Diversity

Diversity Initiative

As we begin our journey into the 21st century, our national, state, and university communities face important changes in composition. In fact, the Education Testing Service predicts that over 80 percent of the enrollment growth in higher education between 1995 and 2015 will be Hispanic, Asian American, and African American. Women, racial, and ethnic minorities will assume leadership roles of greater prominence both in the workforce and in society as a whole. This fact requires that we take steps to embrace the growth of a more diverse society within our University. Our aim at the Manderson Graduate School of Business is to create a community of students and scholars in which all members are respected, nurtured, and encouraged to make a positive impact on society.

The Manderson Graduate School of Business actively recruits students with disparate backgrounds in order to provide the richest learning environment possible. The undergraduate majors of our students vary widely; students hold degrees in Philosophy, Forestry, Computer Science, Theatre, English, and many other disciplines. The work experience of our students varies widely as well. Some students come directly from undergraduate studies while others have as much as 5-7 years of work experience. This unprecedented level of diversity in the makeup of our students not only prepares our students for what they will face upon graduation; it creates a stimulating learning environment, rich with differing perspectives. Other by-products of this environment include a positive impact on students' attitudes toward racial and cultural issues, and the opportunity to interact in deeper ways with those who share different customs, beliefs, and values. The lessons gained through this environment give our students a valuable edge.

According to a recent article by the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM),

"It has become increasingly apparent, however, that appropriate management of a diverse workforce is critical for organizations that seek to improve and maintain their competitive advantage. Focusing on diversity and looking for more ways to be a truly inclusive organization-one that makes full use of the contributions of all employees-is not just a nice idea; it is good business sense that yields greater productivity and competitive advantage.
The support of senior management for diversity initiatives underscores this point. According to the results of the 1998 SHRM Survey of Diversity Initiatives, 84 percent of human resource professionals at Fortune 500 companies say their top-level executives think diversity management is important. At organizations outside of the Fortune 500, 67 percent of human resource professionals said diversity management is important to their organizations' high level executives."

The Manderson Graduate School of Business has built a rich, diverse learning environment that encourages individuals from various cultures, backgrounds, and educational experiences to engage in peer-to-peer learning and develop philosophies that recognize, accept, and integrate the contributions and achievements of all individuals into the academic, social, and economic fabric of their respective communities.

To learn more about the Diversity Initiative, the University’s Coalition for Diversity and Inclusiveness (CDI), which is consists of UA faculty and staff addressing issues of D & I on our campus. Visit their website at www.alabamadiversity.org.