Racial and Ethnic Diversity in HSR: Student Feedback
Presented by Virginia Van Horne, MA; data analyzed by Sarah A. Manes, MPP June 6, 2004
Focus Group Characteristics
2 Focus Groups; 1 conducted at each of two institutions 16 students 8 Asian (includes Indian), 5 African American, 2 Hispanic, 1 Native American 13 women, 3 men Mix of Master’s and Doctoral candidates
Focus Group Questions
Choice of HSR as a career Choice of institution Program characteristics Mentors Future Opinions about Fellowship/Summer program
Factors Important to Decisionmaking
Diversity in faculty, students, community Faculty outreach, accessibility of advisors Funding Institutional support and attitude toward people of color Program/class size Faculty working in area of research interest Reputation of program
Barriers
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Knowledge of HSR is limited Role models are limited Institutional connections inconsistent Faculty institutional support system varies
Mentoring
Critical Source of mentor varies Advisor role can differ from mentor
Importance of Diversity in HSR
Be careful of pigeon-holing
Reactions to Fellowship/Summer Program
Adequate funding Timing flexible for use of funds Creative funding – conferences, books, etc. Many portals of entry Target potential students working in field
Reactions to Fellowship/Summer Program
Be savvy with marketing to reach wider population Fellowship should not be tied to acceptance into a doctoral program Selective selection criteria – existence of past student loans, etc. Do not target summer program toward undergraduates