George Fox University | Offices and Services | Student Life | Students

Students

Recruitment

Issues:

• As of the 2004-05 academic year, The undergraduate population is approximately 90.1 percent Caucasian (excluding non-resident/international students), which compares to 86.6 percent for the state of Oregon (2000 census). It appears that the state of Oregon is becoming diverse more rapidly than is George Fox University and most of our students come from Oregon and Washington. George Fox University desires to be more reflective of the diversity of our state and nation.
• George Fox University seeks to create an environment that is welcoming, supportive, and affordable for students of color.
• George Fox desires to become better known and prominent in the thinking of racially and ethnically diverse communities throughout the states of Oregon and Washington.

Recommendations:

• Recruitment (Exec. Dir. of Admissions): Work with the director of multicultural services to create an awareness of George Fox University as an option for college choice among racially and ethnically diverse student populations. Each year as a part of their planning process, the admissions office in consultation with other departments will identify specific strategies to reach these important objectives. Examples of such strategies include the following:
  • Partner with Tilikum to introduce George Fox as a college option to families of ethnically diverse children in the Day Camp and High Adventure Camp programs (as well as churches such as Mt. Olivet with which Tilikum has a longstanding positive relationship).
  • Develop relationships with important school district contacts to identify opportunities to promote George Fox University to racially and ethnically diverse students.
  • Partner with University Relations, George Fox Evangelical Seminary, and Multicultural Services to establish relationships with Portland and Salem area churches that have a significant number of ethnically diverse individuals and families.
  • Initiate programs that introduce racially and ethnically diverse prospective students to George Fox University through services/courses offered to prepare them for college.
  • Partner with local churches and schools committed to outreach to the Hispanic community in Newberg (i.e., Newberg Friends Church, St. Michael's Episcopal Church) in presenting workshops about college options to these families.
• Financial Aid (Exec. Dir. of Admissions and Dir. of Student Fin. Svcs.): Establish or redefine financial aid programs to assist racially and ethnically diverse students in better meeting the cost of education at George Fox University.
  • Establish ten (10) full scholarships as a part of the Act Six program for multicultural leadership that would enhance the existing Multicultural Student Achievement Awards (currently $2500 and $1000). The Act Six program has been very significant and successful at Whitworth and has great potential for George Fox University. These new awards will be granted to students from the Portland area who have demonstrated experience in addressing multicultural issues and concerns. It is anticipated that these awards will yield a potential of 40 ethnically diverse students over a four year period.
  • The Church/University Matching Program for Multicultural Students permits eligible students of color to receive a 3-1 match not to exceed $1,500. For example, if a church sponsors a student who is eligible for the Multicultural Scholarship in the amount of $500, the University will match the amount with $1,500. The student's Church/University Award will then total $2,000. If the student's church sponsors with $200, the University will match that award with $600 for a total of $800.

Retention

Issues:

• It is important that George Fox students of color who enroll as freshmen progress to graduation in four years at a rate similar to the general student population.
• Students of color should feel welcomed by the campus community and supported in their educational and social endeavors.
• The experience of students of color at George Fox University should be assessed and appropriate responses should be developed.

Recommendations:

• Academic Support (VP for Student Life and Dir. of the ARC): Utilize and initiate programs that support students' persistence and academic success in college (i.e., freshman seminar, academic resource center, orientation programs, etc.). The Academic Resource Center is a strategic resource for all students including students of color and first generation college students. Additional attention should also be given to policies regarding how to support students for whom English is not their first language. This should begin with admissions and academic advisors as they identify students who could use tutorial support in their first semester. The ESLA 295 Writing Tutorial is available to assist non-native English speaking students, but they need to be advised to utilize this course. Strategies such as encouraging professors to allow extra time on tests should be explored in consultation with the Academic Affairs office. It is also critical to pay attention to the academic advising process and "flag" students who are "at risk."
• Social Support (Dean of Students): Cultivate an environment where peer support of minority students is promoted (i.e., mentoring program, living learning communities focused around diversity issues, etc.).
• TRIO Programs (Dir. of Multicultural Svcs. and Advancement Office): Explore the possibility of bringing federally-funded TRIO programs to George Fox University. These are generally programs designed to support first-generation college students and at risk students through early intervention and other strategies.
• Campus Awareness (Dir. of Multicultural Services): Develop events and processes that further understanding and support of minority students' concerns and issues. Examples of this include the following:
  • Work with ASC's Cultural Awareness Coordinator and the Multicultural Club to facilitate a supportive and inclusive environment that raises awareness of issues pertaining to diversity on campus. This will occur through both formal and informal programming opportunities.
  • Create Multicultural Education Teams (METs) to provide programs that will facilitate dialogue on multicultural issues. These forums will provide opportunities for freedom of expression and self-disclosure in an understanding and supportive environment.
  • Work with other area colleges in coordinating special events related to cultural diversity.