The International JOURNAL of DIVERSITY in ORGANISATIONS , COMMUNITIES & NATIONS

As student bodies become more diverse, the challenge for many universities is how to create an environment that is welcoming and promotes their success in terms of retention and ultimate graduation. As universities have adapted to these new conditions, they have implemented a variety of changes. However, these changes are often ad hoc or dependent upon the leadership and commitment of particular staff members. The challenge is to embed these changes in the organizational structure of the university. Using the experience of a mid-size Midwestern United States public university, this paper uses the concepts of knowledge management and organizational culture to develop criteria for assessing success in embedding diversity into the organizational structure of the university. Recommendations for further changes are then developed.