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CRITERION ONE: MISSION
BUTLER UNIVERSITY SELF-STUDY REPORT
Item 11.l. To what extent does your institution emphasize understanding people of other racial and
ethnic backgrounds?
2004 Mean 2011 Mean
Butler Freshmen 2.33 2.61
All NSSE Freshmen 2.53 2.69
Butler Seniors 2.35 2.44
All NSSE Seniors 2.58 2.67
(1=Very Little, . . . , 4=Very Much)
While Butler has demonstrated gradual improvement in the diversity variables in comparison with the
2004 National Survey of Student Engagement mean comparison, we still remain below the national
mean for 2011 in several categories.
Alumni Survey
Butler regularly surveys alumni on a range of issues, including their perceptions about Butler and
Butler’s impact on their lives. The most recent survey covered the graduating class of 2010. Among
the five lowest-scoring items were “Personal Growth: Getting along with people from various cultures,
races, and backgrounds.” This item received a 3.66—indicating satisfaction that ranged between
“neutral” and “a moderate amount.” The question on “Understanding international issues” received
an even lower mean score of 3.49. Further, when gap scores are calculated—subtracting “Importance
to you” scores from “Butler’s contribution” scores, these same items indicated a moderate-sized gap
between how important this issue was for students and the students’ perception of how well the University
addressed this issue.
Strategic Plan Dare to Make a Difference (2009–2014)
Recognizing the minimal progress we have made since 2003, the current strategic plan, Dare to Make
a Difference, maintains a focus on issues of human diversity and preparation for ongoing improvement
in Butler’s attention to diversity. The preface of the plan introduces nine basic assumptions that set the
stage for the goals outlined. Of these nine basic assumptions, the first three all have a direct connection
to issues of human diversity. These three assumptions state (underlining added for emphasis):
1. Students benefit most from an integrated liberal arts and professional education that draws together
academic and co-curricular learning and that engages students in experiential learning on
campus, in the local community, and around the nation and world.
2. A qualified, diverse, and well-compensated faculty and staff are essential to delivering the highest
quality education and maintaining a competitive institution.
3. Universities must develop mutually beneficial relationships with their surrounding communities.
After introducing the assumptions and goals of the strategic plan, nine priorities are established. Of
these, four relate to Butler’s mission of addressing human diversity in its activities and processes as
described below.
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