University to establish various diversity
programs and projects. It has also taken measures to ensure that our
University community embraces the benefits of our differences by creating
opportunities that will enrich the educational experience of our students.
Recently, the White House recognized FIU as one of the nation's promising
practices in diversity.
The magazine begins
with a broader view of diversity. Its impact in the working world, its
role in higher education and the value it brings to the education of
our students are addressed. These thought provoking pieces have been
contributed by the Secretary of Energy, Bill Richardson, the president
of Bowling Green State University, Sidney A. Ribeau, the associate dean
of Arts and Sciences at Florida International University, Ivelaw L.
Griffith, and the general manager of global diversity for Delta Airlines,
Daisy M. Wood.
The magazine also
provides strategies and ideas to integrate diversity into the curriculum
and campus life. We are fortunate to have several articles in the section
titled, "In the Classroom", written by our deans of Hospitality Management,
Business, and Education and faculty members from physical therapy and
psychology who highlight such efforts. There are articles by students
and staff describing some examples of campus life that celebrate our
diversity throughout the year. These pieces can be found in the "Campus
Life" section. You will find several compelling arguments for having
diversity a part of your mission.
We hope you find
this magazine meaningful. It is our intention that it will function
as a springboard for much more dialogue among your colleagues and students
that will invigorate your lessons. We know we have accomplished our
mission when our alumni acquire a sound knowledge base, have a competitive
edge in society and are capable of challenging their own prejudices,
by maintaining a curiosity about others and understanding the fundamental
rule of mutual respect. Then and only then can we take pride in having
succeeded at achieving our mission in higher education.
As Robert Berdahl,
the chancellor of the University of California, Berkeley, once said,
"Diversity offers students invaluable lessons about the real world,
about the nature of society, cultural differences and the breath of
values. Education is the process of encountering that which we are not,
that which is unfamiliar, that which we do not know. Out of an encounter
with the other and the new comes understanding, assimilation, modification
and rejection-some response that allows us to know and grasp more than
if we had not had the encounter. That process constitutes education."
Patricia Telles-Irvin, Ed.D.
Publisher, and Chair, FIU Diversity Initiative
