Efforts to Create Institutional Change to Support the Graduate Student Experience Across Diverse Identities at a Large Public Research University

• In Event: From Injustice to Inclusion: Advancing Social Justice in Graduate Education: Centering Justice in Graduate Education: Reimagining Mentorship, Community, and Institutional Change

Abstract

This mixed methods case study examines how a university established a longitudinal cyclic process to enhance graduate student experience across a diverse student body. The process involved: 1) collecting tri-annual student experience data via surveys focused on DEIJ concerns, 2) implementing institutional policies based on this data, and 3) evaluating progress with subsequent surveys. Using descriptive data from the Graduate School, SMART goals were developed and monitored. We examine the extent to which new institutional initiatives produced improved outcomes in the subsequent survey and discuss challenges and opportunities for institutional change.

Authors

• Louise B. Jennings, Colorado State University

• Runeela Taskeen, Colorado State University

• Colleen Webb, Colorado State University