WHY WE NEED A CULTURE OF MENTORING IN GRADUATE SCHOOL

The geosciences have a systemic problem of underrepresentation of students from diverse racial, cultural, and socio-economic backgrounds. While many programs and efforts focus on the recruitment of minorities, less is done to evaluate how graduate programs create welcoming and supportive environments for all students. Students from diverse backgrounds often face isolation in majority schools, and lack role models and guidance as they navigate through the academic system. Holistic and individualized support can greatly strengthen a student's performance and chance of them being happy and engaged in the field. Successful strategies must include an honest evaluation of campus climate and specific steps to improve departmental climate, and a strong peer and faculty mentoring system. All interventions need to be applied early, often and on a continuous basis. The SOARS program, now in its 20^th year, has successfully supported students from diverse background to enter and succeed in graduate school. We are now developing satellite programs at university campuses with significant results. This presentation will share successful approaches of retaining diverse students in the geosciences and discuss how we can support each other in the community to provide such resources.