Toward Social Justice: Increasing the Cultural Proficiency of University Resident Advisers Through Ongoing Diversity Training

• In Event: 70.065 - Roundtable Session 27
  In Roundtable Session: 70.065-8 - Action Research in and With the Community

Abstract

This action research study focused on the impact of ongoing diversity training for university
Resident Advisors (RAs) specifically in the areas of Race/Ethnicity, Sexual Orientation/Identity,
and Religious diversity. Pre- and post- surveys, focus groups, RA journals, and a researcher
journal of observations reveal that the RAs’ confidence and cultural proficiency in managing
situations involving diversity increased throughout the semester-long study. The qualitative and quantitative data indicate that as a group and individually, RAs progressed on the cultural proficiency continuum and increased their confidence to resolve issues with dormitory students involving diversity. The results of this study will assist residence life professionals seeking to train student leaders to be advocates for social justice as they work with their peers.

Authors

• Joshua Wood, Colorado Christian University

• Susan R. Warren, Azusa Pacific University