Since 2017, SIPS graduate students have played a central role in organization of Diversity Preview Weekend (DPW). This event is designed to familiarize prospective graduate students from under-represented minorities (URM) in higher education to the graduate school experience and application process. As in 2020, COVID-related restrictions necessitate that DPW 2021 be held virtually rather than inviting attendees to campus. However, this also provides an opportunity for creative changes.
DPW 2021 will be structured in two tiers in order to expand its reach. The first tier will be entirely virtual and have no limit on attendees, although it will remain oriented towards SIPS, Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, and Entomology programs. Topics covered in this session broadly approach the application process to graduate school and are intended to help students determine if graduate school is the right next step.
Examples of workshops in Tier One include:
- Demystifying graduate school
- Preparing for graduate school
- Overview of the application process
- How to write a CV
- Introduction to fellowships and personal statements
- Panel discussion on diversity and inclusion in graduate school
- Virtual networking/social opportunities
Tier Two will be an application-based program that allows for a smaller, more in-depth event for our attendees. This includes one-on-one review of application materials, mock interviews, networking with faculty at Cornell, and more Cornell-specific information about graduate school.
With this new approach, we hope to help even more students through the graduate school application process by providing general information earlier and more individualized experience in the second tier.
The DPW 2021 co-leaders will be hosting a general body meeting on March 2nd at 5:00 pm. Anyone who is interested in volunteering with DPW is welcome to attend! This meeting will update DPW volunteers on our new two-tier format, announce 2021 dates, and start to organize volunteers for our upcoming events.
Zoom: https://cornell.zoom.us/j/96086291136?pwd=L2NpVHpaZU5aQ0tSaXNxUnN0V3VSZz09
Meeting ID: 960 8629 1136
Passcode: coleader
DPW 2021 SIPS co-leaders:
- Clarice Guan
- Adriana Hernandez
- Aimee Schulz
- Morgan Irons
- Eugene Law