Supporting diversity: An examination of a college of public health

Background: Students are taught diversity and cultural competence as public health competencies, but little attention has been given to studying these issues within schools of public health. This study examined student, faculty, and staff perceptions of issues of diversity within a college of public health, with the intent of providing recommendations for supporting individuals from diverse backgrounds. Methods: A mixed-methods approach was used. A quantitative, online survey was sent to all public health graduate and undergraduate students to explore their perception of the college's attention to various types of diversity (e.g., culture, disability, and sexual orientation). Results from the survey were used to inform the development of the qualitative phase: focus groups with students, and in-person interviews with faculty and staff. Results: 230 students responded to the online survey. While 53% of students felt that cultural diversity was addressed ‘quite a bit' or ‘very much' in courses, only 27% felt the same about disabilities and 35% about other types of diversity. Non-white graduate students were more likely to go to a staff member for support compared to Caucasian students (40% vs. 30%), while Caucasian students were more likely to go to someone outside the university (67% vs. 56%). Focus groups and interviews explore these results in more depth and establish the context for attitudes and perceptions. Results of both phases will be presented. Conclusions: Change is needed in some areas of support for diversity. Recommendations will be provided for other schools of public health.