The composition of the ISU campus can make all the difference for a prospective student.

Administrators look to that idea when drafting recruitment efforts for students who are not traditionally represented in the mainstream in Iowa.

When recruiting, admissions focuses on three groups in particular, said Marc Harding, director of admissions.

The staff look at gender because Iowa State has a large, traditionally male population interested in science and agriculture programs. International students are recruited to bring different experiences and cultures to campus. Ethnic diversity is also stressed because Iowa is not an ethnically diverse state, Harding said.

“Being a predominantly white state, I think we need to work extra hard,” he said.

The university’s structure works as an initiative as well because several organizations and departments provide support and resources to different populations on campus which facilitates diversity, said Leonard Perry, director of Multicultural Student Affairs.

For example, the Margaret Sloss Women’s Center works to create a better environment for women while helping men understand the opposite gender. Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Student Services works to promote issues important to the LGBT community. Disability Resources, International Education Services and Multicultural Student Affairs are other structural organizations supporting diversity. These systems support the diversity initiative of recruitment. Having a supportive community helps students choose Iowa State, Harding said.

If a support system exists for students of color, he said, they’ll come to a predominately white university.

Creating a diverse campus depends upon a collaboration of departments and people but it begins with individuals, Perry said. People must share themselves with the community so they can learn and grow as multicultural beings, he said.

Perry said he thinks the campus is open, but there is room for improvement. Recognizing and celebrating diversity has to be a priority for campus leaders, he said. Overall, the university does a good job of creating communities, Harding said.

“Community is a big part of it regardless of what group we’re talking about.” he said.

The administration does a great job at promoting diversity, said Sarah Walter, director of student diversity for the Government of the Student Body. She said that Iowa State recruits, provides scholarships and supports students from minority populations as well as student groups and programs.

“I think that the university can only do so much to make Iowa State a more diverse place.” Walter said. “It’s just as much the students’ place.”

Students play a role in making Iowa State diverse. They create the environment at which prospective students look when choosing a college. If the campus isn’t welcoming to differences, students won’t be as likely to choose Iowa State, she said.

Iowa State lets students influence change, Walter said. She added that student leaders are drawn here because they can make a difference and that it’s important for students of diverse backgrounds to be able to contribute to programming and education.

Students can contribute to campus diversity by keeping an open mind and making attempts to educate themselves about differences in others, she said. Student groups hold events and work to promote their uniqueness, but students have to attend and make the effort to learn for the environment to be welcoming, she said.