Higher Education case study

Social identity development and individual diversity development accelerate when an individual first enters a new and unfamiliar environment like a college campus or even an online university. New faces, new voices, and new ideas often force a reassessment of one's identity in relation to others. 

For this week's Discussion, consider the following scenario:

Cassie grew up on the family farm in a small, homogeneous rural community. Virtually all of the students in her high school were white, including Cassie. Cassie did well in high school, both academically and socially. She was active in the Girl Scouts and the Future Farmers of America. This fall she is entering a large, urban university on the West Coast where she will be studying agribusiness. She will be living on-campus in a residence hall for first-year students.

Using social identity development and individual diversity development theory, predict some of the challenges Cassie will face in her new life and provide recommendations for what her advisors and instructors can do to support her. Be sure to cite references from your readings.