Virginia Tech
PAE-9: Support Programs for Future Faculty

AdvanceVT: Virginia Tech received an ADVANCE Institutional Transformation grant from the National Science Foundation in 2003 to initiate AdvanceVT, a program designed to increase the participation and advancement of women in academic science and engineering careers by changing institutional culture and practices. The university is now in the process of incorporating aspects of AdvanceVT across the institution. Commonwealth of Scholars (COS): COS is a selective honors organization designed to enrich the intellectual development and academic experience of qualified students. Diversity Scholars: The mission of the Diversity Scholars program is to provide graduate students the opportunity to spread the message of inclusion to departments and areas of research which may not otherwise include inclusive frameworks through a funded experience. Equity Initiatives: Equity Initiatives provides oversight of university affirmative action efforts and works in concert with departments to ensure adherence to equal opportunity principles as they relate to the search and selection of faculty. Office of Graduate Recruiting and Diversity Initiatives(ORDI): The ORDI is committed to supporting departments in efforts which promote diversity and inclusion for graduate students. Each year, a call for diversity initiatives will be sent out to all departments. Proposals can include recruitment, retention, or research efforts which promote diversity. Graduate Preview Weekend: Graduate Preview Weekend is a visitation program aimed at increasing diversity in graduate education. The Graduate School invites prospective students to campus for a weekend to interview and/or meet with faculty and current students to learn more about Virginia Tech. McNair Scholars Program (Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program): The McNair Scholars Program is a federally funded program that seeks to prepare first-generation college students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds and students from groups underrepresented in higher education for doctoral study. Participants are prepared for graduate study through research experiences and other scholarly activities. My Sister’s Keeper: My Sister’s Keeper promotes networking and professional development opportunities for graduate and faculty women of color, and seeks to enhance scholarship, positive thinking, and social and academic adjustment within the Virginia Tech Community. Through a series of discussions and informal social gatherings, My Sister’s Keeper intends to recognize, celebrate and develop a support network for women of color. Student African-American Brotherhood (SAAB): SAAB targets male students of African descent to assist in developing a complete understanding of their responsibilities as college students and citizens. SAAB men strive to empower themselves and the community by embracing the principles of accountability, proactive leadership, self-discipline, and intellectual development. Sigma Delta Pi Hispanic Honor Society: The Lambda Psi chapter of Sigma Delta Pi is a collegiate Hispanic Honor Society that hosts a recognition ceremony for Hispanic/Latino graduates, and celebrates Hispanic/Latino achievement at Virginia Tech. Visiting Scholars Program: The Visiting Scholars Program is designed to support faculty recruitment efforts through building or expanding connections between Virginia Tech and outstanding scholars from other institutions. Financial and administrative support is available to invite early- to mid-career professionals to campus for short visits outside the usual recruitment process. Participation in the Visiting Scholars Program offers high visibility and broad exposure across campus to both visitor and host.