iDiversity Brochure

iDiversity INFORMATION EQUITY

Message from the Diversity, Equity & Access Advisor

I

would like to extend a warm thank you for your interest in diversity at the UW iSchool. We are living in challenging times, and more than ever, we are being called upon as information professionals to address pressing and complex needs.

At the iSchool, we not only influence the intersection of information and technology, but our research, teaching, service and leadership shape contemporary society’s future — a future that reflects diversity and representation from different cultures, races/ethnicities, socioeconomic backgrounds, gender identities, sociopolitical perspectives, religious affiliations and sexual orientations.

The iSchool is committed to educating a multicultural student body to become caring and conscientious global citizens — our future leaders, future thinkers, future researchers, future educators, and future decision-makers — through innovative scholarship in a rigorous and inclusive learning environment that creates life-enhancing experiences and life-affirming successes.

At the iSchool, everyone has an important role in advancing diversity, equity and inclusion. Together, we are building a supportive and welcoming social and intellectual environment for all.

Cynthia del Rosario

Message from the Dean

I

grew up as the child of immigrants in a small town in British Columbia, where there wasn't a lot of diversity — ethnic, socioeconomic or otherwise. I found myself, like many first-generation children do, floating between two worlds: growing up in a strong Indian household, but assimilating completely outside of the house.

I was 12 years old before I realized that I was a person of color. I was visiting Vancouver, B.C., with my family, and I remember quite vividly like it was yesterday, going down an escalator, and being yelled at by a Caucasian man, "Paki, go home!" I didn't understand what was happening at the time, but I do remember my parents explaining later why the man was calling us names. That was my introduction to racial discrimination.

I'm amazed my parents were able to shield me from this for 12 years. However, once I realized that I was different and what that meant, I realized that I had been the victim of discrimination in the past, and would continue to be in the future.

That incident on the escalator has played an important role in my life. It has pushed me to embrace diversity: where I live, who I work with, who I'm friends with, and so on. My wife and I talk about these topics with our children so that they will be better prepared than I was to deal with discrimination and to let them know that it is their responsibility to stand up for others who are being unfairly disadvantaged.

The need for diversity in thought is perhaps

I love being part of a school that has diversity as a core value, and am proud of our community’s legacy of social justice and its collective efforts to create more diverse environments and address inequities.

more pressing now than ever, as divisions between people continue to grow. I love being part of a school that has diversity as a core value, and am proud of our community’s legacy of social justice and its collective efforts to create more diverse environments and address inequities.

Anind Dey

ACADEMIC PROGRAMS AT THE INFORMATION SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN INFORMATICS | ischool.uw.edu/informatics Informatics is the study, design and development of information technology for the good of people, organizations and society. Students who major in Informatics at the University of Washington share a passion for analyzing and solving problems. As an Informatics student, you will use your creativity to turn data into action as you design technologies such as information systems, user interfaces and social media.

CORE AREAS OF STUDY Accessible Computing Archives Business Intelligence

MASTER OF LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SCIENCE | ischool.uw.edu/mlis The MLIS program prepares innovators and leaders for the library and information world. Ranked No. 2 in the United States by U.S. News & World Report, the iSchool’s MLIS program produces graduates who go on to work as librarians, metadata specialists, information architects, web content managers, taxonomists and more. With your MLIS, you’ll have the practical skills to advance your career and the confidence to make bold decisions. The MLIS is available in residential and online formats.

Data Science Data Visualization Databases & Metadata Digital Humanities Health Informatics Human-Computer Interaction Indigenous Knowledge Systems

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN INFORMATION MANAGEMENT | ischool.uw.edu/msim

Information Architecture

Organizations need people with the savvy to solve information challenges and the skills to manage sophisticated systems and networks. The MSIM program develops such people to be leaders in the information economy. It offers specializations in data science, business intelligence, user experience, information architecture, information consulting, or information security. The MSIM will prepare you to lead any organization toward change, growth and innovation. Offered in flexible 1- and 2-year formats.

Information Ethics & Values Information Security Knowledge Organization Librarianship Social Networks

PH.D. IN INFORMATION SCIENCE | ischool.uw.edu/phd The iSchool offers Ph.D. students an unparalleled opportunity to conduct world-class research that influences policy and practices and generates global impact. As a Ph.D. student, you will develop a deep understanding of the information field, its origins, contemporary issues, research methods and theoretical frameworks. Through research, interaction with faculty and peers, and coursework, you will contribute to a rigorous learning community that nurtures your interests.

