Assessing diversity competence in resident advisors

Abstract

Common discussions about diversity often revolve around age, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity and economic class, but there are more areas of diversity not commonly associated with the word: partner status, education level, language, religion, ability, and geographic location. This research sought to assess the level of competency Residential Advisors feel with residents from common diverse groups such as LGBTQ, ethnicity, gender, age, and religion. It was hypothesized that Residential Advisors feel the most competent with residents whose diversity they have come into contact with before, possibly through a roommate, friend, family member, or environmental setting. Participants included in this research were 87 Residential Advisors on the University of Wisconsin-Stout campus for the 2015 spring semester. Two surveys were sent out to all participants. The first was a Diversity Awareness Profile, found in the Mental Measurements Yearbook. This assessment assessed different ways an individual can discriminate against, judge, or isolate others. The second survey inquired if participants feel competent with their diverse residents now knowing their awareness score. The results of this research show that diversity training for resident advisors is needed.