Graduate Students Changing STEM: Revealing the Burdens and Benefits of Student Involvement in Diversity Work

• In Event: 30.051 - STEM in Graduate Education

Abstract

Recent research has examined processed and outcomes of equity and diversity efforts in higher education, but leaves open the question of students’ contribution to institutional diversity agendas. To understand how graduate students contribute to and experience this work, we conducted 73 interviews and 4 focus groups with faculty, administrators, and students in four PhD programs graduating significantly more women, Black, Latino, and/or Native American students than is typical for their fields. Guided by theories of emotional labor, we found underrepresented students are engaged in significant peer support that facilitates retention, and they institutionalize that support in student organizations that enhance outreach, recruitment, and climate agendas. This involvement, however, requires emotional labor that adds to the challenging journey toward a PhD.

Authors

• Julie Renee Posselt, University of Southern California

• Kimberly Ann Reyes, University of San Francisco

• Kamaria B. Porter, University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

• Aurora Kamimura, University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

• Kelly Slay, University of Michigan - Ann Arbor