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From: mwu@teri.bio.UCI.EDU (Matt Wu)
Newsgroups: soc.feminism
Subject: article on diversity at universities
Message-ID: <9105222040.aa15069@orion.oac.uci.edu>
Date: 24 May 91 20:07:07 GMT
Organization: University of California, Irvine
Lines: 49
Approved: tittle@ics.uci.edu
Nntp-Posting-Host: zola.ics.uci.edu

I'm writing an article for the newspaper at my school about
undergraduate/graduate admissions and faculty hiring with
regard to ethnic and gender issues. For those interested in
helping me out, I'm interested in your thoughts on the
following:


:: Should ethnic/gender diversity be an issue? Why or why
not?

:: Reasons for choosing career or educational path. What
factors figured into your plans for the future? What, if any,
cultural factors played roles in your decision? How much have
your plans or your hopes changed since high school? Since jr.
high? Elementary school?

:: Student experiences. Have you felt unwelcome in a
department because of race or gender? Do you feel a lack of
support in your pursuits? Do you feel that you have enough
role models to look up to? If you feel there's either a lack
of incentive or an absence of support, how has this affected
your career at your school? Would you have different future
plans if the department had been more supportive? What would
you change if you had the power to do so at your school?

:: Faculty experiences. Did you feel you had a disadvantage
going into the job market? If so, what were they? Do you feel
excluded or unwelcome in your department? How so? What do you
think of the underlying philosophy/teachings/guidelines of
your department? What would you change if you could at your
institution?

I'm especially interested in hearing from underrepresented
minorities in fields, although all responses will be
appreciated. For instance, if you're a female engineering
professor in a predominantly male department, I'd like to
hear about some of your experiences, and whether you felt
supported along the way to your current position.

Even if you don't feel discriminated against or that social
or cultural pressures stand in your way, I'd like to hear
your opinions on the issue. This includes views that the
current system works fine or maybe even favors minorities and
women.

Please respond via e-mail to:

Matt Wu
mwu@teri.bio.uci.edu