Understanding and empowering minority students in higher education

A number of forces and trends confront America's educational institutions. None are as pervasive and encompassing as the issue of diversity which implies change in the daily operation of these universities. The change that must occur includes, but is not limited to, new policies that recognize and respect the tremendous ethnic and social diversity both on and off campus. Helping to fuel these changes are minority students on White campuses who are expected to participate in mainstream activities at the same time that they are encountering barriers and attitudes which stand in their way of doing so. This conflict exacerbates the attrition rate for minority students. This article address issues of diversity and change relative to minority students on predominantly White campuses. It provides insight for educational personnel on issues of diversity and change, ethnic identity development and development of minority student leaders in the broad collegial settings. By empowering minority leaders and organizations, institutions strengthen their ability to recruit, develop and retain minority students.