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Southern Methodist University - Diversity - College ProwlerCollege Prowler3.08

Diversity

B-
Where does this grade come from?View all Diversity rankingsReview this school to add your opinion

Comparable Schools' Diversity Grades:

Quick Stats

African American 5%
Asian American 6%
Hispanic 8%
International 6%
Native American 1%
White 74%
Unknown 1%
Historically Black College/University? No
Tribal College? No
Out-of-State Students 54%
Common States of Residence
  • California
  • Florida
  • Foreign countries
  • Georgia
  • Missouri
Student Age Breakdown Under 18: 1%
18-19: 30%
20-21: 32%
22-24: 18%
25+: 19%
Female Faculty 36%
Male Faculty 64%
Faculty Diversity African American: 3%
Asian American: 9%
Hispanic: 5%
International: 2%
Native American: 0%
White: 79%
Unknown: 2%

Student Author OverviewWhat's This?

SMU thrives on its aesthetically-pleasing campus, excellent programs, small classes, and superb funding. The main focus of this school does not revolve around racial diversity. Minorities exist, but they are more difficult to spot than Caucasian students. Most minorities tend to join groups affiliated with their same racial background. In a sense, the school segregates these groups unintentionally. SMU has opened the door for student organizations, and attempts to make each of these groups comfortable. However, in the big picture, these organizations are, perhaps, both a plus and a minus. The best location to find minorities is on the third floor of the student center. Getting involved on campus is a great way to facilitate diversity.

Many students tend to join an organization of some sort within their freshman year, simply to find others that are similar to themselves and foster the same atmosphere they had at home. On the other hand, after a student becomes involved in that particular organization, it becomes more difficult for him or her to branch out of their comfort zone.

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Southern Methodist Student ReviewsWhat's This?

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Diversity at Southern Methodist University

mkcollier

'13

Biblical Studies

4.2
A-

Most Diversity I Have Experienced

I grew up in a mostly white area and never experienced cultural diversity or acceptance. Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University seeks to include all persons, and celebrates all races, colors, genders, sexual orientations, denominations, and cultures.

Oct 20, 2011

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Diversity at Southern Methodist University

mmartin1208

'15

Business

5.0
A+

Diversity

Diversity is an important aspect here and it's a great place to feel accepted.

Oct 17, 2011

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Diversity at Southern Methodist University

engineering87

'12

Civil Engineering

3.8
B+

Diversity at Southern Methodist University

Although SMU is predominantly White, the university does try to promote diversity and make all students feel welcome. The student center has a department specific for multicultural students that offers programs and mentors to students that might not feel welcome. I am a minority at SMU and I do not feel isolated. I love SMU and I am definitely going to miss it when I graduate.

May 26, 2011

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Page 1 of 8

Student Survey Poll ResultsWhat's This?

How diverse is the student body in the following areas?

How diverse is your personal circle of friends in the following areas?

How accepting is the campus community as a whole toward someone who falls into the minority (ethnic, sexual, or religious)?

How would you best describe your personal political beliefs?

How would you best describe the political beliefs of campus as a whole?

Facts

Gay Pride

The student body in general is mildly accepting of SMU’s small gay population. The gay community is widely accepted in the Meadows School of the Arts. Acceptance has yet to be fully incorporated by the rest of the campus.

Political Activity

SMU is becoming more political every year. With new student organizations such as Amnesty International and Democracy Matters, students are breaking the “SMU bubble” by speaking out for what they believe. Most of the students are conservative in nature as well as political views and background. There are many liberals—however, conservatives outnumber them.

Economic Status

Most SMU students come from upper- and upper-middle-class economic backgrounds.

Most Common Religions

About 64 percent of Fall 2007 undergrads and 50 percent of grad students reported a religious affiliation. Nearly 23 percent of all students reporting a preference were Roman Catholic, and 21 percent were Methodist. Also represented are other Protestant affiliations, as well as religions such as Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism.

Minority Clubs on Campus

The multicultural organizations on campus are somewhat recognizable, but they do not receive the same amount of attention as Greek Life or Christian groups. There are sixteen multicultural organizations, such as the Asian Council, College Hispanic American Students, Turkish Student Association, and the Association of Black Students. Each group sponsors activities in the student center.

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Most Recent Student Author

College Prowler guides are in the hands of students throughout the entire process. Because you can't make student-written guides without the students, we have students at each campus who write, edit, and survey their peers for every guide that we publish. Thanks to our most recent student author at SMU

Name: Peter Goldschmidt

Hometown: Jefferson City, MO

Major: Financial Consulting

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