Become an iDiversity Ambassador
We are looking forward to a fun and productive year at the Information School's Office of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Access and Sovereignty (IDEAS), and we cannot do it without you!
What is an iDiversity Ambassador?
Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) are essential values for the iSchool. In an effort to recruit BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Color) students and students from other underrepresented minoritized groups, iSchool Diversity Ambassadors (iDAs) are a team of current Information School graduate student volunteers who assist prospective students who are considering study at the UW Information School. A primary function of the iDAs is to give applicants feedback on their application statements. iDAs also share their personal perspectives about their iSchool degree programs as well as iSchool and UW student experiences, opportunities and resources. iDAs do not advise; they give advice. If applicants want or need advising, please refer them to an academic advisor.
What do iDAs do?
The primary function of the iDAs is to support prospective BIPOC and other underrepresented students through their application process.
Volunteering in the iDA program is a meaningful way to make a difference for BIPOC applicants, as well as a fun way to meet others across iSchool programs, cohorts and modes. In addition to working with prospective students, the iDA volunteers can help build community within the Information School through volunteering and participating in IDEAS and other iSchool DEI programming and events. We welcome iDA voices and participation in the creation and implementation of IDEAS programming and events for prospective students and for current iSchool students, faculty and staff.
In addition to supporting BIPOC applicants, other iDA volunteer opportunities include:
- Assisting developing IDEAS programming and events for current iSchool students, faculty and staff
- Assisting in organizing and volunteering for IDEAS recruitment events
- Recruiting at other DEI events on/off campus and online
- Serving as iSchool representatives or speakers at campus and/or community DEI events
Supporting you through your programs and your education experience is our first priority, so please know that you are in control of your iDA volunteer time commitment and which iDA volunteer opportunities you would like to engage in. Please have FUN and do not take on too much. Be sure to take good care of yourself!
Please sign up! Become an iDA: volunteer form.
Ph.D. iDA program
iDAs provide helpful information to assist applicants as they prepare their Ph.D. applications, with a focus on:
- Choosing and contacting faculty
- Creating a research plan
- Providing feedback on your draft research statement
- Please note that although iDAs do receive training in giving 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. iDAs are not responsible for applicants' admission. Applicants are responsible for their own admission. The iDAs are student volunteers who give insight and support to applicants, based on their own experiences — the applicants' "insider iSchool friend."
Please see the Ph.D. admissions information page. The application deadline is Dec. 1.
Master's iDA programs (MSIM, MLIS)
MSIM/MLIS iDAs start late September. They serve as an iSchool contact person to answer questions from a student’s perspective regarding applicants’ questions about specific iSchool programs, attending the UW, living in Seattle and/or attending their program online, working across time zones and other questions that they may have.
iDAs give feedback on:
- Personal and diversity statements and essay (MLIS) or statement of purpose / personal statement (MSIM)
- Please note that although iDAs do receive training in giving 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 their application and the application process. iDAs are not responsible for applicants' admission. Applicants are responsible for their own admission. The iDAs are student volunteers who give insight and support to applicants, based on their own experiences — the applicants' "insider iSchool friend."
- Directing applicants to resources for BIPOC graduate students, such as Graduate Opportunities & Minority Achievement Program (GO-MAP)
iDAs can expect to volunteer approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, e.g. 20-30 minutes initial conversation with applicant; 30-45 minutes application reading/feedback; 30 minutes feedback/ follow up conversation. Applicants are instructed to give access to their essays 3 weeks prior to their deadline so iDAs have time for reading and feedback.
*MLIS students, we are expecting the bulk of applications for the Feb. 1 deadline — please sign up to be an iDA!
Please be sure to check out the following iSchool resources:
I’m interested. How do I sign up?
Please sign up! Fill out the Become an iDA volunteer form.
We ask you to provide a short bio and picture of yourself, which will be used on the iDA web page to introduce you to prospective students. We will connect with you with iDA orientation and training information. Please contact Cynthia del Rosario with any Qs: cyn@uw.edu.
What training and support will be provided for iDA volunteers?
The iDA program orientation provides iDAs with an overview of the application process and writing personal statements in order for iDAs to support prospective students through their application process, including giving constructive feedback on personal statements, tips for asking for letters of recommendations, and finding funding resources.
iDA Program Orientation & Personal Statement Writing Info Sessions
- Ph.D.: Hosted by the Doctoral Students Association, Dr. Katie Davis and Cynthia del Rosario.
- MLIS (residential and online): Hosted by SOCLIS, ALISS, Dr. Michelle Martin and Cynthia del Rosario.
- MSIM (residential and online): TBD.