fostering an inclusive environment for graduate students ... · • tips on finding and being a...
TRANSCRIPT
Fostering an Inclusive Environment for Graduate Students in a
Growing Department
Kaitlyn J. Bunker, Ph.D. [email protected]
October 23, 2014
Background
• Growing graduate student population – great for increased research and collaboration, but can also make it difficult to be inclusive of all
• Three approaches to fostering inclusion:
– Mentoring Program
– Department Socials
– Intramural Sports
Ph.D. Enrollment and Graduation
M.S. Program Enrollment
Total Department Enrollment
Mentoring Program
• Initiated and coordinated by current student
• Incoming and returning students paired by:
– M.S. or Ph.D.
– T.A. or R.A.
– Gender
• Introductory email sent at start of semester
Mentoring Program
• Feedback from students:
– Mentors were a useful resource for picking classes and choosing advisors
• Feedback from department:
– Graduate Program Coordinator no longer has a line outside her office, as basic questions are answered by other students
https://sites.google.com/a/mtu.edu/ece-graduate-student-mentor-program/
Mentoring Program
• Challenges:
– As always, it can be difficult to choose best pairs
– No follow up with pairs throughout the semester
• Suggestions:
– Organize an event for all mentor pairs to get together for group mentoring
Department Socials
• Held once per semester, sponsored by Graduate Student Government ($100/semester)
• Graduate Student Government representatives attend
• Opportunity to give feedback for the department, and graduate school as a whole
Department Socials
• All graduate students, faculty, staff invited
• Located in the department lounge area, with free snacks
• Well attended (lowest attendance was 80)
Intramural Sports - Broomball
• Broomball is an important tradition at Michigan Tech
• Not many graduate students typically participate
• Fun, plus it gets us outside!
Intramural Sports - Broomball
• “Power Rangers” team formed in 2013
• Both domestic and international students
• 0-9, no goals scored
• Received Golden Broom Award (Sportsmanship)
Intramural Sports - Broomball
• “Power Rangers” team formed again in 2014
• Participated in new Non-Competitive League
• 2-7, 2 goals scored!
Conclusion
• An inclusive environment makes the graduate student experience much more enjoyable
• Three efforts in Michigan Tech ECE
– Mentoring Program
– Department Socials
– Intramural Sports
Thank you!
Kaitlyn J. Bunker , Ph.D.
Associate, Rocky Mountain Institute
Rocky Mountain Institute transforms global energy
use to create a clean, prosperous, and secure future.
Grad Student Related Sessions at WE14 Thursday Sessions
• Graduate School Networking, 11am, LACC Concourse
• How an Advanced Degree Can Help You Reach Your Career Goals , 1:30 pm, LACC502A
• Fostering an Inclusive Environment for Graduate Students in a Growing Department – Lightning Talk 1:30 pm, LACC 502A
• Funding Your Graduate Education – Lightning Talk, 1:30 pm LACC, 502A
• Science, Technology, & Public Policy – How policy intersects with engineering and how to get involved – Lightning Talk, 1:30 pm LACC, 502A
• Career Planning with MyIDP – Lightning Talk, 1:30 pm LACC, 502A
• Tips on Finding and Being a Mentor in Graduate School, 4pm, LACC 511A
• Networking in Academic Settings, 4pm LACC 505
• Fellowship Opportunities for Academic and Research Projects in Engineering Outside the US, 1:30pm, LACC 505
Friday Sessions
• Graduate Rapid Fire Session 1, 2:45pm, LACC 505
• Engineers in Informal STEM Education: From Casual Contributions to Careers 4pm, LACC 501C
• Preparing Powerful Application Essays, 4pm, LACC 504
• Graduate Networking Reception – hosted by Owens Corning, 5pm, LACC 405
Saturday Sessions
• Effective Writing for Graduate Funding, 10am, LACC 514
• Strategies for Obtaining Your First Academic Position, 10am, LACC504
• Graduate Rapid Fire Session 2, 10am, LACC 502
• Tips for Teaching in STEM, 1:30pm, LACC 505
• Building Support Networks in Graduate School and Beyond, 1:30pm, LACC 503
• Industry and Academia – You Can Do Both, 1:30pm, LACC 405
Get Involved & Stay Connected!
Facebook: search “SWE Graduate Members”
Blog: swegrad.wordpress.com