Our deepest apologies, but due to unforeseen circumstances, the iSchool Diversity Ambassadors Program is canceled for this year. Again, our apologies for the inconvenience.

What is an iSchool Diversity Ambassador? 

In an effort to recruit BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Color) students and students from other historically excluded and minoritized groups, iSchool Diversity Ambassadors (iDAs), a team of current Information School graduate student volunteers, assist prospective students who are considering study at the UW Information School. iDAs share their personal perspectives about their iSchool degree programs as well as iSchool and UW student experiences, opportunities and resources. 

Master's iDA Programs (MSIM, MLIS)

Thank you for your interest in the UW iSchool MLIS and MSIM programs!

iDAs serve as iSchool contact people to answer questions from a student’s perspective regarding specific iSchool programs, attending the UW, living in Seattle and/or attending your program online, working across time zones, and other questions that you may have.

iDAs can provide feedback on your personal and diversity statements and essay (MLIS) or statement of purpose (MSIM).

• To receive feedback on your statement, please submit it to your iDA 2-3 weeks prior to your intended deadline.
• Please note that although iDAs do receive training in giving you feedback, this assistance does NOT guarantee admission to the iSchool. This assistance is meant to serve as a second set of eyes and someone with whom to discuss your application and the application process.

iDAs can also direct you to resources for BIPOC graduate students, such as the Office of Graduate Student Equity & Excellence (GSEE).

Please be sure to check out the following iSchool resources:

• Admissions information pages- deadlines vary by program options, tracks and modes
  • MLIS
  • MSIM
• Information sessions: Learn about our programs and meet current students
  • MLIS: Various dates/times.
  • MSIM: Various dates/times.

If you are interested in becoming an iDiversity Ambassador, learn more here.

Questions? Contact iask@uw.edu 

Ph.D. iDA Program 

Thank you for your interest in applying to the UW iSchool Ph.D. program!

Ph.D. iDAs can provide helpful information to prepare for completing your Ph.D. application, with a focus on: 

• Choosing and contacting faculty (Please see Faculty Who Can Chair Committees)
• Creating a research plan
• Providing feedback on your draft research statement 
• Please note that although iDAs do receive training in giving you feedback, this assistance does NOT guarantee admission to the iSchool. This assistance is meant to serve as a second set of eyes and an opportunity to get feedback from a current iSchool Ph.D. student. Please remember that iDAs are graduate students first and volunteers second. The earlier you engage with us, the more time we will have to assist you.

Ph.D. iDA Application Panel and Workshop

iDAs will share tips for engaging with faculty and preparing your Ph.D. application, answer questions, and offer a brief workshop for drafting your application statements. The iDA panel and workshop invitation will be sent in early September to the email you submitted in your iDA request. This session will be recorded.

Start Early! It is important to start preparing for your Ph.D. application early. 

Start gathering your required documents now, and begin your UW Graduate School application as soon as possible after Sept. 1. Your application will not go in “accidentally.” It will not be submitted until you pay the application fee!

Questions? Contact iask@uw.edu