This letter is in response to Friday's front page article entitled "Deceptive Diversity."

In a time when we are looking for unity on the campus of Notre Dame, it is unfortunate that an article be printed that portrays the Admissions Office as deceiving diversity students. As a minority person who has been part of the Notre Dame community for 7 years, it disheartens me that such negativity is highlighted for such a successful program.

The Multicultural Recruitment Committee of the Office of Undergraduate Admissions feels as though we were the ones deceived when we were interviewed for this Spring Visitation article. We incorrectly assumed it was going to be an opportunity for us to get more people involved in the minority recruitment process. Instead of highlighting all of the positive aspects of the Spring Visitation program, The Observer decided to highlight a negative aspect.

The main purpose of Spring Visitation is to bring students here who may not be fortunate enough to visit the campus on their own as well as high talent diversity students that may not be considering Notre Dame as their first choice. This is an opportunity for students to decide, for themselves, whether or not Notre Dame is their match. In no way are we trying to sell Notre Dame. Spring Visitation is not a show. We hope that students leave Notre Dame knowing that we have answered all of their unanswered questions. We also hope to clarify all of the misconceptions of this place by exposing them to a taste of the different cultural events that take place throughout the year. This is the main reason why the organizations that put on the shows, choose this particular weekend.

Many of the prospective students feel fortunate in August because they have made friends before arrival to campus. Most will stay in contact throughout the summer and those that are from the same area will also get together and plan their first trip to Notre Dame as freshmen.

Recruiting minorities is a difficult job, but it is not impossible. The most important thing, though, is that we be supported by the Notre Dame community, as an office that is here to help the University as a whole. There is so much effort that is put into this weekend, and we work extremely hard to improve it every year. The only way to increase diversity on this campus is to have as many people as possible involved in the recruitment process. Every student on this campus is a recruiter for Notre Dame. We appreciate all of the students and alumni that return to their high schools and hometowns to spread the word of Notre Dame and identify those prospectives that will reap the benefits of this fine institution.

Negative focus hurts more than helps and if you choose to magnify it, then it will only make our job that more difficult. It is important to know that Spring Visitation does not hurt us in any way.

It is also important to know that without the support of the community, we are never going to improve the diversity of this campus. We challenge this campus to come together and unite and help N.D. become a better place.

Cynthia Santana

Multicultural Recruitment Coordinator

Belinda Bryant, Jesse Dang, Santiago Gurule

Arienne Thompson and Richie Dang

Multicultural Student Recruiters

Office of Undergraduate Admissions

January 26, 2001

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