As a black student at Ohio State, Dionne Blue, coordinator of Women’s Student Services, faced many racial barriers, ones she hopes to eliminate with a new diversity program.
“I have not really had some supportive professors in the past, and I have talked to people with the same experiences,” Blue said. “Sometimes students encounter professors that either do not deal well with students of color or have preconceived notions of what they can achieve.”
Blue will launch the OSU-Nationwide Diversity Leadership Transcript Program this quarter in an effort to educate students about diversity and to eradicate cultural stereotypes.
“The goal is to provide a focused attention on diversity through leadership activities,” said Louise Douce, head of OSU Counseling and Consultation Services.
“The program will encourage students to think outside of their world views and expand their ability to relate well to people on different levels,” she said.
Nationwide Insurance has provided funds to help get the program started during the next three years.
“(Nationwide) really wanted to see graduates with diversity competencies that can work in a global economy,” Douce said. “One of the things companies want are people competent to work in diverse worker situations.”
Throughout their undergraduate careers, students will compile a history of diversity activities and course work, along with various community service events.
These activities will be recorded on a transcript, which will give students an advantage in the workforce and when applying to graduate schools, Blue said.
“It is something that is open to all students across campus,” Blue said. “It is also unique because it allows anyone who wants to be involved who can be committed, to be involved. It is more intrinsically motivated.”
A committee of professors, graduate students and student leaders hopes to have a pilot group of 50 students by the end of the year.
“One of the challenges on a big campus is getting ideas heard. This will be a really fine project to get going. I’m hoping students will respond well to it,” said Mabel Freeman, assistant vice president for Undergraduate Admissions and First Year Experience.
“This is an opportunity for students to get invested in their undergraduate experience and see what their opportunities are,” she said.
Even though the program is directed at freshmen, peer mentor opportunities are available for upperclassmen.
The mentors are student diversity leaders who serve as resources for students throughout their college career.
Mentors will work either one-on-one or in group settings with other students to help get them more involved in campus activities around OSU, student organization meetings and various cultural events.
“Not all students automatically receive a mentor when coming to the university. The peer mentor program gives first-year students the opportunity to interact with mentors and staff,” Blue said. “If the students have questions about classes or diversity issues in general, a mentor will be there to serve in that capacity — to answer questions or present topics for discussion.”
