Diversity Fellows Program

Young African American Woman smialing while reading a book

Access, Diversity and Inclusion

Graduate Student Diversity Fellow

 
Each year, the Access, Diversity and Inclusion Team seeks candidates to serve as Diversity Fellows for the academic year, from August through May (DFs will have the option to continue the fellowship during the summer months- June & July). Diversity Fellows work together to support an inclusive graduate school community and enhance the cultural, academic, and professional experience of underrepresented students (e.g., students of color, women in certain STEM fields, low income and first-generation college students, and LGBT students). Participation as a Diversity Fellow is an outstanding way to meet new people, develop leadership and administrative skills, gain useful experience for your resume or C.V., explore specific academic, professional and social interests, and contribute to the graduate experience.
Fellowship Description

The Graduate School Diversity Fellowship (DF) provides graduate students with the opportunity to collaborate closely with the Access, Diversity and Inclusion team in The Graduate School, with a primary goal of building an inclusive community amongst graduate students and act as a resource to underrepresented graduate and prospective graduate students.  The DF reports directly to the Associate Dean for Access, Diversity and Inclusion and works collaboratively with the Diversity and Inclusion Coordinator and other members of the Diversity and Inclusion team.

Program Outcomes

The goal of the Diversity Fellows program is to provide students with opportunities to gain knowledge and skills in a number of areas, including but not limited to:

  • Collaboration and networking with various campus constituents including faculty, alumni, and prospective graduate students.  
  • Data analytics and assessment practices for gauging methodology and best practices to supporting graduate student’s programmatic and communal needs.
  • Strategic planning and implementation of programs and resources that support graduate students social, academic, health and well-being, and professional development needs. 
  • Understanding of higher administrative processes and outcomes with opportunities for active engagement in various policy discussions.
  • Engagement with prospective graduate students from underrepresented backgrounds, including recruitment event attendance and admissions processes understanding.  
  • Effective leadership and communication in bridging connections with departments and the Access, Diversity and Inclusion team.
Compensation

Diversity Fellows will receive a stipend of $5000/academic year. The stipend is in addition to any research, teaching and/or fellowship awards they may hold, subject to Graduate School & University policies.

Responsibilities

The primary focus of the DF is to build community and develop strategic partnerships through programming, event planning, and recruiting events.

Community Building/ Event Planning/ Programming:

  • Organize, implement, and promote intellectual, cultural and social activities for graduate students and their families;
  • Participate in the programming efforts of the Associate Dean, Diversity and Inclusion Coordinators, the Graduate School, affinity groups and University departments;
  • Create an inclusive and supporting environment;
  • Be familiar with University policies and resources; refer students to appropriate resources as necessary.

Administrative:

  • Attend a Diversity Fellows Orientation session and planning meetings with DFs and GS staff;
  • Evaluate activities and report to GS staff on the success of programming efforts;
  • Manage a modest programming budget and submit required documentation to GS staff;
  • Collaborate on Graduate School events/activities (such as Orientation, Recruitment/Hosting Events, the new Grad Scholars Program and Fall Institute).

    Recruitment:

    • Participate in recruitment efforts (some travel may be required);
    • Possibly attending at least one recruitment trip to be identified in collaboration with the Associate Dean.

    Communications:

    • Communicate regularly with graduate students, faculty and staff to gather program ideas and publicize events.
    • Actively use social media to promote, market, and archive DF event activities

    Programming Expectation

    Depending on the size and scale of the individual program, the Diversity Fellow is expected to implement 1-2 programs per month.  Programs can range from small events, such as coffee breaks or movie nights, to large events, such as bringing in diversity/inclusion related speakers or trips to New York City/Philadelphia.

    Program Categories:  Programs are to be offered in collaboration with the following University Partners:

    • The FSI/SIFP Program
    • The Pace Center
    • Carl A. Fields Center
    • Career Services
    • McGraw Center for Teaching and Learning
    • The Graduate Scholars Program
    • Graduate Student Affinity Organizations
    • Counseling and Psychological Services
    • Purely Social and Fun!

    Program Budget:  The Diversity Fellow will work with the GS Staff to determine the appropriate finances per DF event.  For each calendar year, the Diversity Fellow must work within a budget of $1,000 per semester. Each DF is issued a University Travel and Expense Credit Card for use for DF event expenses, and at the end of each month, each fellow is expected to substantiate their T&E card transitions and/or submit out-of-pocket reimbursements in Concur.        

    Program Evaluation:  Upon completion of each program, Fellows are encouraged to complete a Program Evaluation form to provide detailed information on the outcome of the event and assess learning outcomes.

    Time Commitment: The Diversity Fellowship requires approximately 20 hours/month, or 5 hours/week, dedicated to the above responsibilities. Fellows are also expected to attend regular bi-weekly team meetings and participate in annual ADI events (i.e. P3, GSP Retreat, etc). 

     

    Qualifying candidates should possess the following:
    • Enrollment as a Graduate School degree candidate;
    • Be in good academic standing;
    • Live in the Princeton area (or very close proximity).
    • Be responsible, reliable and a team player;
    • A desire to be a part of and help enhance a diverse and inclusive Graduate School community;
    • A positive attitude and a sense of humor.

    *Note to students on temporary F-1 and J-1 student visas, please visit The Davis International Center. (link is external)

     
    Selection Information

    Based upon the completed application, students will be selected for a personal interview.

    Contact Information

    If you have any questions, please contact Dean Miller, Renitam@princeton.edu or Coordinator Sarah Mullins, smullins@princeton.edu.
     

     

     

     
    Image of Chris Tokita laughing with another student

    Chris Tokita, EEB

    "Being a Diversity Fellow has given me a more immediate sense of purpose and satisfaction than other aspects of graduate school--like research and publishing--that take much longer to make a difference. Having the privilege to help build community among graduate students from historically underrepresented backgrounds makes me feel like my contribution during my PhD isn't just academic. I feel like my time at Princeton is more balanced and worthwhile, and I know that regardless of what happens with my dissertation, I will be able to look back on my time here with satisfaction. Ultimately, this satisfaction I gain from working the Access, Diversity, and Inclusion team makes it easier for me to glide along the ups-and-downs of PhD research."

     

     

    2020-2021 Diversity Fellows