| Title | Practices for recruiting and retaining graduate women students in computer science and engineering. |
| Publication Type | Conference Proceedings |
| Year of Publication | 2001 |
| Authors | Hassoun S, Bana S |
| Conference Location | Los Alamitos, CA |
| Keywords | Computer science, Diversity Institute Literature Review, Mentoring, Recruitment, Reentry students, Retention, Social support, Special programs, Women |
| Conference Name | International Conference on Microelectronic Systems Education |
| Summary | This manuscript lists 43 practices followed in 1997 by Computer Science and Engineering Departments (CSE) to recruit and retain female graduate students.Those practices are organized in terms of 7 rubrics, including: 1) positive departmental environment, 2) role models, 3) support groups, 4) academic and professional support, 5) attracting and retaining freshmen, 6) addressing family responsibilities, and 7) special programs. The authors did not follow sound qualitative methods in gathering this information. No studies are cited to support the validity of the practices listed. |
| Extended Summary | The manuscript presents the results of a series of interviews conducted among members of several Departments of Science and Engineering in attendance at the 1997 Grace Hopper Women in Computing Conference. The purpose of the study was to identify those practices deemed successful for attracting and retaining female graduate students. The central issue of the conference was the "shrinking pipeline" phenomenon - the attrition which occurs as women progress toward advanced degrees. Not only do women earn proportionally substantially fewer B.S. degrees in Computer Science than men, but they earn proportionally even fewer master's degrees and still fewer doctoral degrees. This leads to a substantial underrepresentation of women in the field, causing both a shortage of qualified professionals overall and the exclusion of women from participating in designing systems and products.Successful practices are those that address the needs of female graduate students in a holistic manner. Recommended practices target academic, financial and social needs.The listed activities also emphasize the need for faculty to be aware of learning styles, the need to discuss career paths, and the need to connect female graduate students with role models in high-level administrative and faculty positions. |
| Recommendations | Be aware of differences in learning styles and provide a clear description of career paths for women. |
Printer-friendly version