Diversity
The University of California and UCLA have long held a steadfast commitment to diversity. Recognizing diversity as a core value at UCLA, Chancellor Block states that it enables us to provide the kind of broad, enriching educational experience for which the university has long been known. GSA is committed to doing our part to contribute to an inclusive campus climate where graduate and professional students and members of the campus community can learn, grow, and perform at their best. GSA, along with the University leadership, recognizes that as a public institution, our students, faculty and staff must reflect the broad diversity of the state of California. We take great pride in the many backgrounds represented on our campus and continue to support efforts to enhance our great legacy of preparing leaders from all segments of society to make significant contributions all over the world.
GSA and Grad Division Initiatives
Graduate Student Ambassadors Program
GSA will work to develop a Graduate Student Ambassador Program that will profile current graduate students as Ambassador who would be available to assist with on-campus recruitment events, and make themselves available to communicate with prospective graduate and professional students via email. We will strive to outreach to students from all programs, backgrounds, and years. If you are interested please contact Karen Ravago at kravago@gdnet.ucla.edu.
Collaboration with UCLA academic departments
GSA will assist Graduate Division in their work with departments during the recruitment and admissions cycle to advocate for the importance of diversity in the admissions process. We support the leadership at Graduate Division who will advocate for having current graduate students to serve on admissions committees—a practice in some graduate departments throughout UCLA, but not widespread. Furthermore, Graduate Division plans to host diversity workshops for faculty admissions committees and department Student Affairs Officers (SAO’s) and distribute a yet to be published list of “Best Practices for Admissions/Recruitment” that departments can refer to during the admissions process.
Strengthening partnerships with the CSUs and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)
Graduate Division will be attending recruitment fairs to distribute information about UCLA graduate programs at CSU’s and HBCU’s. They will be recruiting UCLA faculty to give academic talks/presentations at CSUs, followed by Q&A sessions about UCLA. In addition, UCLA plans to host visits for groups of CSU/HBCU students for campus tours, lab tours, sessions with current students/faculty and follow through with reception for newly admitted doctoral students from the CSUs, with current UCLA graduate students who are also CSU alumni.
Summer/Additional Programs
- Continue to run summer programs for underrepresented undergraduate students – spend a summer at UCLA engaging in research with a faculty member and participating in workshops
- Continue our Competitive Edge program – A bridge program for underrepresented doctoral students who are newly admitted to UCLA. They engage in research and professional development activities the summer before their doctoral program begins.
- UC EDGE – Annual event for underrepresented students to introduce them to the grad school application process.
Chancellor’s Advisory Group on Diversity
GSA currently has three graduate student representatives appointed by the GSA President to sit on the Chancellor’s Advisory Group on Diversity. This Advisory group was appointed in September 1998 to help advance, sustain and promote campus diversity. This work is essential to furthering the widely shared purposes of maintaining UCLA as a premier institution, noted for its excellence, richness and vibrancy.
[insert http://www.diversity.ucla.edu/strategicplan/index.htm, and Principles of Community, Overview of UCLA Diversity Plan, UCLA Campus Strategic Plan for Diversity.]
[insert link to: “Toward a Strategic Plan to Enhance Diversity in Graduate Education at UCLA” Claudia Mitchell-KernanVice Chancellor Graduate Studies and Dean, Graduate Division]