Franklin & Marshall College: A Model for Diversity and Inclusion in Higher Education

Franklin & Marshall College has long been recognized for its commitment to diversity and inclusion. In recent years, the college has made significant progress in its efforts to create a more diverse and inclusive campus community.

Creating a welcoming environment

One of the key factors in Franklin & Marshall’s success in promoting diversity and inclusion is its focus on creating a welcoming environment for all students. The college has a number of programs and initiatives that are designed to make students feel supported and valued.

One such program is the Peer Mentorship Program. This program pairs first-year students with upperclassmen who can provide them with support and guidance. The mentors help first-year students adjust to college life and navigate the academic and social challenges they may face.

Franklin & Marshall also has a number of affinity groups for students of different backgrounds. These groups provide students with a sense of community and belonging. They also offer opportunities for students to connect with others who share their interests and experiences.

Supporting student success

Franklin & Marshall is committed to providing all students with the support they need to succeed academically. The college has a number of programs and services that are designed to help students achieve their academic goals.

One such program is the Center for Academic Success. The center provides tutoring, academic coaching, and other support services to students who are struggling academically. The center also offers workshops and other programs to help students develop the skills they need to succeed in college.

Franklin & Marshall also has a number of programs that are designed to help students from underrepresented backgrounds succeed in college. These programs provide students with financial support, academic support, and other resources that they need to succeed.

Advancing diversity and inclusion research

Franklin & Marshall is a leader in diversity and inclusion research. The college’s faculty are engaged in a wide range of research projects that explore the causes and consequences of diversity and inclusion.

One such project is the “Diversity Matters” study. This study examines the impact of diversity on student learning and development. The study found that students who attend diverse campuses are more likely to develop critical thinking skills, problem-solving skills, and intercultural competence.

Franklin & Marshall’s research on diversity and inclusion has helped to inform policy and practice at the college and beyond. The college’s findings have been cited in numerous reports and articles, and they have been used to develop new programs and initiatives to promote diversity and inclusion in higher education.

A model for other colleges and universities

Franklin & Marshall College is a model for other colleges and universities that are striving to promote diversity and inclusion. The college’s commitment to creating a welcoming environment, supporting student success, and advancing diversity and inclusion research has made it a leader in this field.

Franklin & Marshall’s success is due in part to its strong leadership. President Daniel Porterfield has been a vocal advocate for diversity and inclusion, and he has made it a priority for the college. Porterfield has also created a number of new programs and initiatives to promote diversity and inclusion, and he has increased the college’s investment in diversity and inclusion research.

Franklin & Marshall’s success is also due to its faculty and staff. The faculty and staff are committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students. They also work hard to provide students with the support they need to succeed academically.

Franklin & Marshall’s success is a testament to the power of diversity and inclusion. The college has shown that it is possible to create a campus community that is both diverse and inclusive. Franklin & Marshall is a model for other colleges and universities that are striving to create a more just and equitable society.

The benefits of diversity and inclusion

There are a number of benefits to diversity and inclusion in higher education. Research has shown that diverse campuses are more innovative, creative, and productive than campuses that are not diverse. Diversity also leads to better student learning outcomes. Students who attend diverse campuses are more likely to develop critical thinking skills, problem-solving skills, and intercultural competence.

Inclusion is also essential for student success. Students who feel included in their campus community are more likely to be engaged in their studies and to persist to graduation. Inclusion also leads to a more positive campus climate. Campuses that are inclusive are more likely to be safe and welcoming for all students.

The challenges of diversity and inclusion

Despite the many benefits of diversity and inclusion, there are also a number of challenges that colleges and universities face in promoting diversity and inclusion. These challenges include:

• The lack of diversity in the applicant pool. Many colleges and universities struggle to attract a diverse applicant pool. This is due to a number of factors, including the achievement gap between students of different races and ethnicities and the fact that many students from underrepresented backgrounds are not aware of the opportunities available to them in higher education.
• The lack of diversity in the faculty and staff. Many colleges and universities also lack diversity in their faculty and staff. This is due to a number of factors, including the fact that there is a shortage of faculty of color and the fact that many faculty of color leave their positions due to the lack of support and the hostile climate they often face on campus.
• The lack of inclusive policies and practices. Many colleges and universities have policies and practices that are not inclusive of students of different backgrounds. These policies and practices can create a hostile climate for students of color, LGBTQ students, and students with disabilities.

How to promote diversity and inclusion on your campus

There are a number of things that colleges and universities can do to promote diversity and inclusion on their campuses. These include:

• Increasing the diversity of the applicant pool. Colleges and universities can increase the diversity of the applicant pool by reaching out to students from underrepresented backgrounds. They can do this by partnering with minority-serving institutions, visiting high schools in underserved communities, and offering financial aid and other support to students from low-income families.
• Increasing the diversity of the faculty and staff. Colleges and universities can increase the diversity of the faculty and staff by recruiting faculty and staff of color and by creating a more supportive and inclusive climate for faculty and staff of color. This includes providing mentorships, professional development opportunities, and salary equity.
• Creating inclusive policies and practices. Colleges and universities can create inclusive policies and practices by reviewing their current policies and practices and identifying any areas that are not inclusive. They can also create new policies and practices that are designed to promote diversity and inclusion.

Conclusion

Diversity and inclusion are essential to the success of higher education. Colleges and universities that are committed to diversity and inclusion are more innovative, creative, and productive. They also provide a more positive and supportive learning environment for all students.

Franklin & Marshall College is a model for other colleges and universities that are striving to promote diversity and inclusion. The college’s commitment to creating a welcoming environment, supporting student success, and advancing diversity and inclusion research has made it a leader in this field.

Franklin & Marshall’s success is a testament to the power of diversity and inclusion. The college has shown that it is possible to create a campus community that is both diverse and inclusive. Franklin & Marshall is a model for other colleges and universities that are striving to create a more just and equitable society.

Additional resources

• The Diversity Pledge
• The National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education
• The American Council on Education’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion

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