BPSCG
17th May 2005, 04:22 AM
...because otherwise the minorities can't compete. The whiteys have to make them feel comfortable.
At least in Oregon.
Officials defend class enrollment restrictions
The Office of Multicultural Academic Support claims its practice of withholding slots for minority students is legal
Jared Paben
News Editor
May 12, 2005
When senior Stephanie Ramey tried to sign up online for Math 243 Calculus for Business and Social Science for spring term she was denied access and informed she would have to contact the class professor.
The professor asked her to contact the Office of Multicultural Academic Support about enrolling in his class.
A staff member at the office said she couldn't register for the class because she doesn't identify as a minority, Ramey said.
Ramey, who tried to get into the section because it was the only one available, was told that if she wanted to be in the class, she'd have to show up at 7:45 a.m. Monday, the first day of classes, and meet with an adviser before she could enroll, she said.
Linda Liu, advising coordinator and academic adviser for OMAS, said the classes are meant to offer a safe haven for minority students and give struggling students a chance to work more closely with professors.
Greg Vincent, vice provost for institutional equity and diversity, said the University offers a smaller class setting for these "gateway courses" for students who could benefit from them. He said the classes also provide a comforting environment that minority students may not get in other classes. The classes aren't based on a quota, and after the initial 10 spots are filled, the classes are open to everyone, he said.
University Senior Instructor Michel Kovcholovsky, who teaches the OMAS's math classes, said the classes were created to foster a comfortable environment for minorities. "That was the basic idea, so that they don't feel afraid to raise their hand and ask something."
Link. (http://www.dailyemerald.com/vnews/display.v/ART/2005/05/12/4282f635b5b71)
At least in Oregon.
Officials defend class enrollment restrictions
The Office of Multicultural Academic Support claims its practice of withholding slots for minority students is legal
Jared Paben
News Editor
May 12, 2005
When senior Stephanie Ramey tried to sign up online for Math 243 Calculus for Business and Social Science for spring term she was denied access and informed she would have to contact the class professor.
The professor asked her to contact the Office of Multicultural Academic Support about enrolling in his class.
A staff member at the office said she couldn't register for the class because she doesn't identify as a minority, Ramey said.
Ramey, who tried to get into the section because it was the only one available, was told that if she wanted to be in the class, she'd have to show up at 7:45 a.m. Monday, the first day of classes, and meet with an adviser before she could enroll, she said.
Linda Liu, advising coordinator and academic adviser for OMAS, said the classes are meant to offer a safe haven for minority students and give struggling students a chance to work more closely with professors.
Greg Vincent, vice provost for institutional equity and diversity, said the University offers a smaller class setting for these "gateway courses" for students who could benefit from them. He said the classes also provide a comforting environment that minority students may not get in other classes. The classes aren't based on a quota, and after the initial 10 spots are filled, the classes are open to everyone, he said.
University Senior Instructor Michel Kovcholovsky, who teaches the OMAS's math classes, said the classes were created to foster a comfortable environment for minorities. "That was the basic idea, so that they don't feel afraid to raise their hand and ask something."
Link. (http://www.dailyemerald.com/vnews/display.v/ART/2005/05/12/4282f635b5b71)