Warming the Chill: Insights for Institutions and Researchers to Keep Women in STEM

• In Event: 47.096 - MTCC Roundtable Session 20
  In Roundtable Session: 47.096-8 - College Enrollment and Experiences in STEM

Abstract

Since Hall and Sandler (1982) developed the concept of “chilly climates” for women in STEM, practitioners and researchers alike have observed women experience differential treatment that discourages their learning and persistence in STEM. However, few studies have attempted to quantitatively evaluate the institutional features of chilly climates. To address this gap, we used nationally-representative IPEDS data from 2008-2009 on STEM degree outcomes. We created stepwise regression models to compare the impact of chilly climate features on the proportion of STEM degrees earned by women across institutional types. We determined that at high research institutions, increasing the proportion of women in research faculty in all disciplines correlates with increased degree production of women in STEM, potentially informing institutional strategic hiring initiatives.

Authors

• Emily Daina Saras, Florida State University

• Lara Perez-Felkner, Florida State University

• Samantha Nix, Florida State University