The mission of the Office of Diversity Programs is to cultivate a rich and inclusive and supportive learning environment, where the identities, perspectives, and views of all graduate students and postdoctoral scholars are affirmed to establish dignity and pride to thrive at the University of Virginia. The Office of Diversity Programs is a subsidiary of the Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Affairs (OGPA), where we serve as a resource hub for information to connect students, staff, and faculty to opportunities in the following areas:
- Recruitment and Retention: We aim to expand and diversify our community of graduate students and postdoctoral scholars. Therefore, we have strategically cultivated institutional partnerships with Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) and participate in national conferences all aimed to promote graduate education. In addition, we sponsor undergraduate research experiences for members from underrepresented and underserved communities each year.
- Developmental Training Experiences: We provide developmental training experiences throughout the year that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), personal development, and career preparation. We sponsor the Mentoring Institute, a flagship initiative where students receive faculty advocates to support positive transitions and successful matriculation throughout their graduate program. Additionally, we offer weekly advising sessions to provide academic support on varied topics such as graduate school preparation, cultivating healthy relationships with advisors, and career exploration.
- Community Engagement and Outreach: We sponsor programs, events, resources, and student affinity groups aimed to affirm a sense of belonging, community, and collaboration among graduate students and postdoctoral scholars within the UVA community.
Should you have any questions, feel free to contact our staff:
Jasmine D. Crenshaw, Ph.D.
Director of Diversity Programs
Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Affairs
New Cabell Hall, Rm. 559A
(434) 297-6918
[email protected]
Book an appointment: http://bit.ly/talkto2crenshaw