Diversity Fellows Program

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Access, Diversity and Inclusion Graduate Student Diversity Fellow

Each year, the Access, Diversity and Inclusion Team seeks qualified candidates to serve as Diversity Fellows for the academic year, from August through May.  Participation as a Diversity Fellow is an outstanding way to meet new people and develop leadership and administrative skills. 

- Applications for the 2025 - 2026 academic year are now open until April 30th. Click here to apply today!


About the Program

The ADI Diversity Fellowship Program (DF) at Princeton University is designed to equip graduate students with the necessary tools to develop into culturally competent professionals. The primary goal is to learn how to foster an inclusive community among graduate students and serve as a resource for both current and prospective students. The fellowship promotes collaborative efforts with the Access, Diversity, and Inclusion team. As a diversity fellow, students will receive structured mentorship and be encouraged to take advantage of developmental opportunities. All interested students are encouraged to apply.

Fellowship Description

Diversity Fellows assist the Office of Access, Diversity, and Inclusion in strategizing and implementing programs and initiatives that address the broad needs of graduate students in social, academic, health, well-being, and professional development areas. Approximately one-third of the fellowship is dedicated to each of the following: mentorship and training, programmatic support, and leadership development. This structured approach ensures that fellows not only contribute to the university but also grow as leaders in their communities.

Program Outcomes

The program aims to: 

  • Enhance collaboration and networking with various university constituencies, including faculty, alumni, and prospective graduate students. 
  • Develop strategic programming that aligns with the broader goals of ADI programming, with a focus on assessment and methodology. 
  • Engage actively in recruitment and outreach efforts. 

Responsibilities

  • Develop and execute two (2) ADI events per semester, the first in partnership with an ADI campus partner and the second with another ADI Diversity Fellow. These events must be planned at the beginning of the fellowship term. 
  • Submit detailed event proposals that outline objectives and measurable outcomes for each planned activity. 

Requirements for Event Planning: 

For events, Fellows must submit an event proposal which will detail the event's objective and the measurable outcome.   

Example of event proposals: 

Fall Semester Event: 

  • Objective: Organize a speaker engagement focused on career advancement strategies specifically tailored for international graduate students within the ADI community. 
  • Measurable Outcomes: Achieve a minimum attendance of 50% of the target subsegment, collect feedback through post-event surveys to assess satisfaction and perceived relevance, and increase awareness of career resources available for international students by 30%. 

Spring Semester Event: 

  • Objective: Conduct a cultural trip that aims to enhance social integration and cultural understanding among underrepresented minority students. 
  • Measurable Outcomes: Facilitate engagement of at least 60% of the targeted subsegment, enhance participants' cultural awareness as measured by a 25% improvement in pre- and post-event survey responses, and foster at least three new collaborations or projects among participants as a direct outcome of networking during the event. 
  • Evaluate the impact of each event, completing Program Evaluation forms to gather insights and improve future activities. 
  • Maintain active communication with the graduate community through various channels, including social media, to ensure wide participation and engagement in program events. 

Program Review:  

  • Before the Christmas break the Access, Diversity, and Inclusion team will review the fellow's performance and contribution to the program. This review will assess the fellows' engagement and effectiveness in fulfilling their responsibilities. There is a possibility that the fellowship may be revoked based on this review, emphasizing the importance of commitment and active participation in all program facets. 

Stipend:

Diversity Fellows will receive a stipend of $7,000 for a 9-month appointment, in addition to any other research, teaching, or fellowship awards, in compliance with Graduate School & University policies. 

Expectation:

  • Attending all regular bi-weekly team meetings with the ADI staff, 3rd (in person) week of each month. 
  • Participate in ADI's Signature Events & Programs:
    • Virtual Workshop Series 
    • Inclusive Academy 
    • P3
    • GSP
    • Imagine Princeton

Qualifications:

  • Must be a currently enrolled graduate student at Princeton University who has completed their general examinations.
  • Have less than three years of service as a fellow. 
  • Must be in good academic standing. 
  • Must reside in or near Princeton to fulfill on-site responsibilities. 
  • Demonstrated commitment to fostering an inclusive environment. 
  • Strong organizational, leadership, and communication skills. 
  • A positive attitude and a willingness to collaborate. 

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

Application Procedure

Interested candidates should submit a completed DF application by April 30th, 2025. Applications are to be submitted through the Graduate Diversity Office via the program’s webpage. 

Contact Information

If you have any questions regarding the Diversity Fellows program, please contact Assistant Deans for Access, Diversity and Inclusion Abreeotta J. Williams-Jones (Natural Sciences & Engineering) at [email protected] or Joseph Butler (Humanities & Social Sciences) at [email protected].  

 

 

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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."

Our Commitment to Equal Opportunity and Nondiscrimination in Experiential Programs

Princeton University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. To maximize excellence, we seek talent from all segments of American society and the world, and we take steps to ensure everyone at Princeton can thrive while they are here. Princeton does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, ethnicity, color, national origin, religion, disability, or any other protected characteristic, and Princeton does not provide special benefits or preferential treatment on the basis of a protected characteristic. These principles apply to our experiential programs, which are open to all graduate students (pending work authorization requirements for international students) and comply with federal and state non-discrimination laws. The Graduate School adheres to an equitable recruitment and selection process within a framework of professionally accepted recruiting, interviewing, and selection practices that comply with federal and state non-discrimination laws. Also, we provide an inclusive and welcoming learning environment for Princeton graduate student fellows/interns that aligns with the University’s conduct standards.