1. How do we embrace the “Uncommon” on our Campuses?
Joy Bradford and Diamond Gates
The Holmes Cultural Diversity Cent er

2. Who might we consider “Uncommon”?
Different racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds
Different religious beliefs
Varying levels of Socio-Economic Status (SES)
LGBTQ students
Varying Dis(abilities)
Military/Veteran Status
First generation college students
Varying age groups (non-traditional students)
Varying political views
Combination of multiple group attributes

3. Students in Mississippi

4. Students in Mississippi
Race & Ethnicity
MOST COMMON STUDENT RACE OR ETHNICITY
1. White
2. Black or African American
3. Hispanic or Latino
The most common race or ethnicity of students with degrees awarded in Mississippi is White, followed by Black or African American.
Dataset: NCES IPEDS
Source: Department of Education

5. LARGEST RACE OR ETHNICITY LIVING IN POVERTY
Black or African American
± 11,855
The most common race or ethnicity living below the poverty line in Mississippi is Black or African American, followed by White and Hispanic or Latino.

6. Degree awarding Institutions in the State of Mississippi
Top 5
Degree awarding Institutions in the State of Mississippi
University of Mississippi
Mississippi State University
Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College
Hinds Community College
University of Southern Mississippi

8. Universities MEDIAN IN-STATE PUBLIC $7,224
****The largest share of students with degrees awarded in Mississippi are enrolled at Public, 2-year institutions.****
Dataset: NCES IPEDS
Source: Dept. of Education

9. Student Centered Activity

10. Are you Student -Centered?
Are the student’s needs our priority?
Do we go above and beyond to meet a student’s needs?
How are we differentiating between the idea of the completion of an award package vs. it being a student’s future?

11. How might this affect “Uncommon”?
Relocation and Housing
Class Registration
General day-to-day needs
Overall educational future

12. How can you help embrace the “Uncommon”?
Timeliness of Paperwork processing
Responsiveness/Willingness to answer questions
Patience with the 1st generation college student
Providing resources (Pell grant, work-study, and scholarship eligibility)
Don’t assume--- explain
Loan Education (parent plus, subsidized vs. unsubsidized

13. The Holmes Cultural Diversity Center
Resume Building
Mock Interviews
Campus Job Fair
Minority Staff and Student Mixer

14. What can you do? Financial aid for dummies workshop
Educate students on debt accumulation
Provide Financial aid workshops often
Try and put yourself in the shoes of your students

15. Thanks for your time and attention.
Questions?
Thanks for your time and attention.