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As a result of listening to the concerns of current and
former students who attended the Multicultural Diversity
Forum, sponsored by the School of Science in the spring
of 2003, discussions began to address the issues related
to undergraduate, peer-to-peer diversity inclusion education.
After reviewing previous School of Science-sponsored diversity
awareness programs, the following list of elements were
noted as elements that contribute to an effective educational
tool:
- Adequate time should be allotted for the experience;
- Group size should be limited to a maximum of 50 participants;
- The most effective experiences have an experiential
component;
- The experience must be led by a trained facilitator;
- The most effective experiences have a diverse group
of participants;
- The most effective experiences are voluntary but may
have incentives for participation;
- Follow-up activities help extend the experience and
integrate it into the participants' life experiences;
and
- The experiences should be evaluated and adjustments
made based on evaluations.
The idea for L.E.A.D. peer mentors has been supported
and endorsed by the 10 academic schools, University Residences,
Learning Communities, Access and Retention Programs, Orientation
and New Student Programs, Diversity Resource Office, Office
of Enrollment Management, Continuing Education and Conferences,
International Programs, and the Dean of Students.
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