Transparency and trust as antecedents to perceptions of commitment to stated diversity goals

Student perceptions of their university's commitment to its stated diversity goals impact important outcomes on campus. Perceptions that the university is committed to its stated diversity goals decreases perceptions of racial tensions on campus, while perceptions that the university is not committed to its stated diversity goals causes a host of negative outcomes for students, including higher perceptions of hostility and discrimination. Using a sample of 360 students at a small university, the current study addresses the relationships between trust, breach of obligations, transparency, and perceptions of the university's commitment to stated diversity goals. Results indicate that transparency and trust are important to building and maintaining the perception that the university is committed to its stated diversity goals.