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Engagement and Retention

The Graduate School (TGS) is committed to providing diverse graduate students with the tools they need to be successful both inside and outside of the classroom. The Graduate School’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion (ODI) has expanded our portfolio to include retention initiatives for underrepresented minority (URM) students.

Aligned with TGS commitment to Diversity, it is our goal for everyone to expect a learning environment in which their unique perspectives are appreciated, their contributions are valued, and their experiences are equitable.”

Rashaad Barnett, Assistant Director

Highlighted Initiatives

Bouchet Honor Society

The Edward Alexander Bouchet Graduate Honor Society seeks to develop a network of preeminent scholars who exemplify academic and personal excellence, foster environments of support and serve as examples of leadership, advocacy, and scholarship.

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Diversity Celebrations

ODI works with graduate students and affinity groups to host free monthly diversity celebrations for our underrepresented students. These gatherings serve as an opportunity for graduate students across the university to come together, unwind, and build community.
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Peer Mentor Program

The Graduate School's Diversity Peer Mentor Program is designed to help first-year, diverse PhD students become acclimated to Northwestern. Peer mentors will serve as an additional resource to incoming PhD students and provide support, encouragement, and information as our new students embark on this new academic journey.
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Student organizations

Northwestern and TGS offer many student associations that promote interactions among graduate students, provide academic and social programs, and serve as advocates for graduate students.
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Social Justice Mini Grants

The Office of Diversity and Inclusion (ODI) offers a one-time Social Justice Mini-Grant up to $2500 for those who focus on community-forward research. This yearlong mini-grant seeks to support Northwestern graduate students in facilitating, promoting, and advancing innovative ideas on social justice and belonging in Northwestern and larger communities.
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Let's Talk Diversity

Let's Talk Diversity is a dialogue series for students, postdoctoral trainees, faculty, and staff led by a guest speaker on topics of diversity, equity, and inclusion/sense of belonging.

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Retention and Engagement programming is advertised to graduate students and postdocs in our monthly Inclusive Voice Newsletter.
TGS Resource Fair: 2023
Cultural Celebration: Nuestra Gente 2023
Welcome Reception: 2023
Welcome Reception: 2023
Welcome Reception: 2023
SummertimeChi: 2023
Bouchet Honor Society: 2023
NUestra Gente: 2022
NUestra Gente: 2022
NUestra Gente: 2022
HSI Pathways: 2018