Executive Summary

The Olaniyan Scholars Program seeks to support Black students and encourage them to pursue interdisciplinary research. Dr. Patricia Turley has asked us to seek out ways to improve engagement with the program.

With this goal in mind, the team believed that a twofold focus on intake and retention would be ideal, so we explored both advertising and inclusion strategies for recommendation ideas.

We have examined scholarly literature in search of new developments and best practices in diversity and inclusion, and created a survey to consult IUPUI students on their stances regarding interdisciplinary research.

 

Key Findings

 

• Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have a higher African American graduation rate due to their supportive atmosphere, so creating a space of inclusion at predominantly white institutions (PWIs) should improve the African American graduation rate.

• Many Black students look to mentors and counselors for emotional support as well as academic advice.

• According to our local survey, financial concerns are a heavy factor in determining whether African American students pursue research, including interdisciplinary research.

 

Based on our findings, we recommend that the Olaniyan Scholars Program:

 

• Provide support for African American students in predominantly white settings by creating designated spaces for students of color and connecting students with a resident therapist

• Recruit African American students by advertising to Black families and having current Olaniyan Scholars visit high schools to introduce students to the program

• Continue one-on-one mentoring for students in the program

• Add benefits for 3rd and 4th year students to improve retention