The National Center for Institutional Diversity is taking a multi-pronged approach through research and scholarship to increase underrepresented minority students in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). The NCID, which is housed in LSA, is leading this effort because STEM fields remain mostly homogenous despite programs designed to support students of underrepresented minorities. The center is creating scholarship, supporting other scholars in their work, and promoting evidence-based practices.
Tabbye Chavous, NCID director, stated that “[t]hrough this multi-pronged approach, we hope to have an impact, not just through our scholarship, but also by supporting and preparing leaders to create lasting change at institutions across the country.” To help achieve this, events are planned throughout the year to promote cross collaboration across units on campus.
NCID is working on a national level as well as across campus. The center sponsors the Growing STEM Knowledge Community, consisting of faculty and staff at U-M who has advise the NCID. The NCID is also partnering with the American Council on Education to produce a blog series, Campus Climate and STEM Success, to inform approaches that will increase enrollment, retention, and success of marginalized students in STEM fields.
