How MSIs can increase diversity in STEM.
Recently, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine released a report that showed that MSI initiatives increased the number of minority students who participated and graduated in STEM. One indicator of a successful MSI initiative was intentionality. Intentionality is defined as “meeting students where they are when they arrive on campus, setting high expectations for student success no matter where they start academically, and tailoring programs, services, and institutional policies to recognize and address students’ academic, financial, and social needs—all with cultural mindfulness.” Additionally, experts identified seven strategies that MSIs should employ to cultivate student success in STEM. Here’s how MSIs can increase diversity in STEM.
- Employ mission-driven leadership on multiple levels
- Be responsive to student needs
- Cultivate inclusive campus environments
- Establish student-centric academic and social support systems
- Offer effective mentorship and sponsorship
- Provide undergraduate research experiences
- Create beneficial public and private-sector partnerships
To be successful, these strategies need to be employed with intentionality as a driving force. When MSIs work for student success while always being sensitive and supportive of their cultural heritage, they will be successful in attracting diverse student bodies to the STEM fields.
This is how MSIs can increase diversity in STEM. Looking for a consulting firm with experience working with salary, legal, and other human resources issues? Then don’t hesitate to contact the professionals at McKnight Associates, Inc. We are ready to offer you hands-on human resources consulting for colleges, universities, medical centers, and organizations of all sizes.