HPU's Emphasis on Diversity
High Point University's Emphasis on Diversity
By Antoine Mensah
Q News
Diversity. It's not only an important part of today's workplace but also universities and colleges. High Point University understands this and has taken strides to accommodate their growing ethnic groups each year. Through its various clubs and other resources, High Point University is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive community.
What is Diversity and Why is it is Important?
When you think of the word diversity, many different definitions might come to mind, most of the time regarding race. However, race is not the only factor that contributes to a diverse community. It's about the experiences that people have had, the cultures and backgrounds they come from, the way they act, the way they talk, and so many other factors to consider when talking about diversity.
But why is important? What could come from having a more diverse community? Experience. In a diverse community, you get the chance to interact with people from all over the world. Dr. Doug Hall, the Assistant Vice President of Diversity and Inclusion at HPU had this to say when asked about how a diverse community can help students in the future he had this to say, "I think being around a lot of different people will help you navigate your space beyond being here... and the more broad-based I am, and the more well versed I am, will create more opportunities to learn about other people in the future. And what we're trying to do is position our students to be able to transition into a diverse workspace and community"
What Has HPU Done to Create a Diverse Community?
Students at HPU are encouraged to join clubs and be active members of the community. One of these clubs is the Black Student Union, which is a student-organized club that promotes "a positive image of the African-American population at large, and the history our culture is built on." Another organization on campus is Multicultural Affairs, which hosts diversity training and workshops such as cultural stereotypes, anti-racism, and Safe Zone training, which looks to inform students how to engage with members of the LGBTQ+ community.
HPU's commitment to diversity even extends into the classroom, such as classes like African American studies. Oftentimes different aspects of diversity are covered in the classes inside the Nido R. Qubein School of Communication, such as race, sexual orientation, gender, etc. all in order to better understand how to handle any multitude of situations where various groups of people are present.
Nido R. Qubein School of Communication
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