MULTICULTURAL AFFAIRS
Fall 2010 – Spring 2011
Targeted Assessment of Lunchtime Learning Seminars
Overview of Lunchtime Learning Seminars
Lunchtime Learning Seminars aim to explore issues reflecting on science and the natural
environment from eight cultural perspectives. These perspectives include age diversity,
exceptionality, gender/sexual orientation, language, nationality, race/ethnicity, religion, and
social class. Seminars are held two or three times per semester from noon until 1:00 p.m. in
Nifkin Lounge of Marshall Hall and include free lunch for the ESF community with a current
college ID.
Presenters and Audiences
Presenters may be ESF students, faculty, staff or guests from beyond the ESF community.
Lecture topics should appeal to a broad audience and are followed by a 10-minute question-andanswer session. Presenters are remunerated with lunch and a small gift.
Seminar Goals
Two or three Seminars have been hosted each semester since spring semester 2004 with the
purpose of especially engaging faculty and staff about diversity issues during the noon hour
when they were most available to participate.
Rationale for Targeted Assessment
Since the Lunchtime Learning Seminars were implemented in 2004 the sessions have enjoyed
outstanding attendance by a general audience of faculty, staff and students. Anecdotally, we have
observed that both the general topics and the various presenters have been instrumental in
drawing large number of participants. Presenters, whether faculty, students or staff often were
attended by large shares of the audiences who were determined to be supportive of their
presenter friends/colleagues. Also, the Diversity Graduate Fellows, who largely planned and
implemented the Seminars through the office of Multicultural Affairs, expended a good deal of
time and energy in advertising and promoting the series to the campus community.
After so many years, therefore, it is imperative to investigate whether or not the Seminars:
- Helped participants learn about different cultural perspectives and worldviews
- Bridged the gap between science/the environment and culture in the minds
of audience members
- Increased appreciation for and collegiality between ESF faculty departments
Methodology
Four major methods for conducting the targeted assessment will be undertaken as follows:
1. On-Site Written Surveys
2. Interviews
3. Longitudinal Study
4. Focus Group
On-Site Written Surveys
After the Multicultural Affairs Director has worked with the Graduate Diversity Fellows to
develop the major survey instrument, the Fellows will conduct the legwork potion by sitting at
tables at key locations on campus where there are the greatest traffic of students, faculty and
staff. These (secured by permission of the appropriate authorities) may include: the outer lobby
of the Bray Hall Rotunda, the lower level of Bray near the vending machines, the front entrance
lobby of Marshall Hall, also key areas of Moon Library, Baker, Walters and Illick Halls.
The Grads will offer passerby’s' opportunities to complete a 10-minute survey in exchange for a
small token of appreciation (candy, pen, etc.) The goal is to acquire no less than 75 and upwards
of 200+ completed survey responses over several weeks.
Interviews
People who agree to take the written survey will be asked to leave their contact information if
they are interested in being interviewed individually at a later time of their choosing. The
interviews will be conducted concurrent to the weeks of the surveys. The purpose of the
interviews is to delve deeper into some of the survey questions, especially with those who have
had more significant involvement with Lunchtime Learning Seminars, either as audience
participants or as presenters.
Longitudinal Statistical Data Study
A longitudinal study of all Lunchtime Learning Seminars from fall semester 2004 through spring
semester 2010 will be undertaken to examine such data as:
o Average overall attendance (comparing monthly and seasonal patterns also)
o Attendance numbers according to cultural topic: age diversity, exceptionality,
gender/sexual orientation, language, nationality, race/ethnicity, religion, and social class
o Number of Seminars conducted in each cultural category
o Number of Seminars conducted in various environmental/science categories
o Number of graduate/undergraduate student, faculty, staff, SU and off campus presenters
Graphs and charts will be utilized to highlight data which may more clearly help to interpret
findings.
Focus Group
After the data has been collected from the above mentioned processes, a focus group will be
convened to help analyze the information, discuss the implications and offer suggestions to
increase effectiveness and Seminars outcomes.
Timeline
September 15-30
Develop survey instrument and interview questionnaire
October 1-November 19
Conduct on-site written surveys and interviews
Conduct longitudinal statistical data study
November 20- December 20 Translate results into Excel datasets
February 2011
Convene focus group
March 2011
Write report and implement changes for 2011-2012