• Discuss the historical origins and present context of under representation of certain groups in U.S. higher education;
• Analyze and critique writings related to affirmative action and diversity on college campuses; and
• Formulate and improve strategies for an effective diversity action plan.

Participant Expectations:
Readings and Summaries (30%)
It is critical that participants complete all required readings in order to effectively participate in class discussions. Short (2-3 page) reading summaries will be due each week. These essays should broadly summarize the major themes in the reading, your reaction to them, and any questions that have been generated by the reading. These summaries are due as stated in the course schedule below.

Discussion and Participation (40%))
Each week, the discussion board will host an asynchronous colloquy on one of the topics covered in the readings for that week. Each participant in the course is expected to participate actively in these discussions, by both posting responses, as well as engaging others’ postings. In all cases, an atmosphere of civility and respect should permeate the discussions.

Diversity Action Plan Critique (30%))
The final project for this course requires each participant to locate the diversity action plan or statement for his or her institution, no matter how simple or complex it may be. Participants are to review and critique the policy based on the readings and discussions we have had during the course and then make recommendations for policy changes and/or implementation and assessment strategies that would be viable for their campus environment. This final paper is due March 17th.

Text:
There is no textbook required for this course. However, articles and book chapters will comprise the reading for class discussions. These will be available electronically through Blackboard.

Blackboard:
Course assignments and additional resources, as well as the discussion board for this class will be housed on the Blackboard site for this course. Registered students will receive instructions on accessing this site prior to the start of the class. All materials should be submitted through the Assignments feature on Blackboard.

Course Schedule:
Week One: 2/20 – 2/24
Topics: History of Inclusion/Exclusion
Assignments Due: Reading Summary #1

Week Two: 2/27 – 3/3
Topics: Achieving Structural Diversity
Assignments Due: Reading Summary #2

Week Three: 3/6 – 3/10
Topics: Campus Climate and Perceptions
Assignments Due: Reading Summary #3

Week Four: 3/13 – 3/17
Topics: Intra-group Relations on Campus
Assignments Due: Diversity Action Plan Critique

Individuals registering for CEUs will receive 1.0 CEU upon successful completion of the course.

Instructor Bio:
Dafina Lazarus Stewart is an assistant professor of College Student Personnel and Higher Education at Ohio University. She completed her doctorate and master's degrees in Higher Education at The Ohio State University. She has experience in multicultural affairs and diversity issues in both the liberal arts and public university contexts, as well as in other aspects of student affairs administration. Dafina Stewart is also the author of publications nationally and internationally on issues ranging from her research on student development to diversity practices and the situation of women in research universities.