Changing demographics of the U.S. population and workplaces
Changing demographics of the U.S. population and workplaces has driven a growing emphasis
on diversity in engineering education. Also, in order to adapt to a rapidly changing domestic
and global marketplace, U.S. businesses and other entities are investigating ways to achieve the
diversity of thought necessary to create innovative products. Learning and practicing
engineering is not just about solving technical problems and engineering and technology
graduates need to be aware of the importance of working effectively with people who define
problems differently, including both engineers and non-engineers.
Each student needs to write an individual reflection paper on the importance of diversity in
classroom and workplace. The presentation made in the class on by Mr. Ricardo Nazario y
Colón – Chief Diversity Officer of Western Carolina University can be used as a reference source
to develop the context for the paper. The reflection paper should be a typed, single-space
document and should consist of 400 to 600 words summarizing your understanding of diversity
and provide an example from your own experience of when you are aware of the importance of
diversity in classroom and workplace.
A few key things to keep in mind when writing your paper:
• Understanding diversity is about understanding the differences and similarities among people:
cultures, ethnics, languages, races, and genders.
• All people deserve to be treated respectfully, regardless their economic, social, or
racial/ethnic backgrounds. The more you understand about any person, the more you can
respect who they are.
• When thinking about your efforts to land a job, your experiences with diversity are
important to employers.
• Students driven to succeed need to take the initiative to seek out opportunities to learn
about their own diversity and the diversity of others. A general understanding of the diversity
of others can become helpful when communicating.
• Engineers, technologists, professionals, and business leaders realize understanding diversity
and its impact are crucial to their overall success.
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