Open AccessThe Quest to Increase Diversity at the University of Oxford
Author(s) -
Jeffery Wilson
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
comparative and international higher education
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2151-0407
pISSN - 2151-0393
DOI - 10.32674/jcihe.v14i1.1832
Subject(s) - diversity (politics) , disadvantaged , elite , institution , asset (computer security) , sociology , public relations , representation (politics) , political science , economic growth , social science , economics , computer security , politics , anthropology , computer science , law
In this paper, an understanding of how an elite institution pursues diversity initiatives is explored. Research afforded a better understanding of strategies adopted for recruitment and retention whereby positive results were reported after implementation. Removing barriers that may prevent marginalized populations from enrolling were critical towards these efforts. Oxford has taken steps to increase diversity, and it appears they are having modest success. One method that has been an asset is to invite students to spend time on campus through residential programs. Additional efforts underway to increase diversity include an intensive urban recruitment initiative and securing school/parent/community buy-in. Venturing into private partnerships with non-profits and fostering better community relationships with inner-city London neighborhoods are a few of the steps being taken to increase representation from first-generation, minority, and socio-economically disadvantaged students. This new approach to diversity will hopefully lead to more students applying and ultimately enrolling into the prestigious institution.