SUNY Stony Brook University
- Diversity

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SUNY Stony Brook University - Diversity - Diversity - College ProwlerCollege Prowler4.62

Diversity

Quick Stats

African American 7%
Asian American 20%
Hispanic 8%
International 8%
Native American 0%
White 34%
Unknown 22%
Historically Black College/University? No
Tribal College? No
Out-of-State Students 17%
Common States of Residence
  • Connecticut
  • Foreign countries
  • Maryland
  • Massachusetts
  • New Jersey
Student Age Breakdown Under 18: 0%
18-19: 25%
20-21: 31%
22-24: 23%
25+: 21%
Female Faculty 35%
Male Faculty 65%
Faculty Diversity African American: 4%
Asian American: 13%
Hispanic: 2%
International: 4%
Native American: 0%
White: 77%
Unknown: 0%

Student Author OverviewWhat's This?

If there is one definite thing that Stony Brook has, it is diversity. The pride of this school is based on pretty much two things: being a research university and being diverse. The close proximity to New York City’s minority populations strongly influences the perceptions of the student community. The University coddles diversity and encourages the exploration of ethnicity and race. The amount of ethnicity-based clubs and organizations on campus can be mind-boggling. 

Stony Brook has many internal grant programs and an exchange program with schools in China and India, so there is a strong presence of these cultures on campus. The leaders of student organizations participate in the Students’ Diversity Council, an advisory group that develops events and activities, including the annual Diversity Day celebration. It is tough to calculate the innumerable amount of on-campus programs, many of which are student initiated, that transform and improve the remarkable social dynamic. The atmosphere of cultural, political, and religious understanding at Stony Brook unequivocally contributes to the appreciation students have for diversity and difference.

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Stony Brook Student ReviewsWhat's This?

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Diversity at SUNY Stony Brook University

jwiz

Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering '15

4.2
A-

Lots of Groups Represented

There is diversity and everyone might find some one like them but there are a lot of asians and whites.

May 05, 2012

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Diversity at SUNY Stony Brook University

ashleebo

Biology '15

5.0
A+

Variety!

Stony Brook has all sorts of people that go to their school. Every race, every religion, and someone from every culture goes here. There is definitely a well rounded group of people. The problem is, is that most of the time each race sticks together, not hanging out with other people that aren't like them. But if you want a school that has a great variety of people, Stony Brook is your school!

Feb 15, 2012

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Diversity at SUNY Stony Brook University

NMia

Economics '15

3.8
B+

My Stony Brook Experience

After spending one semester at SBU, I have come to the following conclusion: the diversity is amazing there although I feel it is somewhat leaning towards Asians and for the most part, it is a welcoming environment for learning.

Jan 08, 2012

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User rating for SUNY Stony Brook University - Diversity is 4.6 out of 5 based on 30 user reviews.

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 LGBTA, the Queer Alliance, and the AFFIRM Network are the main organizations on campus devoted to students with alternative lifestyles. These groups are well known on campus, because of all the activities they are constantly promoting. However, that is basically the extent to which their publicity is focused. There doesn’t seem to be any kind of particularly negative or positive stigma attached to them. On a side note, Cherry Grove and The Pines on Fire Island are only about a half an hour drive from the campus. For nearly the last hundred years, this has been the location of one of the oldest gay and lesbian communities in America.

Political Activity

Although there is plenty of political diversity on campus, most people tend to be pretty liberal. The school didn’t get the nickname “Berkeley of the East” for nothing. However, there are organizations for both Republicans and Democrats, and everything in between. No matter what your political association, there are people here you can either have a healthy debate with, or share some of your views in common with.

Economic Status

The main draw of attending a SUNY school is obviously getting a good education for a very low price, compared to $40,000 a year private schools. Stony Brook has a great number of students who are the first in their families to attend college or who come from low-income homes. Seventy-three percent of Stony Brook’s students applied for financial aid, and fifty-nine percent were found to have needed it. With that said, the Financial Aid Office is a place very familiar to most students, and there seems to be no bias against such elements.

Most Common Religions

Religion plays an important part in campus life. There are about 15 active religious groups on campus. Stony Brook ranks high among all SUNY institutions in student satisfaction with religious activities and programs (Student Opinion Survey 2003). The Interfaith Center, located on the second floor of the Stony Brook Union, is an organization of campus chaplains and ministry that are official representatives of religious denominations. Worship services are held and opportunities are provided to learn about and appreciate all the diverse religious traditions that appear on campus. Some of the other more popular organizations include: the Islamic Society of North America, which addresses the social needs and spiritual development of Muslim students; the B’nai B’rith Hillel Foundation, which offers religious, cultural, educational, and social programs, and oversees the Kosher meal plan; the Protestant Campus Ministry, offering counseling, social gatherings, study, retreats, and the opportunity to worship; and the Catholic Campus Ministry, which affords students liturgies, the sacraments, educational and social programs, retreats, and Christian living and service opportunities.

Minority Clubs on Campus

There are many active minority clubs that meet on campus and take part in a great many and varied events to celebrate culture. Some of the most active clubs include: African Students in Engineering and the Sciences, Asian American Journal, Bengalis Unite, Black Womyn's Weekend, Chinese Literature Club, Club SASA, Minorities in Medicine, Minority Planning Board, Asian Students Alliance, Caribbean Students Organization, Chabad Student Club, Guyanese United Youths, Hong Kong Student Association. There are also many minority sororities and fraternities.

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Most Recent Student Author View all

Name
Barbara Ross
Hometown
Hopewell Junction, NY
Major
Business Management

College Prowler is seeking talented student authors to assist with writing and updating the College Prowler guides to their schools. This is a great opportunity for a student to gain experience and tremendous exposure, utilize new media techniques, and share advice with high school students about what life is really like at your college.

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