Graduate eNews

Winter 2006 [Return to issue home]

GO-MAP Wins Award for Innovation

GO-MAP staffThe prestigious annual Council of Graduate Schools (CGS)/Thomson Peterson's 2005 Award for Innovation in Promoting an Inclusive Graduate Community has been awarded to the University of Washington Graduate School for the Graduate Opportunities & Minority Achievement Program (GO-MAP) events and student support programs. The award is sponsored by the Council of Graduate Schools and Thomson Peterson's, a leading provider of information and advice on graduate admission, test preparation, and financial aid, and a part of the Thomson Corporation.

"The Graduate School is thrilled and honored to receive this prestigious award to support our programs that advance diversity and inclusiveness at the UW," said Suzanne Ortega, Vice Provost and Dean, The Graduate School. "With this commitment, The Graduate School will continue to build our programs and enhance our abilities to attract, foster, and sustain a more diverse and culturally rich academic atmosphere."

The award of $20,000 will support the "Committed to Diversity; Connected to Community" initiative, along with $20,000 in matching funds from The Graduate School. Programs supporting the initiative focus on creating a wider, more diverse group of mentors for UW graduate students and enhancing relationships between the UW, The Graduate School, communities and businesses of color and others interested in advancing diversity and inclusiveness. Programs will include research seminars, networking sessions, faculty/student lectures and more.

First presented in 1994, the annual CGS/Thomson Peterson's award recognizes innovative institutional programs that seek the identification, recruitment, retention, and graduation of minority graduate students. Award-winning programs demonstrate creative approaches that enhance recruitment practices and that serve as models for other institutions. All 460 CGS member institutions are eligible for the award. The institution that submits the winning proposal receives $20,000 toward implementation and administration of the program.

"Once again, this year the CGS/Peterson's Award demonstrates the deep commitment among American graduate schools to achieving an inclusive graduate community," said Debra Stewart, President of CGS. "Congratulations to the University of Washington for submitting an outstanding proposal. The 'Committed to Diversity; Connected to Community' program at UW provides a strong model for many to emulate."

"By recognizing the best and most creative ideas, we hope to inspire graduate school administrators, educators and students alike to plan and implement programs that will result in more inclusive graduate communities," adds Mary Gatsch, President of Thomson Peterson's. "We applaud UW's winning proposal that seeks to increase interaction and networking opportunities for students and members of the community."