Recruitment and retention of a diverse student body is one of five goals the university set for itself to address student concerns.
Read: The Beneficence Dialogues report proposes solutions to student concerns.
Admission is up 25 percent for African-American students, 13 percent for Asian students and 29 percent for Latino students, Julie Hopwood, interim vice president for strategic communications, said at a Board of Trustees meeting on Jan. 29. Confirmations to attend Ball State University is up 8 percent for African-American students, 5 percent for Asian students and 29 percent for Latino students.
Although the action plans to address student concerns haven’t been officially approved yet, the Council on Diversity and Inclusion that was created during the summer is working to establish an action plan, which should be released this week.
Chris Munchel, director of undergraduate admissions, said some of the recommendations are already being implemented, even though the report hasn't been released yet.
"The action plan will provide Ball State with a written document that will be an additional resource that will assist in our efforts to increase our already well-rounded and diverse campus," Munchel said.
Carlos Mata, Latino Student Union president, said he has seen an increase in the Latino community since his freshman year.
“Two years ago, I hardly saw any community," he said. "I think Ball State has done a really good job getting more minority students here. Is it perfect? Well, it’s getting there. It’s not perfect yet."
To him, a part of recruitment and retention of a diverse student body is offering opportunities for diverse students as well as advertising inclusivity.
Offering more scholarship opportunities for students of minority groups would benefit the university, Mata said.
“There are some students who have the passion to go to college but may not have resources to go,” he said.
David Jones, former Black Student Association president, said while he hasn't seen any changes in diversity yet, he has faith that the university is doing good things behind the scenes.
“I feel like this is a great way to show us they’re trying to make changes on campus," he said. "I know with the ... racial problems we had at Ball State in the past, they’re looking to put together forums and committees, they’re trying to put an end to these problems. I think it’s a great way to show us that they care."
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