The Impact of Undergraduate College Experiences on Diversity-Related Skills for Senior Students

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Abstract

Higher education provides students with the opportunity to earn a degree; however, it often falls short in preparing graduates with the career readiness skills essential for success in modern workplaces. This study examines the factors influencing students’ development in diversity-related skills by analyzing data from the 2015 Freshman Survey and the 2019 College Senior Survey. The sample consisted of 10,028 undergraduate students across 1,900 institutions. Using multiple regression analysis, the findings reveal a statistically significant relationship between several variables including habits of mind, positive cross-racial interactions, and civic engagement and the development of diversity-related skills. Additionally, certain variables such as participation in undergraduate research, parental income, and White students were found to have a negative impact on diversity-related skills development. These results elevate the importance for higher education leaders to refocus efforts toward building diversity related skills through undergraduate experiences, fostering spaces that encourage diversity, and facilitating opportunities for more positive cross-racial interactions.

Authors

• Michael Wong, Samuel Merritt University

• Young K. Kim, Azusa Pacific University