The University is engaged in the work of creating a more diverse and inclusive academic community, as evidenced by Pathways to Diversity and Inclusion: An Action Plan for Brown University. The document formalizes and expands upon diversity and inclusion efforts articulated in Brown’s Building on Distinction strategic plan.
Master's Programs
Diversity and Inclusion
Brown’s Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan
Brown’s Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP) aims to develop a diverse graduate student body by:
- Investing in creating world-class support for master’s students with dedicated professional teams of career support and student support specialists
- Providing training and professional development opportunities focused on making Brown an inclusive and open community where all students feel that they belong
- Actively recruiting diverse applicants to ensure that our student body is representative of the broader community
- Working with academic departments to maintain or improve their departmental climates and student satisfaction
- Sponsoring and organizing events aimed at student identity groups to foster a sense of engagement and belonging.
- Collaborating with campus partners like the U-FLi Center to support First Gen grad meetups and financial education workshops for first gen students.
Office of Institutional Equity and Diversity
The University's Office of Institutional Equity and Diversity (OIED) provides leadership for the formulation and oversight of University policies related to pluralism and equity, and initiates programs and practices that promote diversity, inclusion, and fair treatment of all members of the community. The University designates officers who are responsible for issues of compliance and who are available to answer questions and provide advice.
Read Brown's statement on Equal Opportunity, Nondiscrimination and Affirmative Action.
Students who think that they have a grievance should consult the Discrimination/Harassment and Grievance Policies.
Recruiting and Admission
Brown actively recruits students who are and have been traditionally underrepresented in master's education, including but not limited to underrepresented racial and ethnic minorities, women, and people with disabilities. The associate dean for diversity initiatives works in partnership with individual departments and programs at Brown and cultivates relationships with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and other Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs).
For more information or any questions, please contact the Diversity and Inclusion Team through email at graduate_diversity@brown.edu.
Retention and Advancement
The Division of Master’s and Professional Programs sponsors Multicultural Graduate Student (MGS) events for underrepresented minority students, including dinners with invited guest speakers, academic achievement and cultural celebrations, and social-networking activities. The Graduate School provides assistance to a variety of student associations and clubs that represent Brown’s diverse graduate student population. In addition, the University offers individual and group support to students who identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer/Questioning (LGBTQ).
Related Offices and Centers
- Office of Institutional Diversity and Inclusion
- LGBTQ Resource Center
- Office of the Chaplains and Religious Life
- Sarah Doyle Women’s Center
- Brown Initiative to Maximize Student Development
- Notice of NIH's Interest in Diversity
- Center for the Study of Slavery and Justice Center
- Native Americans at Brown
- Student and Employee Accessibility Services
- Office of International Student and Scholar Services
- Office of the Vice President for Research
- Samuel M. Nabrit Black Graduate Student Association
- Society for Advancement of Chicanos & Native Americans in Science
- Office of Military-Affiliated Students
- Center for the Study of Race and Ethnicity in America