Support for Females in STEM: An Investigation of More and Less Successful Departments

• In Event: Marriott Roundtable Session 43
  In Roundtable Session: The Assessment of STEM in Multiple Contexts

Abstract

Women are underrepresented in many STEM programs. However, some departments are more successful at recruiting and retaining women than others. We investigated potential differences in student support between geoscience departments graduating high, medium, and low percentages of women. Two departments from each category were selected and 2,041 individuals participated. Major and non-major data were analyzed separately. Students at high sites reported greater institutional supports, perceived connection to instructors, transformative experiences and lower institutional barriers than did students at medium and low sites. No statistically significant differences were found between low and medium site. We did not find gender by site interactions, suggesting success of high departments was associated with supporting all students.

Authors

• Kevin J. Pugh, University of Northern Colorado

• Michael M. Phillips, University of Northern Colorado

• Julie Sexton, University of Northern Colorado

• Cassendra M. Bergstrom, University of Northern Colorado

• Eric M Riggs, Texas A&M University