Indigenous Knowledge The UW Information School is the first in the world to develop and implement an information science program that studies and celebrates the intersection of information, technology and Native American communities.

Information issues such as access, control, dissemination, preservation and security are vital to tribal communities and impact tribal sovereignty. iSchool faculty and students generate research projects, scholarship, and community-based work within Native-serving organizations, all serving to deepen our understanding of Native North American Indigenous Knowledge.

Faculty in this area include Assistant Professors Miranda Belarde-Lewis (Tlingit/Zuni), and Clarita Lefthand-Begay (Diné Nation); Lecturer Sandra Littletree (Diné, Eastern Shoshone); and Associate Professor Emerita Cheryl Metoyer (Eastern Band Cherokee), who leads the iNative research group.

Software Development Technology & Social Change User Experience Design Youth Services From left, Assistant Professors Miranda Belarde-Lewis and Clarita Lefthand-Begay and Lecturer Sandra Littletree

iSCHOOL: AN INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY S

tudents are our utmost priority and the reason we are here. Students’ educational, intellectual and social engagements are far richer and more meaningful when connecting with people with different points of view and life experiences. We have a strong focus on race and ethnicity, yet we define diversity broadly, to include class, sexual orientation, religion and many other dimensions.

Please see the iSchool Statement on Diversity: ischool.uw.edu/diversity/statement.

At the iSchool, we make use of our community and UW resources to connect with and serve our students. As a student, there are many ways to get involved with diversity, among them: ●

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J oin the iSchool Diversity Committee.

Composed of students, faculty and staff, the committee works to foster a diverse, inclusive, engaging and supportive social and intellectual learning environment.

J oin the iDiversity Student Groups. iSchool student groups are dedicated to promoting diversity. For some groups, such as iQueeries and iEquality, diversity is the driving mission; for others, it is a key component of their efforts to serve students.

THE UW WELCOMES YOU The University of Washington is located in Seattle, the thriving hub of technology and culture in the Pacific Northwest. The UW values and honors diverse experiences and perspectives and strives to create welcoming and respectful learning environments. Resources available to future and current students include:

to expanding graduate education to underrepresented minorities.

Its efforts include outreach and recruitment, graduate funding, scholarship and research, advocacy, advising and networking.

The Office of Minority Affairs & Diversity. OMA&D recently celebrated its 50th year of working to increase diversity on campus and enrich the collegiate experience of all UW students, faculty and staff.

Leadership Without Borders Center. At the University of Washington, we are committed to working with and for undocumented students. The center offers resources, support and guidance, and works to connect undocumented students with allies across campus who can provide them with additional support.

GO-MAP. Founded in 1970, the Graduate Opportunities and Minority Achievement Program is at the heart of the UW Graduate School’s commitment

And dozens of other student groups and UW organizations dedicated to promoting access, opportunity and justice for everyone. Or, create your own.

FUNDING YOUR EDUCATION Apply for funding at the same time you apply to the program. Contact the iSchool diversity advisor or a program advisor for help.

Potential funding sources: ●

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Undergraduate aid: Husky Promise and other University of Washington scholarships, Pell Grants, fellowships

GFIS: UW assistance for admitted/ current graduate students

Qualifying Ph.D. students are guaranteed four years of funding

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Family and friends

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Low-interest loans

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ALA Spectrum Scholarships for MLIS students

No graduate student ever said they had too much money. Talk to advisors about funding opportunities.

LEARN MORE Find out more by attending an information session, speaking with an admissions advisor or visiting our website: ischool.uw.edu Join our iDiversity email listserv: tinyurl.com/idiversitylistserv iSchool diversity resources: ischool.uw.edu/diversity

CONTACT US iask@uw.edu 206.543.1794 The Information School Box 352840 Mary Gates Hall, Suite 370 Seattle, WA 98195-2840 206.685.9937 ischool.uw.edu

The University of Washington reaffirms its policy of equal opportunity regardless of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability or status as a disabled veteran or Vietnam-era veteran in accordance with University policy and applicable federal and state statutes and regulations. The University of Washington is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at least 10 days in advance at: 206.543.6450/V, 206.543.6452/TTY, 206.685.7264 (fax), or e-mail at dso@uw.edu.

All Information School logos are a trademark of the University of Washington.

4/2019