Exploring Inclusive Environments in Engineering Graduate Programs

• In Event: Issues of Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity in the Recruitment, Retention, and Curriculum Within Graduate Education

Abstract

This pilot research study focused on exploring inclusive learning environments in three engineering graduate programs. The study consisted of expanding, adapting, and validating pre-existing survey and observation protocols for a graduate-level context. These materials allowed us to inquire into classrooms and assessed graduate student perceptions of program climate. Survey results from forty-one graduate students revealed environments in these programs in which microaffirmations dominated microaggressions. Multiple classroom observations of a representative instructor, also supported these findings. Further, diverse graduate students in this sample exhibited similar patterns of response. This suggests positive strides in these three graduate programs in creating inclusive environments for their diverse student populations.

Authors

• Margarita Acedo, University of Arizona

• Erin F.C. Galyen, The University of Arizona

• Chi Huynh Nguyen, University of Arizona

• Sanlyn Buxner, The University of Arizona

• John V. Shindler, California State University - Los Angeles

• Juan Gonzalez, The University of Arizona