|
|
Comparable Schools'
Diversity Grades:
College Prowler Take
Student opinion varies a great deal on diversity issues. Some believe that diversity at UVA is good and getting better, while others see the University as primarily a school for rich white kids. Much of this depends on personal experience. Many students have encountered self-segregation among the various campus groups and feel this is one of the biggest barriers to a functioning diversity. The best way to experience diversity at Virginia is to seek it out for yourself—there are many different people at the school, once you get past social cliques. Now that the old stereotypes of first year dorms have been eradicated, there is really a chance for all students to intermingle successfully. Overall, UVA could do better with diversity, but at least the administration recognizes this and is trying to promote a new look for the school. Tolerance and political involvement are getting better, and despite the self-segregation, there are still days when you’ll be surprised at how many languages you hear spoken or the mix of different students you see studying together in the library or partying on the Corner at Baja Bean or No. 3. Online organizations like Sustained Dialogue are taking steps to promote a more fully united campus community with parties like "Mix It Up" and open forums for discussion of issues of diversity on campus. 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:
UVADP says: University of Virginia 2014 Other  |
There are people of many different...
There are people of many different races, religions, and economic standing at UVA. However, there is a majority of white kids, and most people seem to be upper-middle class or well-off. I have mostly white friends but have plenty of Asian, black, and Latin American friends, so it's not like we're completely homogeneous.
Diversity: February 27, 2009
Report |
aeh5r says: |
It is diverse for sure, but I...
It is diverse for sure, but I sense some self-segregation. The mixing does occur, but athletes do athlete things. Sororities and frats do Greek things, and even among them, different frats and sororities do different things. Organizations like Sustained Dialogue, Alternative Spring Break, etc., tend to bring together very different people from different backgrounds. It is awesome. There is definitely a niche for everyone, even if you like to branch out.
Diversity: February 25, 2009
Report |
Anonymous says: |
UVA has its share of ethnic...
UVA has its share of ethnic diversity; however, blending to achieve a functional diversity seems more of a challenge. The African American students have been accused of self-segregation, which I found during my time at UVA to be a huge social force. Of course, there is likely self-segregation on the parts of the white students from Northern Virginia, as well. |
Anonymous says: |
It’s very diverse. It’s nice, but...
It’s very diverse. It’s nice, but everyone sticks to their own cliques; so, if you try to meet people, it is diverse, but if you don’t, it’s not. |
Anonymous says: |
It’s somewhat diverse, but...
It’s somewhat diverse, but honestly, people stick to their cultures more than I would like. |
FactsEconomic Status
UVA students come off as pretty wealthy—with their cars, clothes, and drinking habits, it would seem they would have to be. However, there are plenty of students on financial aid, student loans, and scholarships. While many are from the upper/middle-class, there is a bit of diversity in economic backgrounds.
Gay Pride
UVA is becoming increasingly more accepting of its gay and lesbian population. There are various active organizations at the University promoting gay awareness (Gay and Lesbian Christian Students Association, the Missionary, Out on Rugby, and the Queer Student Union). It took a while for UVA to get to this stage, though, and there is still evidence of intolerance in many places.
Minority Clubs
There are many minority clubs at UVA, including the Black Student Union, Afghan Student Organization, Arab Student Organization, Asian Student Union, Black Student Alliance, Graduate Women in Business, Latin American Students Association, National Organization for Women at UVA, Society of the Virginia Irish, Society of Women Engineers, Society for the Promotion of Indian Classical Music and Culture Among Youth (SPIC-MACAY), Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, and the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Union. Some of these groups have a much bigger presence on grounds than others—e.g., the Black Student Union and the National Organization for Women at UVA.
Most Common Religions
There are a few prominent Christian groups within the University that regularly hold meetings. Some religious groups include: the Baptist Student Union, Buddhist Meditation Society, Campus Crusade for Christ, Chabad Jewish Heritage Student Association, Korean Catholic Student Ministry, Muslim Students Association, Quaker Worship Group, and many more. However, keeping true to Jefferson’s ideal of the separation of church and state, there is no one religious affiliation associated with the University. Students tend to respect each other's beliefs.
Political Activity
Charlottesville, while being a wonderful place to spend your four-year college experience, can be too sheltered from what’s going on in the world. Obviously some events (like the war in Iraq) bring out a lot of passion in the student population, and there are plenty of active organizations that feed this political passion among those students (Critical Mass, Take Back the Night, Amnesty International, Children of War, European Society, The Declaration, and Republican and Democrat Organizations). The level of political investment on campus showed during the 2008 presidential election campaign.
Most Recent Contributing Author
Name: Haley Bryant
Hometown: London, UK
Major: Media Studies Haley's iTunes library houses more than 8,000 songs. Contributing Author Internship
College Prowler is actively seeking talented students to be "Contributing Authors," and assist with updating
the College Prowler guide to their school. This is a great opportunity for a student to gain internship experience, be a part of a nationally
recognized company, gain tremendous exposure, utilize new media techniques, and share advice with high school students about what life is
really like at your college. Read more about the internship.
|
|
