mwu@teri.bio.UCI.EDU (Matt Wu) (05/25/91)
I'm writing an article for the newspaper at my school about undergraduate/graduate admissions and faculty hiring with regard to ethnic and gender issues. For those interested in helping me out, I'm interested in your thoughts on the following: :: Should ethnic/gender diversity be an issue? Why or why not? :: Reasons for choosing career or educational path. What factors figured into your plans for the future? What, if any, cultural factors played roles in your decision? How much have your plans or your hopes changed since high school? Since jr. high? Elementary school? :: Student experiences. Have you felt unwelcome in a department because of race or gender? Do you feel a lack of support in your pursuits? Do you feel that you have enough role models to look up to? If you feel there's either a lack of incentive or an absence of support, how has this affected your career at your school? Would you have different future plans if the department had been more supportive? What would you change if you had the power to do so at your school? :: Faculty experiences. Did you feel you had a disadvantage going into the job market? If so, what were they? Do you feel excluded or unwelcome in your department? How so? What do you think of the underlying philosophy/teachings/guidelines of your department? What would you change if you could at your institution? I'm especially interested in hearing from underrepresented minorities in fields, although all responses will be appreciated. For instance, if you're a female engineering professor in a predominantly male department, I'd like to hear about some of your experiences, and whether you felt supported along the way to your current position. Even if you don't feel discriminated against or that social or cultural pressures stand in your way, I'd like to hear your opinions on the issue. This includes views that the current system works fine or maybe even favors minorities and women. Please respond via e-mail to: Matt Wu mwu@teri.bio.uci.edu