Diversity Fellows Program
Each year since 2016, two graduate students are selected to serve as Diversity Fellows to support the efforts of the Diversity and Inclusion team. The Diversity Fellows support the Diversity & Inclusion team in reaching those who have traditionally been underrepresented in graduate education. The primary role is to establish and maintain strong connections with current and prospective students, student organizations, and other community members with a focus on furthering diversity and inclusion initiatives at Indiana University in the University Graduate School. Fellows also assist with programming that is geared towards building inclusive intellectual and social spaces for all members of the Indiana University Graduate School community with a particular focus on underrepresented communities.
Events
- Intergroup Dialogue: A Real Conversation - A Real Conversation is an opportunity for underrepresented graduate students to share experiences at Indiana University. The focus of these forums is to address the transition to IU, the first year graduate experience, and what makes you successful at IU. The goals of these forums are (1) to appreciate differences, (2) to utilize experiences as a social learning platform, and (3) to develop academic and social skills to successfully navigate the university. We hope to create a welcoming space for all graduate students. This conversation was held in Well Library and facilitated by our Diversity GAs. The sessions lasted for nearly 2 hours. Upcoming events will be held virtually.
- Coffee and Conversations - A new addition for 2018-19 is the Coffee and Conversations Check-In Series. The series is focusing on giving graduate students and opportunity to drop-in, build community with other graduate students, and learn about campus resources. Topics have centered around “Safety on Campus as a Person of Color” and “Mental Health as a PhD Student.” Sessions meet weekly.
- Lunch and Learn Sessions - An additional program added in 2019.
- Graduate and Professional Mixer - An additional event added in 2018. This event provides an opportunity to network with students outside of your current department. About 35-40 students attend these events.
- Research Study: Enhancing URM Graduate Success in the First-Year at a PWI - This study uses a qualitative approach to explore the transition of underrepresented graduate students to graduate programs, and their persistence beyond their first-year of enrollment at a Midwestern University. This study addressed the research gap that exists regarding the relationship between underrepresented graduate student success and two outcomes—student academic performance and persistence. Six interviews were conducted using 12 open-ended questions. We currently completing data analysis for the first six interviewed. Participants’ academic and social transitions were defined through their participation, involvement, and retention at the University beyond their first-year. The findings presented focus on key aspects that students identified as being particularly helpful to them in the first year.
Highlights
