Diversity, Equity, Inclusion
Increasing the diversity of our faculty and students is fundamental to The Grainger College of Engineering's mission. CEE at Illinois recognizes that everyone benefits when people with different backgrounds, cultures and disciplines work together, and aims to create an inclusive community in which everyone is welcome and supported. We are proud that women make up more than one-third of our student body, and look forward to growing a diverse and highly motivated pool of engineering researchers, students and future graduates that will work together to address major societal challenges.
In alignment with the college's mission to foster a supportive environment for all members of our university community, the programs, communities and resources below are open to all eligible students regardless of race, color or national origin.
60%
Increase in the number of women in Grainger Engineering since 2013.
55%
Increase in the number of underrepresented students in Grainger Engineering since 2013.
Student Organizations and Communities
- Embrace- This organization is committed to fostering an environment where students from diverse backgrounds can connect and succeed together throughout their academic journey.
- NSBE- Illinois' chapter of NSBE offers academic excellence programs, scholarships, leadership training, professional development and access to career opportunities for thousands of members annually.
- oSTEM (Out in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)- A community dedicated to the development of LGBTQIA+ students in STEM fields.
- SHPE- The Illinois chapter of SHPE empowers the Hispanic student community, focusing on academic excellence, community outreach, chapter development, leadership development and professional development.
- SWE- A technical, professional, social, and outreach organization, that is part of a larger organization with over 14,000 members nationally. It is the largest engineering organization on campus, and provides a great support system for women in engineering.
Student Success, Inclusion & Belonging resources
Student Success, Inclusion & Belonging units, within Student Affairs, provide support for students to reach their personal, academic, and professional goals through curricular and co-curricular engagement opportunities. The work is rooted in the goals of being more diverse, equitable, and inclusive to create a sense of belonging for students and other members of the university community. Below are some of the resources available to students.
Academic, Research and Entrepreneurship Programs
- ARISE - ARISE is an academic program in The Grainger College of Engineering that aims to support students from low-resourced or low-access backgrounds who show incredible potential in engineering. Our program focuses on academic support, community building and dedicated mentorship throughout students' entire college careers
- AWARE - AWARE fosters creativity and innovation by encouraging participation in the entrepreneurial ecosystem—no matter background, major, or experience level. We’re here to help everyone build bold ideas, grow alongside innovators from every corner of campus, and create impact.
- Engineering Ambassadors - A professional outreach program sponsored by Grainger's Office of Undergraduate Programs. These ambassadors serve as role models of engineering in the community.
- MEP - This supportive community of students, staff, and alumni aims to guide African American, Hispanic, and Native American engineering students to achieve excellence in engineering.
- Merge - Each fall, the Merge Campus Visit Program provides an opportunity for students with various experiences and goals, and who come from many educational, socio-cultural, geographic, and familial backgrounds to explore and consider Grainger Engineering graduate programs. The Merge Campus Visit Program supports prospective students through pre-application seminars, program-specific connections, and campus visits.
Community of Care
The faculty and staff in the department care about the well-being of our undergraduate and graduate students. Many resources are available on campus for students needing assistance, but it can be challenging to know where to start. If you have an issue we invite you to reach out to a member of the advising team as a first step (see contact list here).
Student Success, Inclusion & Belonging
SSIB units, within Student Affairs, provide support for students to reach their personal, academic, and professional goals through curricular and co-curricular engagement opportunities.
Office for Access and Equity
The OAE serves as a resource to campus units by facilitating compliance awareness and promoting an inclusive community through diversity, education, and outreach initiatives.
Idea Institute
The mission of the Idea Institute is to support scholarship, innovation and leadership through opportunity, collaboration and community at all levels: faculty, staff, students, and K-12 outreach and public engagement.
Report an Incident
The Office of the Vice-Chancellor for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion maintains a comprehensive list of resources if you need to report an incident on campus. For example, there are resources for incidents of discrimination or harassment, concerns about negative behavior and campus belonging, sexual harassment, and barriers to access.