Diversity, equity, and access
We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive community of students, staff, and faculty, who value the worth of every individual. We seek to recruit, welcome, mentor, and educate all our graduate and undergraduate students, including significant numbers of women and underrepresented minorities, who are passionate about benefitting society through technological innovation.
Diversity and inclusion activities involve all aspects and stakeholders of the department, including alumni and friends who contribute time and resources. In 2016, the department was recognized nationally by the National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT) for excellence in promoting women in undergraduate computing. From 2007-2015, the percentage of female computer science majors increased from 4.2% to 16.7%. Today, women make up 23% of our majors.
We are committed to expanding access to a range of underserved and underrepresented students. These efforts benefit greatly from the generosity of donors to our endowed Barbara G. Ryder Fund for Excellence in Computer Science fund for the support of diversity and inclusion initiatives.
Since 1992, the Center for the Enhancement of Engineering Diversity (CEED) has provided encouragement and support to engineering students, focusing on the under-represented population. Learn more at their website.
TechGirls is an international exchange program designed to inspire and empower high school girls from the Middle East, North Africa, and Central Asia in STEM. The 60+ girls visited Virginia Tech to learn from faculty experts in coding, programming, and cybersecurity. They also visited local businesses for a job shadowing day.
Their visit was facilitated by the Center for Enhancement of Engineering Diversity (CEED) at Virginia Tech. TechGirls is a program of the U.S. Department of State, administered by Legacy International.
Learn more about their 2019 visit in the video below.
Since 1998, the Association for Women in Computing (AWC) chapter has sponsored an annual Women in Computing Day for local 6th and 7th graders. This event continues to bring about 100 local girls to Virginia Tech for a day of fun with computers. Activities in the past have introduced girls to coding using Snap, circuits using LEDs and batteries, app design, and biotechnology.
2020 On-Demand Diversity Events
Diversity in CS Panel
Panelists shared the challenges that the African-American community faces in the computer science field. Panelists include: Briana Augenreich ('15), Victoria Hairston ('17), and Lawrence Warren (MS '18).
Women in CS Panel
Panelists share their personal pathways and experiences in a male dominated industry, talk about the importance of female networks, and share how they are paving the way for other women in computer science. Panelists include: Margaret Ellis (MS '02), Associate Professor of Practice; Sarah Lee ('18); and Megan Underwood ('08).
The Diversity Committee gives leadership across a broad range of areas and activities. The committee helps track progress, identify challenges, and carry out initiatives designed to improve diversity and inclusion in the department, as well as foster a positive and welcoming climate for students, faculty, and staff in computer science.
Young Cao (co-chair)
Associate Professor
Melanie Darden
Financial Specialist
Margaret Ellis
Associate Professor of Practice
Liqing Zhang (co-chair)
Associate Professor
Steve Edwards
Professor
Associate Department Head for Undergraduate Studies
Scott McCrickard
Associate Professor