<p>I know Penn values diversity as an institution but I am curious about it in practice.</p>
<p>Does anyone have any insight into the diversity present in classes, student activities and clubs and Greek organizations? Often on campuses, student self-segregate (In dorms, Greek organizations, course/major selection, etc.) which defeats the purpose and value of having a diverse student body?</p>
<p>The easy answer to this is that a diverse student body is a diverse student body. No matter what, there is a huge amount of diversity in most classes, organizations, and dorms. </p>
<p>There ARE some student groups (dance groups, theater groups, etc.) that focus on specific ethnic themes, music, and topics, so you can expect that the different groups might not be so diverse (although none of them are exclusive!). Since housing is on a fairly random basis, there’s mixing all over the place, no matter what.</p>
<p>Classes are all very diverse (which leads to great discussions!) and there really aren’t any subjects or classes that go strictly to one ethnicity, race, or gender much more than any others. I don’t know much about Greek life, but from what I understand, it’s still somewhat segregated.</p>
<p>I can tell you that whatever degree of “self-segregation” that is present in some of the Greek houses, classes, or dorms, it doesn’t even begin to defeat the purpose of having a diverse student body. I’m not just quoting a pretentious brochure when I say that you really will have friends from all over the world, of all different colors, all with their own languages and cultures.</p>
<p>Admissions really does do a good job in terms of trying to even out the number of any kind of group of people on campus. Special interests groups are whatever you want them to be to you, either a personal relation to their mission or just wondering what a particular group or interest is like. There are cultural centers open to everyone as well as the separate organizations.</p>
<p>That’s cool. Thanks for the info. Sounds like a really vibrant atmosphere for learning and fun.</p>