School Most Diverse in Graduate Division

The 145 new students enrolling in the GSE in fall 2001 make up one of the most diverse groups in the School's 109-year history. Fully half of the latest arrivals are students of color, and underrepresented minorities (African Americans, Latinos, and Native Americans) are one quarter of the total cohort.

"The incoming class of the Graduate School of Education has the highest percentage of traditionally underrepresented students of any graduate unit on campus," said Judy Sui, who compiles statistics for Berkeley's Graduate Division.

Several factors contributed to the rise in diversity among the School's students. One element is the dramatic increase in scholarship funds available to students in the GSE. Karen Sullivan is the staff person in charge of fellowships for the School. "I'm gratified that the GSE's new entering class equals our most diverse group ever," she remarked. "I attribute this success to the GSE's fellowship program, a dedicated Fellowship Committee and faculty, and the State of California's programs that support credential candidates."

Two programs now offer students a full waiver of fees in exchange for four years of service in California public schools after graduation: the Behring Institute for Educational Improvement (for administrators), and the Teacher Scholars program. In addition, the Flanders Fellowships, available to students who are interested in performing service in needy schools, have also increased dramatically in recent years, thanks to the generosity of benefactor Mary Jane Brinton. Opportunities for student employment, due to the increase in research projects now being conducted in the School of Education, have never been higher.

Another factor is the cumulative efforts of the Office of Recruitment and Retention, a student-run outreach arm that has existed since 1990. That office has consistently put out the word that UC Berkeley invites applications from a wide spectrum of students, sending representatives to other campuses to recruit. The visibility of the School's outgoing dean, Eugene E. Garcia, who served for five-and-a-half years until July 2001, has also broadened the School's appeal for students of color.

"I think the GSE's focus on urban education also brings in students with a special concern for kids in cities," said Jennifer Murphy, who is in charge of the GSE's Admissions Office. "We're pleased with the growing diversity in the School, and we plan to build on that success," she said.

Patricia and Kenneth Behring with students and faculty from the Behring Institute