PSU Receives $300,000 Grant to Boost STEM Faculty Equity
Portland State University (PSU) has secured a substantial $300,000 grant from the National Science Foundation's ADVANCE Program. This funding will back a comprehensive study into the experiences of STEM faculty, focusing on enhancing retention and equity for marginalized groups.
The project, helmed by a committed team of faculty, will explore the '5 P's' - Policies, Practices, Power structures, Places, and People - that influence retention and attrition. In-depth interviews with 33 STEM faculty across 11 departments will yield a trove of data. This initiative is guided by both internal and external advisory committees, including the 'Circle of Advisors'.
The study aims to comprehend and enrich the workplace experiences of marginalized STEM faculty, particularly those who identify as women, people of color, or hold intersecting identities. This focus is timely, given the 2018 workplace climate survey that revealed serious equity issues for these groups at PSU. Historically, women and minorities have been underrepresented in STEM fields at the university.
The project will set the stage for a five-year strategic equity plan. Interviews will be analyzed and visualized to identify themes, which will then inform a wider survey among STEM faculty. This data-driven approach seeks to engender lasting change and improve the experiences, retention, and career progression of marginalized STEM faculty.
With the backing of PSU administration, this project is positioned to make a significant impact. The $300,000 grant will facilitate a thorough investigation into STEM faculty experiences, with the ultimate goal of devising a five-year strategic equity plan. This plan aims to cultivate a more inclusive and supportive environment for all STEM faculty at PSU.
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