ITW: Information Technology Pathways in Academe: Identifying Barriers for Women and Students of Color

Regents Of The University Of Michigan - Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor MI

Investigators

Abstract

Institution: University of Michigan Proposal Number: EIA 0090006 PI: Sandra Gregerman Title: Information Technology Pathways in Academe: Identifying Barriers for Women and Minority Students This CISE Information Technology Workforce (ITW) proposal requests funds to study the factors that contribute to the small numbers of women and underrepresented minorities who obtain degrees in computer science (CS) and computer engineering (CE) at a major research university. Both quantitative and qualitative protocols will be used to determine why diverse students do not elect to follow academic career paths in CS and CE fields. Specifically, the project will consist of five parts: the Academic/Career Pathways Study, the Student Perceptions and Perspective Study, the Student Beliefs and Attitudes Study, the Course-taking Pattern and Retention Study, and the Faculty Perceptions and Attitudes Study. The first four studies will also look at the influence of program interventions such as the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program and the Women in Science and Engineering Residence Program. This project has the potential to provide valuable insights into the recruitment and retention of women and underrepresented minorities in IT majors.