September 24 Morgan Stangl, School of Social Work 

“The Iowa Edge: Assessing the Effectiveness of an Orientation Program for the Improved Retention of Underrepresented and Marginalized Students” 

The Iowa Edge is an extended orientation and mentoring program that serves students of color, LGBTQ+ students, and first-generation students. The purpose of this study is to review literature associated with student retention with an emphasis on the served student populations. The literature review is supplemented by survey and interview data from students who participated in the program. This study found moderate positive correlations among Iowa Edge’s social and academic support system building and feeling safe on campus. Furthermore, this study did not find a correlation between experiencing discrimination/microaggressions on campus or in the classroom and feeling safe on campus. This suggests that The Iowa Edge is succeeding in building a supportive community for its served student population. 

The Center for Diversity and Enrichment (CDE), in collaboration with the Office of Graduate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; the University Libraries; and the Office of the Provost is pleased to announce this semester’s Diversity Seminar. The Diversity Seminar is a series of presentations that provides a safe and supportive space in which scholars may present their research to colleagues and students on campus. As part of its mission to promote student success and enrichment, the CDE seeks to support and promote the scholarship of faculty, staff, and graduate students with historically underrepresented global majority and/or marginalized identities at the University of Iowa. Scholars whose research addresses populations with marginalized identities may also submit proposals. All sessions will held via Zoom.