Assessing inclusiveness and engagement with cultural diversity: Assuring success for all

Abstract

Institutional support for diversity, inclusivity, and cultural responsiveness represents an imperative for higher education given demographic projections and the needs of a pluralist society. In 2017, the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE) added an optional question set asking students more about inclusive teaching practices in courses, intercultural learning, and perceptions of their institution's cultural responsiveness. This session highlights findings from this item set, discusses the relationship between these activities and other effective educational practices, examines how these relationships vary between traditionally marginalized students and more privileged students as well as by major field, and includes a discussion of the opportunities and challenges educators face as they seek to improve inclusion, engagement with diversity, and cultural responsiveness. Discussion includes how campus leaders can use these findings to create environments that more fully support students of all backgrounds, leverage the educational benefits of diversity, and promote transformative learning outcomes.