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Diversity

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iSchool Diversity Ambassadors

What is an iSchool Diversity 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. 

2022-23 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 & 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.

Request a Ph.D. iDA

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

Please Request a Ph.D. iDA, for resources to help you get started on your iSchool PhD application. 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!

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

  • Sep.21: iDA Ph.D. Application Panel and Workshop (5-7 p.m. PT). Please Request a Ph.D. iDA to receive the Zoom link to the iDA Ph.D. 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.
  • Oct. 1: Priority deadline to request P.h.D iDA assistance. Please Request a Ph.D. iDA by Oct. 1, 2022 at 11:59 p.m. PT for priority assistance. After submitting your iDA request, we will send an email with resources to help you begin connecting with faculty and drafting your research statement. 
    • Late Ph.D. iDA requests: Late iDA requests may be accepted after the deadline, contingent on iDA volunteer capacity. Late iDA requests will receive written feedback on their essays, but will not be offered a follow-up Zoom meeting. We apologize for the inconvenience and encourage you to apply by the priority deadline.
  • Oct. 8: Ph.D. iDA request confirmation. We will review all iDA requests and confirm your iDA Oct. 8, 2022.
  • Oct. 16: Deadline for research statement submission. In order to receive feedback and a follow up Zoom meeting, all research statements must be submitted for iDA review by Oct. 16, 2022, at 11:59 p.m. PT. Instructions will be sent via email. 
  • Oct. 30: Written feedback Applicants will receive written feedback on their draft research statement by Oct. 30, 2022, at 11:59 p.m. PT.
  • Oct. 31-Nov. 11: Follow-up 30-minute Zoom meeting. Applicants who submit their research statements by Oct 16, 2022, will have an opportunity to meet with the iDA volunteer who reviewed their research statement to ask clarifying and follow-up questions regarding the written feedback they received. Zoom meetings will be held between Oct. 31 and Nov. 11, 2022.
  • Dec. 1: UW Ph.D. application deadline. Applicants must submit their applications through the UW Graduate School application portal. Check the iSchool Ph.D. admissions information page to confirm iSchool requirements.
  • After Dec. 1: Applicants’ experiences survey. All applicants in the program will be asked to complete a post-program survey to help us improve and expand our volunteer-led program.

Request a Ph.D. iDA

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 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 three 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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