Implementing and assessing a diversity enriched curriculum to enhance student perspective, understanding, and success

A stated learning outcome at the University of Minnesota is for students to develop an understanding of diverse philosophies and cultures both within and across societies. This outcome can increase student success by enhancing critical thinking skills through the inclusion of increased cultural awareness and intercultural competence. However, creating and assessing a curriculum that accomplishes this goal is a complicated process involving a collaboration between program coordinators, administrators, and instructors of individual courses. Here we will present on a recently implemented Diversity Enriched Curriculum (DEC) within the Department of Entomology aligned Environmental Science, Policy, and Management major. Using a spiral curriculum, we integrated content based on four environmental justice competencies that will ensure students will be more fully equipped to address complex issues, environmental problems, and policy decisions. We will present on the development, integration, and assessment of this program.