Diversity at the Rock
Gregory Frye
Issue date: 11/4/04 Section: News
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In academic circles, the issue of student diversity has been climbing its way up on the ladder of importance during the past couple of years. Some see it as a very important issue, but there are others who still don't give it much thought. So what's the big deal and how is Rockhurst faring?
The Sentinel set out to assess the situation at Rockhurst but had to clear the first hurdle of semantics: what do the words, student diversity, mean to you? Do you think of skin color? How about financial status? Or age?
Student diversity can be all the above things and more. It can refer to any person that is unique and different in their own way. More importantly, student diversity refers to any group that can be considered a minority with regard to race, age, and socioeconomic background. And yes, it is very important.
Here comes the inevitable question: why is student diversity important? Donette Alonzo, Director of Multicultural/International Affairs says that student diversity is important because people need a diverse experience in education. It is important for people to be open to new and different ideas.
"It's kind of like a tapestry," Alonzo says. "The more materials you have the more beautiful it can be."
Donette Alonzo has been instrumental in promoting student diversity on campus for the past nine years. She works closely with student clubs such as the Black Student Union, Student Organization for Latinos, and the International Club. She helps these groups through facilitating various needs, promoting activities, and even with things like financial support. Moreover, she also promotes diversity of staff and faculty.
So how is Rockhurst doing in terms of attracting a diverse student body? As of right now 11.7 percent of freshmen students are considered to be a minority on campus. Additionally, we have 26 international students.
How does Rockhurst compare to other colleges when it comes to student diversity? According to the U.S. News & World Report for 2004, in 2002 the average percentage among Jesuit schools was 13.3 percent in regards to overall enrollment. At that time Rockhurst had a count of 14 percent for students in the minority. In other words, we are about average.
The Sentinel set out to assess the situation at Rockhurst but had to clear the first hurdle of semantics: what do the words, student diversity, mean to you? Do you think of skin color? How about financial status? Or age?
Student diversity can be all the above things and more. It can refer to any person that is unique and different in their own way. More importantly, student diversity refers to any group that can be considered a minority with regard to race, age, and socioeconomic background. And yes, it is very important.
Here comes the inevitable question: why is student diversity important? Donette Alonzo, Director of Multicultural/International Affairs says that student diversity is important because people need a diverse experience in education. It is important for people to be open to new and different ideas.
"It's kind of like a tapestry," Alonzo says. "The more materials you have the more beautiful it can be."
Donette Alonzo has been instrumental in promoting student diversity on campus for the past nine years. She works closely with student clubs such as the Black Student Union, Student Organization for Latinos, and the International Club. She helps these groups through facilitating various needs, promoting activities, and even with things like financial support. Moreover, she also promotes diversity of staff and faculty.
So how is Rockhurst doing in terms of attracting a diverse student body? As of right now 11.7 percent of freshmen students are considered to be a minority on campus. Additionally, we have 26 international students.
How does Rockhurst compare to other colleges when it comes to student diversity? According to the U.S. News & World Report for 2004, in 2002 the average percentage among Jesuit schools was 13.3 percent in regards to overall enrollment. At that time Rockhurst had a count of 14 percent for students in the minority. In other words, we are about average.