“The heart of a great institution of higher education is one that fosters a clash of ideas, the excitement that different perspectives bring to an academic community. We are committed to the power of education to transform people...The unique perspective brought to campus by diverse groups changes how we teach and what we teach...I am convinced that these efforts to increase inclusivity form the core of a quality graduate experience.”
—Suzanne Ortega, Dean of the Graduate School
University of Missouri - Columbia

Peterson's believes that inclusiveness is a critical issue in education. Since 1994, Peterson's, in conjunction with the Council of Graduate Schools, has been offering an annual award to institutions that show initiative in developing a plan for increasing inclusivity in graduate study. Institutions vying for this award focus on all aspects of graduate life, from recruitment to retention, faculty mentoring and cross-departmental communication. With creativity and passion, these institutions are actively pursuing a diverse student population. For this year's Peterson's/CGS Award, sixteen schools submitted proposals (click here for list).

This year, Peterson's and CGS are awarding the CGS/Peterson’s Award for Innovation in Promoting an Inclusive Graduate Community to the University of Missouri-Columbia at the Council of Graduate School's Annual Meeting in San Diego, California, on Thursday, December 6, 2001. (See: University of Missouri-Columbia Wins CGS/Peterson’s Award.)

Peterson's spoke with Dr. Suzanne T. Ortega, Vice Provost for Advanced Studies and Dean of the Graduate School at the University of Missouri-Columbia, recipient of this year's Peterson's/CGA Award. (See: Interview with Dr. Suzanne T. Ortega.)

Last year's award recipient, University of Georgia, continues its efforts to increase inclusiveness (See: Interview with Dr. F. Douglas Boudinot.)

Peterson's also interviewed previous award winners including Vivian Vidoli at California State University-Fresno, Al Carlozzi, Oklahoma State University and Lawrence Martin, Stony Brook University.

Peterson's spent some time with some of the nominees for this year's award. Read on for insights from Dr. Michael Marrus, who describes efforts at the University of Toronto to pave the way for success for international graduate students through an exceptional English language program. Learn about Dr. Christine Marlow, who along with Dr. Laurie Churchill, has focused efforts on graduate mentoring at New Mexico State University. Check in for an update from the University of Maryland-Baltimore County where the team of Drs. Scott Bass, Janet Rutledge, Angela Walton-Raji and Joan Langdon continue their commitment to diversity and inclusiveness in graduate education.