DAPS - Structure & accountability

Key Indicator D2. Institutional history on diversity issues and incidents

The data for this indicator are both very indirect and difficult to interpret. We would need a random-sample survey to really track the prevalence of diversity-related issues and incidents on campus. To look at progress or lack of progress towards diversity goals, we would need to compare such data from over a period of years. The only data that ODE has found that is related to this key indicator comes from the Office of Affirmative Action and consists of a yearly count of complaints and consultations brought to that office (see Table D2.1). These data are difficult to interpret. Is a high rate of consultations and complaints a good thing, because it indicates that the office is well trusted, or a bad thing, because it indicates a high prevalence of problems on campus? We need to review the literature on this, compare our Affirmative Action figures with those from comparable institutions, and develop a better understanding of these data before we can really learn from them.

Research and authorship:
These data were collected by Burt Christopherson, Director, Office of Affirmative Action; Martha Balshem constructed the following table and wrote this commentary.