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 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.
2022-23 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
- Information sessions: Learn about our programs and meet current students
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)
2022-23 Ph.D. iDA Program (closed)
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
Wednesday, September 21, 5-7 p.m. PT, Zoom
Please submit a request for iDA assistance, and we will email you information and the Zoom meeting link for our 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. This session will be recorded.
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!)
Sept. 1: Start your application. Please begin your iSchool PhD application process as soon as possible through UW MyGrad. You can track your application progress through MyGrad, as well as revise and process documents until your final submission. Deadline is Dec. 1.
Sept. 21: iDA Ph.D. Application Panel and Workshop (5-7 p.m. PT). Now that you have submitted your request for iDA assistance, we will email you information and the Zoom meeting link for our 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. This session will be recorded.
Oct. 7: Deadline to apply for iDA assistance!
Oct. 8: iDAs confirmed. We will review all iDA requests and confirm who your iDA is by Oct. 8, 2022.
Oct. 16: Deadline for Research Statement submission. In order to receive feedback and a follow up Zoom meeting, all iDA program participants must submit their research statements to their iDA reviewer by Oct. 16, 2022, at 11:59 p.m. PT. Instructions will be sent via email.
Oct. 30: Written feedback provided. iDA program participants 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. iDA program participants 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. program application deadline. All prospective Ph.D. applicants must submit their Ph.D. program applications through the UW Graduate School application portal. Check the iSchool Ph.D. admissions information page to confirm iSchool requirements.
After Dec. 1: Experience surveys. Applicants who has received assistance through the iDA program will be asked to complete a post-program survey to help us improve and expand our volunteer-led program.
Questions? Contact Cynthia del Rosario: cyn@uw.edu; Subject line: iDA Question/ Program (Ph.D., MLIS or MSIM)