The Council of Graduate Schools released a study this week that revealed national growth in the enrollment of minority populations in graduate degree programs.
The study “documents the success of graduate schools in achieving a more representative student body,” said Stuart Heiser, manager of government relations & external affairs for the council.
Heiser explained that the study surveyed both the members of the council and also the members of the four regional associations of graduate schools. A total of 769 schools were surveyed with an 89-percent response rate.
“The 10-year growth of minority groups has greatly exceeded the enrollment growth of white students,” Heiser said of the findings.
According to Heiser, minority students now comprise 28 percent of students working toward master’s and doctorate degrees. This figure is up 8 percentage points from 10 years ago.
Cheryl Apprey, University director for graduate student diversity programs, said the University has seen a similar increase in minority graduate students.
She noted, though, that the student population “still does not compare with minority representation within the country,” adding, “we have a long way to go.”
Apprey said the University hosts recruitment forums aimed toward minority audiences to encourage students of all racial and ethnic backgrounds to apply.
“The University has a number of efforts that we are taking advantage of to increase our minority population,” said Barbara Parker, Nursing School director of doctoral programs, citing programs put on by the Admissions Office such as minority-themed weekends.
Parker also said the Nursing School has seen an increased number of minority applications and admissions in recent years.
To foster a sense of community, Apprey said she organizes retreat weekends for minority graduate students. Additionally, she noted, the University hosts speakers and similar events targeted toward the minority populations of the graduate schools to demonstrate the University’s “supportive environment” for students from diverse backgrounds.
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