Teaching

Graduate Student Feedback Related to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Department of Animal Science

---

Abstract

The Department of Animal Science at Iowa State University is dedicated to supporting students from various backgrounds and identities. The objective of this study was to obtain comprehensive feedback from graduate students housed in the Department of Animal Science regarding their Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEI-B) opinions. A 20-question Qualtrics survey was deployed fall 2023. Results will be presented descriptively. Total of 32 graduate students completed a 20-question survey (39.5% response). The majority of graduate students felt included in animal science topics, with peers and faculty at the start and after two years within the department. In addition, the majority of graduate students felt they were treated the same both in- and outside of class by peers and, felt accepted and valued by their peers. When asked about department initiatives that would help with inclusiveness, graduate students reflected as follows; 59% suggested providing spaces where graduate students could relax and/or work together, 41% suggested including artifacts around the department that depicted diversity within Animal Scientists, 59% wanted a structured and formal mentoring program, where incoming graduate students with less experience could be paired up with graduate students with prior livestock exposure and, 52% indicated a need of increased opportunities for graduate students to explore university farms to garner hands on livestock experience. These insights are crucial for shaping future opportunities and enhancing the overall graduate student DEI-B experience.

Keywords: graduate students, diversity, belonging, inclusion

How to Cite:

Bhatia, V., Bundy, J., Johnson, A. K., Carlson, K., Smalley, S. W. & Martin, M., (2024) “Graduate Student Feedback Related to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Department of Animal Science”, Iowa State University Animal Industry Report 21(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.31274/air.29810