Research Blog # 2

     My second research blog entry was written after reading "Student Perceptions of Campus Cultural Climate by Race." The authors state that because of recent admissions policy changes on most college campuses there has been an increase of African American, Asian and Latino students applying to larger universities. The author suggests that the majority of  these students do not go through the same experiences as Caucasian students on campus because they feel unwelcome or lack support. While most of the authors research was based on student or faculty perceptions, the author does state "Differences in students' experiences of the campus cultural climate is necessary for developing and implementing ethical responsive interventions."

     This article was written after a study was performed by a campus diversity evaluation committee and took place over the time period of several years. The author also states that African American students reported more negative campus experiences than any other race. Complaints included: stereotyping, racial hostility and different treatment from professors or on campus faculty.

     While I think the authors have a reasonable argument, I personally do not agree with the findings of the study. Since my arrival at Old Dominion University I haven't once witnessed unfair treatment of a student based on race. What I did witness was several students being spoken to firmly for not turning in assignments or putting forth the effort that the rest of the class did. Those students were not singled out because of race or gender but because they failed to do their part of an assignment. The survey was based off of perception and not specific incidents on this particular college campus. Basing a survey or study on someones perspective is like judging a certain group based on the opinions of other people. No group, race or gender wants to be judged or given special treatment based on the perceptions of others. As humans we all want the same equal treatment.


Ancis Julie, Sedlack William, and Mohor Jonathon. "Student Perceptions of Campus Cultural Climate by Race." Journal of Counseling and Development Spring 2008.