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Comparable Schools'
Diversity Grades:
College Prowler Take
The statistics state the facts: USD’s diversity is minimal. But it’s not because the school and its students don’t welcome a diverse student and faculty population; rather, it’s because our location somewhat limits the school in attracting a number of ethnicities. In recent years, the University has taken a step forward by focusing on ways to attract different ethnicities to Vermillion. Several different departments have begun to focus on diversity and cultural issues, such as American Indian Studies. When thinking about diversity, one must also keep in mind that diversity isn’t just about ethnic differences, it’s about diverse personal preferences, too, both sexually and religiously. USD students welcome different sexual orientations, and a number of religions are represented on campus. The school paper, The Volante, covers the issue of diversity and racism well, and while the stats show low numbers, the issue is large. Economic status is not really an issue on campus either. Besides at the Greek level, where money can become an issue, most students don’t consider money important. It is safe to say students at USD are open-minded on all the issues the word “diversity” can describe. Just because we don’t have the numbers doesn’t mean we don’t have levelheaded views or that we don’t care about the issue. Students Speak Out
Love your school more than free food? Hate your school more than term papers?
Somewhere in between? Show the world what YOU think of YOUR school:
Anonymous says:  |
For our school size, I’d say...
For our school size, I’d say there’s a good amount of diversity. I couldn’t give you any numbers, but I have a handful of students in my classes that aren’t Caucasian, and it’s nice when they bring another cultural view into the classroom. We have a number of professors who aren’t Caucasian, and I think that says something for the school. |
Anonymous says: |
It’s diverse for South Dakota, but...
It’s diverse for South Dakota, but it’s not Chicago or anything. You can’t expect to see large amounts of diversity because of the school’s location. But from the way most students respond to the 10% Society, I would say USD students would welcome more diversity. In fact, I crave it. |
Anonymous says: |
The campus is really diverse. I...
The campus is really diverse. I didn’t think it would be so diverse when I first got here. |
Anonymous says: |
I don’t think I’ve ever seen a...
I don’t think I’ve ever seen a Hispanic here, but there really aren’t very many living in the state to begin with. However, I truly believe students would welcome any student with open arms, no matter their color, sexual preference, or handicaps. |
Anonymous says: |
There are a lot of homosexuals,...
There are a lot of homosexuals, and we seem to be mostly respected here, compared to other areas of the Midwest. |
FactsEconomic Status
USD students come from a variety of economic backgrounds, but large majorities come from middle- to upper-middle-class families. Some students say a large number of the “rich kids” are involved in the Greek system. But, for the most part, money doesn’t seem to be a segregation issue with students on campus.
Gay Pride
With an estimated 10 percent of USD students claiming homosexual or bisexual preferences, USD is known in the area for being one of the most accepting schools around when it comes to different sexual preferences. Many students here who are gay stand proud, and USD’s 10% Society, the University’s chapter of the national GBLA, has been one of the most prominent organizations on campus in the past.
Minority Clubs
By looking at the numbers, it’s obvious diversity at USD is lacking. However, the few minority students here represent a large percent of overall student activity. In addition, USD students, maybe because the majority of us wish there was more diversity, are welcoming toward all students, and racism is almost nonexistent. In addition, USD recently created the Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity to help promote diversity at USD, with hopes of attracting a larger number of different ethnicities.
Most Common Religions
Most students come from Christian-based families, and a large number of the population remains religiously active on campus.
Political Activity
It would be safe to say that USD has almost an equal number of liberal and conservative students, both with organizations that proudly and prominently represent them. It may be because of our political science department, but USD students are some of the most active political voices in the state.
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