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The Graduate School has announced the launch of a new initiative focused on building community, peer support networks and a sense of welcome in support of graduate students who self-identify as Black, Indigenous or other persons of color (BIPOC). The initiative is in keeping with the Graduate School’s broader focus on promoting academic excellence, inclusivity and student success.

The Graduate School BIPOC Alliance for Excellence (GSBA) is open to all master’s and Ph.D. students at the University, from any background, race, gender, or other identity. “As we have heard from our graduate students, there is a need to foster support for BIPOC students to enable academic success and enrich the student experience,” says Peter A. Vanable, dean of the Graduate School.

“I am pleased that the Graduate School is able to support this initiative, which will be led through a close collaboration with our graduate student steering committee. We’re collaborating with the Graduate Student Organization as well as other affiliated student organizations to gather student input and broaden our reach and impact.”

“We will continue to gather feedback from our fellow graduate students to refine our plans for professional development and mentorship opportunities with ���ϲ����� faculty, graduate student leaders and alumni,” says Phillandra Smith, a Ph.D. candidate in special education who has worked closely with Dean Vanable and other students leaders over the course of the summer.

GSBA will kick off the year with a for all graduate students on Friday, September 3, starting at 4 p.m. at the Inn Complete on South Campus. The event will include a panel discussion featuring advanced year BIPOC graduate students students who will be on hand to speak to new students, addressing what to know and expect for their first year in graduate school. Panelists will share highlights and challenges from their graduate experience at ���ϲ����� and will answer questions. Refreshments will be provided.