Khadija Helal
Pronouns: She/ her
Research Mentor(s): Ariana Munoz-Salgado
Co-Presenter:
Research Mentor School/College/Department: Psychology / LSA
Presentation Date: April 20
Presentation Type: Oral5
Session: Session 2 – 11am – 11:50am
Room: Breakout Room 1
Authors: Khadija Helal, Ariana Munoz-Salgado, Denise Sekaquaptewa
Presenter: 5
Abstract
Although diversity in academia has been increasing in recent years, students of color are still underrepresented and continue to struggle finding mentors that share their racial background. Prior research has found evidence that in institutions where diversity is acknowledged, promoted and taught, students of color feel appreciated and understood, which then predicts better academic outcomes (McCoy, Winkle-Wagner & Luedke, 2015). While prior work has assessed how university racial diversity can affect undergraduate students, literature has often overlooked graduate students as a population of interest. Yet they are important to examine because considering their experience ensures that graduate students of color have a culturally competent environment that minimizes the structural obstacles in their professional plans (Lechuga, 2011). Therefore, our project examines how the racial diversity at a graduate program contributes to the academic experience of graduate students of color. To investigate this question, we ran a correlational study using the Prolific platform to recruit graduate students of color (N = 214). The survey asked graduate students about their program’s demographics (e.g., racial diversity in program) and their program experience (e.g., belonging in program). We predict that graduate students of color in programs with lower (vs. higher) racial diversity will report lower satisfaction with their program, feeling less supported and a lower sense of belonging, and a decreased motivation to continue in program. This study can help demonstrate that institutions that promote and value diversity and representation can improve the academic experience of graduate students of color. As colleges and universities implement these changes, the environments of learning for underrepresented students will become more equitable and allow universities to make the best of their students, faculty and institution.
Social Sciences
