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CU-Boulder 1998 Community Survey

Experiences that Foster Interaction

Students were asked about the extent to which a variety of campus activities foster interaction among racial/ethnic groups. Most of these activities had been cited in open-ended responses on the 1994 survey. Students indicate that all the activities foster interaction at least somewhat, except for Greek system activities, which are seen as discouraging interaction. Members of all racial/ethnic groups agree on how well activities foster interaction, and all groups show a similar level of participation in the activities. The only significant difference is that Asian-American respondents see sports as less likely to foster interaction than do other, especially Native American and white, respondents. Only 35% of Asian-American students, compared with 44 to 76% of other group members, say sports "somewhat" or "strongly" foster interaction.

Asian-American students report slightly lower rates of participation in all activities (except classes) than do students from other groups.

To see results in tabular form, click here. (table 8-I)

Percent of students who participated in campus activities

The extent to which these activities foster interaction among groups

Changes over time: Because these questions appeared as open-ended items in 1994, with somewhat different wording, it is not possible to compare responses directly over time. However, respondents in 1994 were most likely to cite "classes" as an experience fostering interaction, and the very high ratings for classes in 1998 indicate that this is still the primary setting in which students interact with those from different racial/ethnic groups. Similarly, university-sponsored activities such as Global Jam were mentioned by many 1994 respondents, and 1998 respondents-especially those who have participated in the event-agree that it fosters interethnic interactions. Finally, both 1994 and 1998 respondents indicate that Greek events are most likely to discourage interactions among students of different racial/ethnic backgrounds.

Table of Contents for 1998 Community Survey

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hm - last updated 5/17/2000