Diversity Initiatives for Women and Underrepresented Students
Diversity Initiatives for Women and Underrepresented Students
In Purdue's Department of Computer Science, we believe strongly in supporting the success of underrepresented populations in the field. Addressing this issue is critical to our mission.
We offer a number of programs, student organizations and events targeted toward helping women and underrepresented minorities succeed at Purdue.
Student Organizations
Department of Computer Science
Association of Multicultural Computer Scientists (AMCS)
AMCS provides a support system for underrepresented undergrad and grad students’ academic, social and professional development.
Computer Science Women’s Network (CSWN)
CSWN consists of students, faculty and staff who are dedicated to helping all members succeed in computer science. You’ll connect with faculty and staff mentors and get to know other women in computer science as you explore the field together at professional conferences and fun social events.
Mentors for Aspiring Girls in Computing (MAGIC)
Join MAGIC and serve as a mentor for local high school girls who want to learn more about technology. Together, you’ll explore topics like art, games, mobile development, artificial intelligence and computer security.
College of Science
Association of Multicultural Science Students (AMSS)
This group helps members acquire jobs, internships and research assistantships and offers scholarships to students who show academic excellence, community service and club service.
Science Opportunities to Advance Retention (SOAR) Tutoring Program
SOAR is a tutoring program that will help you acclimate to college, providing strategies you can use to succeed in your major’s core courses.
Conferences and Opportunities
Each year, groups of computer science students travel to several conferences that encourage diversity the computing field:
- Richard Tapia Celebration of Diversity in Computing
- National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) Annual Conference
- Grace Hopper Celebration of Women in Computing
Campus Resources
College of Science Multicultural Science Programs Site
Purdue University Diversity Resource Office
Office of Institutional Equity
Diversity in Engineering
Purdue's Nondiscrimination Policy
Black Cultural Center
International Center
International Student and Scholars
Jewish Studies Program
Latino Student Union
Women's Organizations
LGBTQ Center
Visit Purdue
Interested in visiting Purdue? Explore Purdue is a full-day campus visit program for minority students, in grades 8-12, interested in attending Purdue.
Interested in visiting the Computer Science Department at Purdue? Contact:
Adrian T. Thomas
Adrian Thomas, diversity specialist for the Department of Computer Science, advises and supports the department’s student organizations for women and and underrepresented students. She travels to admissions events, conferences and community events to talk with prospective students about the Department of Computer Science.
With Adrian’s hire, Computer Science became the first department on Purdue’s campus to have a full-time staff member who focuses on diversity initiatives. Adrian previously worked in Purdue’s College of Science Diversity Office, where she advised and supported the Women In Science Program.
Phil Sands
Phil Sands is the K-12 Outreach Coordinator for Purdue’s Department of Computer Science. He focuses on expanding opportunities for computer science education in Indiana and engaging underrepresented minorities in the field so that all students have the opportunity to participate. Previously, Phil spent six years as a software engineer and seven years teaching computer programming and statistics at high schools in Washington DC and Michigan.
