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I am applying to graduate school and not sure if I understand this question correctly.
“What does it mean to have a commitment to diversity? How will you develop and apply diversity at XY university?”
I am confused about the “develop and apply” part. I talk about what I bring to university in terms of diversity and my diverse background but not sure what they mean by those two words.
I am applying to graduate school and not sure if I understand this question correctly.
“What does it mean to have a commitment to diversity? How will you develop and apply diversity at XY university?”
I am confused about the “develop and apply” part. I talk about what I bring to university in terms of diversity and my diverse background but not sure what they mean by those two words.
Good question. It's not worded very well. You could talk about your intention to join a student organization representing your sector of the "diverse" student body, or if one doesn't exist, you could start one to give yourself and your fellow "diversity" students a voice in campus matters, policy, and the organizing of cultural events, or awareness-raising activities for the general campus community regarding issues important to your group (blah blah). Check the school website first, to see if they have student organizations for POC and other less represented constituencies.
If you didn't have such an intention, you do now, for the purpose of your application, at least. If you have any experience from highschool or your community in, say, writing about issues, like for a school newspaper, or participating in advocacy groups or community organizing or volunteering, you might be able to work that in. For example, "during my highschool years I did X volunteer work for my community through (church, community center, whatever), and I plan to bring that level of activism with me to my college experience".
You get the idea. If you don't have that type of experience don't worry about it. You can keep your response short and to the point.
Last edited by Ruth4Truth; 01-06-2023 at 12:04 PM..
So, basically, OP, "develop and apply" diversity means, how would you contribute to the campus community, given your background and a "diversity" applicant.
I am applying to graduate school and not sure if I understand this question correctly.
“What does it mean to have a commitment to diversity? How will you develop and apply diversity at XY university?”
Citiegirl, I’m curious as to where you’re reading this question i.e. is it part of a standardized form (relative to the university, as a whole, as opposed to a specific graduate program). The point is to stand-out regarding such, and in-depth personal questioning typically takes place later in the process during the interview (if applicable). Initially, the focus is on your statement of purpose, academic success, letters of recommendation, clearly-defined goals, your CV and relevant experience/study as to whether it aligns with (requirements of) the program, specifically.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ruth4Truth
It’s not worded very well. You could talk about your intention to join a student organization representing your sector of the "diverse" student body, or if one doesn't exist, you could start one to give yourself and your fellow "diversity" students a voice in campus matters, policy, and the organizing of cultural events, or awareness-raising activities for the general campus community regarding issues important to your group (blah blah). Check the school website first , to see if they have student organizations for POC and other less represented constituencies.
I agree; it’s worded poorly. That said, I question your response as well. I wouldn’t think it necessary to check the school’s website (too funny); I imagine any school (asking the question) would have such organizations. Additionally, if this were important to the OP (and it is something she would involve herself in), my first question would be why she hasn’t done so already (as an undergrad).
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ruth4Truth
So, basically, OP, "develop and apply" diversity means, how would you contribute to the campus community, given your background and a "diversity" applicant.
Keep in mind it’s not so one-dimensional (or a concept that only concerns campus life, for that matter), particularly relative to the first question. In addition to internal diversity, consider external, organizational and worldview diversity as well.
I am applying to graduate school and not sure if I understand this question correctly.
“What does it mean to have a commitment to diversity? How will you develop and apply diversity at XY university?”
I am confused about the “develop and apply” part. I talk about what I bring to university in terms of diversity and my diverse background but not sure what they mean by those two words.
Does the question apply to the degree program you will be majoring in? Are you applying for a program in higher education administration? It almost sounds to me like a question in a job interview for an administrative post: "How will you develop and apply diversity at our university [if we hire you for an administrative position]?"
Or does the question mean, How will you, as a graduate student, develop and apply diversity at XY university? Is such development and application part of the requirement for your degree program?
Good question. It's not worded very well. You could talk about your intention to join a student organization representing your sector of the "diverse" student body, or if one doesn't exist, you could start one to give yourself and your fellow "diversity" students a voice in campus matters, policy, and the organizing of cultural events, or awareness-raising activities for the general campus community regarding issues important to your group (blah blah). Check the school website first, to see if they have student organizations for POC and other less represented constituencies.
If you didn't have such an intention, you do now, for the purpose of your application, at least. If you have any experience from highschool or your community in, say, writing about issues, like for a school newspaper, or participating in advocacy groups or community organizing or volunteering, you might be able to work that in. For example, "during my highschool years I did X volunteer work for my community through (church, community center, whatever), and I plan to bring that level of activism with me to my college experience".
You get the idea. If you don't have that type of experience don't worry about it. You can keep your response short and to the point.
Diversity doesn't just mean racial diversity. On a campus with a high male-to-female student ratio, female students contribute to diversity (and vice versa). Disabled students contribute to diversity at 99.9% of colleges and universities, as do non-traditional students, reformed ex-criminals, and veterans. I hate that diversity has become a racialized buzzword. Any attribute that an applicant has that makes them "not the norm" for a particular school makes them diverse and, again, diversity is not limited to race/ethnicity.
Diversity doesn't just mean racial diversity. On a campus with a high male-to-female student ratio, female students contribute to diversity (and vice versa). Disabled students contribute to diversity at 99.9% of colleges and universities, as do non-traditional students, reformed ex-criminals, and veterans. I hate that diversity has become a racialized buzzword. Any attribute that an applicant has that makes them "not the norm" for a particular school makes them diverse and, again, diversity is not limited to race/ethnicity.
Who mentioned race? Not me, nor the OP. In any case, how to interpret and respond to the "develop and apply" question remains the same no matter what type of "diversity" is involved.
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If you have any experience from highschool or your community in, say, writing about issues, like for a school newspaper, or participating in advocacy groups or community organizing or volunteering, you might be able to work that in. For example, "during my highschool years I did X volunteer work for my community through (church, community center, whatever), and I plan to bring that level of activism with me to my college experience". 
