Recruitment
The Graduate School coordinates, supplements, and expands the recruiting efforts of graduate departments and programs in order to increase enrollment of students representing all backgrounds and life experiences. Some of our initiatives include:
- participating in recruitment fairs across the country to answer questions potential graduate students might have about Duke;
- coordinating with schools to bring talented undergraduates from around the country to our campus, and learn about opportunities for graduate study at Duke;
- leading the Duke University Center of Exemplary Mentoring, which works to recruit students of all backgrounds to Duke;
- offering a Summer Research Experience to expose talented undergraduates to the outstanding research environment of Duke;
- developing external and institutional funding to support summer research opportunities for undergraduates from a variety of backgrounds.
Retention
Our job is not done when a student enrolls at Duke; in fact, it is just beginning. The Graduate School engages in various efforts to ensure students have a productive and rewarding experience at Duke and the resources they need to address unique challenges they face. Some examples include:
- providing general counseling for students;
- developing programs to enhance participation in graduate student life;
- helping students identify external sources of funding;
- informing students about options, resources, and processes for addressing concerns and problematic situations, such as an interactive guide on reporting harassment, discrimination, and related issues.
Financial Support
The Graduate School awards financial support to enhance access to the outstanding graduate education offered at Duke and ensure the fullest representation of perspectives is available within the academic life of the university. Among the awards available are
- Dean’s Graduate Fellowship
- Summer Research Fellowship for Research on Racism and Systemic Inequalities
- Summer Research Fellowship for Research on Women or Girls of Color
- Childcare subsidy
Education
The Graduate School contributes to the building of an inclusive environment at Duke in a variety of ways that are open to all Ph.D. and many Master’s students, but are not requirements for their degrees. Examples include:
- Responsible Conduct of Research training that addresses the impact of bias in research settings
- a course on Teaching Diverse Learners, part of the Certificate in College Teaching Program.
Recognition
Through the Dean’s Award for Inclusive Excellence, The Graduate School acknowledges the extraordinary achievements of departments and programs that consistently and intentionally create inclusive environments that promote the intellectual development of all students and faculty.
Optional Staff Training
The Graduate School conducts ongoing, optional diversity training for its staff members. Recent sessions have explored topics such as subtle bias, intercultural skills development, being LGBTQ allies, understanding Muslim culture, and working with a multi-generational workforce.