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Diversity

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iDiversity Ambassadors

What is an iDiversity Ambassador? 

In an effort to recruit BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Color) students and students from other underrepresented minoritized (URM) 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. 

2021-22 iDAs will offer the following support services to prospective students:

Ph.D. iDA Program

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

  • Choosing & contacting faculty
  • 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.

Our Ph.D. iDA program is now closed. If you are applying to our master's program, please request an iDA below.

Timeline (subject to change and capacity, so submit early!)

  • Rolling: Receive informational resources. Upon your acceptance into this year’s iDA program, we will email you two informational documents to help you brainstorm and draft your research statement. These informational resources will cover: (1) choosing and contacting faculty, and (2) creating a research plan.
  • Oct. 31: Submit draft research statement. we ask that you submit your draft research statement for feedback by Sunday, Oct. 31, at 11:59 p.m. PT. Instructions will be sent out via email closer to the deadline.
  • Nov. 13: Receive written feedback on research statement. We will return written feedback on your draft research statement by Saturday, Nov. 13. at 11:59 p.m. PT.
  • Nov. 24: Follow-up 30 minute Zoom meeting. You will have an opportunity to meet with the Ph.D. iDA volunteer who reviewed your research statement to ask clarifying and follow-up questions on the written feedback you received on your draft research statement by this date.

Please be sure to check out the following resources:

  • Ph.D. admissions information page. The application deadline is Dec. 1, 2021.
  • ALA Spectrum LIS Doctoral Fellowship Program: The American Library Association Spectrum Doctoral Fellowship provides one-year academic funding for LIS Ph.D. students who identify as American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian, Black/African American, Hispanic/Latinx or Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander. The goal of the Spectrum Doctoral Fellows Program is to educate, develop and support BIPOC/ diverse LIS faculty.

Master's iDA Programs (MSIM, MLIS)

MSIM/MLIS iDAs are available starting in late September. iDAs serve as iSchool contact people to answer questions from a student’s perspective regarding your questions about 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 / personal statement (MSIM)
    • To receive feedback on your statement, please submit it to your iDA 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.
  • Directing you to resources for BIPOC graduate students, such as the Office of Graduate Student Equity & Excellence (GSEE).

Please fill out our form to request assistance from an MLIS/MSIM iDA.

Please be sure to check out the following iSchool resources:

  • Admissions information pages- deadlines vary by program options, tracks and modes
  • 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 Cynthia del Rosario: cyn@uw.edu; Subject line: iDA Question/ Program (Ph.D., MLIS or MSIM)

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