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Show lessons, Spring/Summer 2002 page 11 number of findings that dealt with racial and ethnic disparities in health care. Two of those are: 60 percent of whites said they are satisfied with their health care, compared with 46 percent of minorities; and 15 percent of adults in all minority groups believe their medical care would have been better if they were of a difference race. Seven months later, the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies issued a report titled, In The Nation's Interest: Equity in Access to Health Care. The report called on health care providers to "become more sensitive and responsive" to cultural differences. The National Center for Health Statistics had also conducted studies that found mortality rates for whites have declined faster than for blacks. "It is not enough to have a diverse faculty," Dace said. "We also need diverse students." The U is actively trying to recruit a diverse student body by targeting prospective students at the high school level. "The main objective of our work is to establish a relationship with students who haven't been exposed to the idea of going to college," said Suzanne Espinoza, Director of the Office of Student Recruitment and High School Services. "We want to send the message that a college education can considerably improve their future." This office tries to recruit a diverse student body that is representative of the country. They focus mainly on creating ethnic diversity, but they also try to recruit students with physical disabilities. Each January-usually coinciding with the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday-the Office of Student Recruitment and High School Services holds a diversity dinner for prospective students and their parents. The goal of the dinner is to express why the U wants high school students to continue their education. A community leader usually speaks on how a college education improved their own life. The dinner is held early enough in the year that interested students have time to apply for admission. "Having a diverse student population enriches the dialog," Espinoza said. "It creates an atmosphere where preconceptions can be challenged in a positive and constructive way." It's important for students to have different points of view, and being in a diverse setting lets them test what they believe and share their values. Diversity helps minority students socialize better and feel more comfortable. Isolation is minimalized and great minds begin to grow. When students finish their college education, they'll move into a diverse workplace and world. If they have not learned to be sensitive to issues of diversity, will they be able to function effectively in the workplace? Things as simple as using your finger to point out directions, offering a left hand, and too much or too little eye contact is considered very offensive in some cultures. If the U is successful in creating a diverse environment, students will not only learn the basics of calculus, art history, physics and more-they will take with them skills that will improve their quality of life and the quality of the community they live in. The U is in the business of broadening minds, not just improving test scores. It has been said that it takes a village to raise a child. Thanks to new and innovative technologies, the "village" now encompasses the entire world. Make sure you're doing your part. WOMEN'S WEEK 2002 BY DEB JENSEN PHOTO BY CRAIG FROEHLICH The theme for Women's Week 2002, "Women Beyond Borders," is more just a catchy title. It is a tribute to the efforts and accomplishments of women. In the lobby of the University of Utah Museum of Natural History during the week of March 25, the struggles of modern women were embodied and on display under Plexiglas. A series of small boxes, resembling hope chests, were painted, warped, decorated and stretched beyond their borders. The artists themselves were women beyond their own borders. Coming to the U from all over the world, they went beyond the restrictions of time and distance to contribute to the exhibit and to Women's Week. The art exhibit was only one of many events that occurred throughout that week. A panel discussion titled "(Self-) Righteous Babes: The Border Creep of Western Feminism," although humorously titled, involved serious issues. There was also a keynote presentation by Dr. Julianne Malveaux, a female economist who is known for her contributions to USA Today, the Los Angeles Times and other highly regarded publications. She addressed a variety of issues including race, gender and politics. Women's Week 2002 came to a close with a finale performance at Kingsbury Hall. The organic music of ADAAWE filled the auditorium with the enchanting sounds of drums and female vocals. The sextet of talented women strives to connect the world through combining music genres, their efforts truly embodying the theme of this year's Women's Week by reaching beyond borders to unite humankind through their unique form of artistry. |