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ABOUT THE MICHIGAN STUDENT STUDY

Purposes of the Michigan Student Study

The Michigan Student Study was designed to investigate the development of a "community out of diversity" through an understanding of the expectations and experiences of the undergraduate students. The study seeks to move the university toward a pluralistic campus community by offering insight into actual student experiences on campus -- both with respect to issues of diversity and more general academic and non-academic experiences. As such, the Michigan Student Study allows us to gain a better understanding of the potential impact of a broad-based liberal education, upon our undergraduates' understanding, tolerance, and development around a number of important social issues.

The Michigan Student Study is designed further to examine the factors that influence students' intellectual responses to issues of racial and ethnic diversity, which are critical in a rapidly changing and increasingly interdependent society. The focus is not only on the attitudes and experiences of students of color (Asian American, Latino/Hispanic, African American and Native American students) but on the contribution of diversity to the broader intellectual experiences of white students as well. The longitudinal design of the Michigan Study allows for consideration of what students bring to the university at entrance, as well as documenting important changes as they move toward graduation.

Specifically, there are three interrelated sets of questions that have guided our research. They are:

I. What is the general undergraduate experience like for students at Michigan--those aspects of the experience not directly focused on issues of diversity and multiculturalism? What are the positive and negative aspects of their experiences with faculty, interactions with fellow students, extracurricular involvements, and reactions to their academic and intellectual experiences? How similar or different are these experiences for students of different racial/ethnic backgrounds?

II. What is the racial "climate" on campus--the personal relationships across racial/ethnic groups, the degree of racial tension, the students' perceptions of and responses to the University's commitment to multiculturalism and diversity? How much are these perceptions and reactions a result of characteristics and views that students bring to the campus and how much are they affected and changed by their experiences at Michigan? What are the positive aspects and specific arenas of concern for the various groups of students around multiculturalism? How relevant is the University's commitment to multiculturalism and diversity to our students?

III. How can University efforts towards multiculturalism reinforce and improve the overall educational experience of our undergraduates? How can the University's diversity efforts improve the intellectual development and educational preparedness of our students in an increasingly diverse, interdependent, and competitive world?