Javid, R. (2025, April), Fostering Diversity and Innovation in Graduate Engineering Education: A Focus on Recruitment and Retention  Paper presented at 2025 ASEE PSW Conference, California Polytechnic University, California. 10.18260/1-2--55176

\bibitem{asee_peer_55176}
  Javid, R. (2025, April), \emph{Fostering Diversity and Innovation in Graduate Engineering Education: A Focus on Recruitment and Retention}
  Paper presented at 2025 ASEE PSW Conference, California Polytechnic University, California.
  10.18260/1-2--55176

Roxana Javid.  "Fostering Diversity and Innovation in Graduate Engineering Education: A Focus on Recruitment and Retention".  2025 ASEE PSW Conference, California Polytechnic University, California, 2025, April.  ASEE Conferences, 2025.  https://peer.asee.org/55176 Internet.  10 Aug, 2025

\bibitem{asee_peer_55176}
  Roxana Javid.
  "Fostering Diversity and Innovation in Graduate Engineering Education: A Focus on Recruitment and Retention".
  \emph{2025 ASEE PSW Conference, California Polytechnic University, California, 2025, April}.
  ASEE Conferences, 2025.
  https://peer.asee.org/55176 Internet.  10 Aug, 2025

@INPROCEEDINGS{asee_peer_55176
author = "Roxana Javid"
title = "Fostering Diversity and Innovation in Graduate Engineering Education: A Focus on Recruitment and Retention"
booktitle = "2025 ASEE PSW Conference"
year = "2025"
month = "April"
address = "California Polytechnic University, California"
publisher = "ASEE Conferences"
note = {https://peer.asee.org/55176}
number = {10.18260/1-2--55176}
}

TY  - CPAPER
AB  - Presentation-Only Submission (No Full Paper)
Enrollment in graduate engineering programs has faced significant challenges in recent years, despite a growing need for a more specialized workforce in industries like transportation, where engineering solutions are crucial for addressing societal needs. Many institutions have struggled to attract and retain diverse cohorts, particularly from underrepresented groups, which limits the development of innovative solutions that serve all communities effectively. Despite these efforts, enrollment data continues to show disparities, especially for women and minority students.
This research aims to share insights and strategies from my ongoing efforts to promote diversity, sustainability, and enrollment growth in a master’s program within the field of transportation engineering. This research explores the challenges and opportunities in developing effective recruitment and retention strategies for students, with a focus on creating a more inclusive and sustainable academic environment.
The motivation for this work stems from the critical need to address enrollment challenges while ensuring that engineering programs attract and retain a diverse cohort of students. Recognizing the increasing importance of diversity and sustainability in higher education, my efforts begin with curriculum improvements to ensure inclusivity, alignment with technology, and practicality in preparing the next generation of the workforce. These efforts are followed by targeted outreach campaigns, industry partnerships, and leveraging innovative recruitment tools.
For example, we have created promotional materials and campaigns tailored to diverse demographics, including prospective students from underrepresented groups and international applicants worldwide. Additionally, I have engaged alumni and current students in outreach activities to enhance program visibility and credibility, such as hosting a virtual open house to introduce the program and its unique opportunities. These efforts are designed to not only attract prospective students but also ensure that the program reflects the diverse perspectives needed to tackle the challenges of modern transportation systems.
Preliminary results indicate increased interest and awareness of the program, particularly among underrepresented groups. However, retention strategies still require further development. Challenges such as ensuring academic success, building supportive networks, and maintaining engagement through industry and research collaborations remain critical areas for improvement. This research will outline potential approaches to address these issues, including establishing mentoring networks, strengthening industry partnerships, and adapting the curriculum to better meet student needs.
By sharing these strategies and lessons learned, this research seeks to foster a broader dialogue on socially responsive engineering education. The goal is to highlight actionable practices that other institutions can adopt to enhance diversity, sustainability, and enrollment outcomes in their programs. Ultimately, addressing these challenges can lead to more equitable opportunities for students and a stronger, more innovative engineering workforce capable of addressing the pressing issues of tomorrow.

AU  - Roxana Javid
CY  - California Polytechnic University, California
DA  - 2025/04/10
PB  - ASEE Conferences
TI  - Fostering Diversity and Innovation in Graduate Engineering Education: A Focus on Recruitment and Retention
UR  - https://peer.asee.org/55176
DO  - 10.18260/1-2--55176
ER  -