University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
- Diversity

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University of Minnesota - Twin Cities - Diversity - Diversity - College ProwlerCollege Prowler3.46

Diversity

Quick Stats

African American 5%
Asian American 9%
Hispanic 2%
International 3%
Native American 1%
White 71%
Unknown 8%
Historically Black College/University? No
Tribal College? No
Out-of-State Students 35%
Common States of Residence
  • Foreign countries
  • Illinois
  • Iowa
  • South Dakota
  • Wisconsin
Student Age Breakdown Under 18: 1%
18-19: 26%
20-21: 31%
22-24: 20%
25+: 22%
Female Faculty 38%
Male Faculty 62%
Faculty Diversity African American: 2%
Asian American: 10%
Hispanic: 2%
International: 14%
Native American: 0%
White: 69%
Unknown: 1%

Student Author OverviewWhat's This?

The University of Minnesota is a diverse campus. People from all different racial backgrounds, nationalities, economic classes, religious and political beliefs, and sexual preferences are inhabitants here. People from every corner of the world are invited to study at U of M, and reversely, American students can do a semester or two in a study abroad program. Therefore, diversity is a big contributor to the campus culture. Although the campus population is most prominently Caucasian, minorities are also welcomed. The mesh of cultures makes a new divergent culture of its own at U of M. Students are friends with people of different races, nationalities, sexualities—you name it. Students are encouraged to maintain their unique identity, while adapting to new ideas around them.

The campus is very tolerant of any differences in views of the minorities. For example, religious holidays, for any culture, are considered excused absences from class. Different student organizations also branch out to spread their native culture around the U. The second and third floors of Coffman Memorial Union are known for housing diverse groups; however, due to the big size of U of M, many students end up sticking with people of their own culture because they feel comfortable there. But even then, the campus environment is all inclusive and provides many opportunities to meet different people every day.

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UMN Student ReviewsWhat's This?

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Diversity at University of Minnesota - Twin Cities

riley168

African American Studies '12

1.5
D+

Diverse, but Unappreciated.

There are many different cultures represented. However, the University is segregated.

The University does not appreciate its communities of color and sexual minorities. Since the 2004 renovation of Coffman, there has been cultural centers on the 2nd Floor (Queer Student Cultural Center, Black Student Union, Disabled Student Cultural Center, etc). Soon, the University will be forcing the cultural centers out of their spaces and into smaller less effective spaces.

The University contradicts itself.

Also, the population is 73% white.

Apr 17, 2012

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Diversity at University of Minnesota - Twin Cities

mkkuchan

Graphic Design '15

4.6
A

Diversity Is Everywhere

We are so diverse. Being one of the largest universities in the Country, we have a very diverse student population. You can find people from all over the world and people who believe in so many different religions. It is very diverse and everyone will eventually find some group of people they fit in with.

Feb 04, 2012

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Diversity at University of Minnesota - Twin Cities

emilysirek

Biology '15

1.9
C-

A Lot of Asians

Being a white person, is actually a minority I feel at U of M. There are so many Asians, it is tough because I can't understand what they are talking about or if they are talking about me.

Feb 03, 2012

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User rating for University of Minnesota - Twin Cities - Diversity is 3.5 out of 5 based on 49 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

Gay tolerance at the University of Minnesota is commendable. There are a lot of groups that support gay pride such as Biversity and "Queer" clubs, and the University even offers a GLBT minor. The campus environment is strict about harassment, although such cases are very uncommon. The GLBTA program office offers awards to its students, as well as leadership experience and resources to support students and their lifestyle preferences. Minneapolis has one of the largest gay communities in the United States. The city holds a gay pride parade and festival every year, and many heterosexual people support the cause with great enthusiasm.

Political Activity

The University of Minnesota is very politically active. More than 36 political and social action organizations. Many of these political groups are visibly active on campus and do much to raise the awareness of their fellow students. Students are handed down information and reminded to vote when the time comes. The U of M isn't affiliated one way or another, and Minnesota is a blue state. Therefore, the urban environment makes it a liberal school.

Economic Status

There is no dominating class. Students come on scholarships—need and/or merit based—and other sorts of financial aid. Other students can pay their full-year tuition in one bill. There isn't any line that distinguishes one class from another. Everyone seems equal in their matching Gopher apparel.

Most Common Religions

Because the University of Minnesota is a public institution, there is no main or popular religion. The University of Minnesota is religiously diverse and religion-tolerant. All religions and spiritual beliefs are accepted, and numerous religions have student organizations, in order to make a student feel a part of a smaller community in a very large school setting. Many times, people hand out Bibles and other religious texts on campus, but a student can politely say "No, thank you" without feeling bad.

Minority Clubs on Campus

There are more than 150 student organizations dedicated to culture and diversity. These organizations bond nationalities, religions, sexual preferences, disabled cultures, and political views. Students are almost guaranteed to find a group that is either their religion of choice or their nationality on campus. If for some reason there isn't a club for a specific minority, it can easily be started by gathering a few people and petitioning to form a new official student organization.

Did You Know? The University of Minnesota offers undergrad and graduate degrees to its international students, as well. International students can meet a U of M representative in their own country. There are special programs to help integrate new students from diverse backgrounds into the Gopher territory. A summer buddy program, for example, assigns a U of M student to be a pen pal or "email friend" to an international student who will be attending the U in the following fall. International students have their own orientation and get campus tours. There are scholarships available specifically for international students, as well.

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Most Recent Student Author View all

Name
Vishakha Mathur
Hometown
New Delhi, India
Major
Communication Studies
Grad Year
2014

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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