Date Approved

6-19-2018

Embargo Period

6-20-2018

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

MA Higher Education

Department

Educational Services and Leadership

College

College of Education

Advisor

Sisco, Burton R.

Committee Member 1

Walpole, MaryBeth

Keywords

Cultural awareness, cultural sensitivity, diversity

Subject(s)

Cultural competence; Community colleges--Faculty

Disciplines

Higher Education

Abstract

The primary goal of this study was to uncover the attitudes and opinions of full-time faculty members and teaching administrators about diversity and cultural awareness at community college located in the northeast region. The study viewed faculty's level of cultural sensitivity, as well as their experience and opinion about cultural competency and incorporating diversity in the classroom. Faculty were also asked their opinion about training and professional development programs they were interested in participating in, and their opinion about whether they felt that programs celebrating diversity added value to the educational experience the institution provides for students. A total population of 117 faculty members and teaching administrators employed at the institution during the spring 2018 semester were invited to take the Diversity and Cultural Awareness Survey. Results from the data revealed that faculty opinions and attitudes towards diversity and cultural competence were mostly positive; however, some negative opinions and attitudes were also revealed. The disparaging views provide rationale for evaluating ways to increase cultural competence among the faculty.

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