RECOMMENDATIONS TO SUPPORT A DIVERSE GRADUATE STUDENT BODY Increase the diversity of the university’s leadership. In 2008, the Gender Equity Task Force Report made this recommendation: “Create best-practice models for the selection of deans and chairs in a gender-equitable fashion and adopt this model campus wide, with the goal of increasing the proportion of women who serve in such positions, particularly in schools and colleges in which women are underrepresented on the T/TT faculty. The proportion of women in administrative positions in each school and college should be part of the gender equity evaluation for each school and college, and for the University as a whole.” (Recommendation Four, p. 7) We recommend the same course of action. To more successfully support the university’s diverse student body, we also recommend expanding these models to include increasing the numbers of other members of underrepresented populations in leadership positions. Increase funding and support for diversity recruiting. Create academic support services for minority students (particularly Hispanic students). Enhance university policies to support families and diversity.
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Enhance family-friendly policies. Enact domestic partner benefits. Increase the capacity of the Child Development Center.
RECOMMENDATIONS TO ENHANCE STUDENT SERVICES Based on our findings, we recommend that the university develop services in the following areas: Career Placement Create university-wide career planning assistance. Currently, the university relies on its faculty members and career services within colleges and schools to advise graduate students about careers. Not all faculty members are familiar with career options outside academia, particularly for doctoral students.
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Begin communicating with graduate students early in their programs. Create workshops to provide information about career alternatives and the requirements for careers in different settings. In particular, clarify preparatory goals for academic and nonacademic jobs so that students can make informed choices and prepare successfully.
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Expand the Graduate School Web site to include career resources, including alumni banks. Develop a network of alumni mentors for currently enrolled graduate students. Subscribe to The Versatile PhD, an online resource for doctoral students interested in nonacademic careers.
REPORT OF THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN GRADUATE SCHOOL CLIMATE STUDY: EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
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