The Coalition for Excellence and Diversity in Mathematics, Science and Engineering is the “Justice League” of programs on campus confronting the problems of underrepresentation in math, science and engineering. The following post is one in a series, kicked off by this introduction, highlighting the work of each of the Coalites and the programs they represent.
Two years ago, like an old casino on the Las Vegas Strip (Yay! Hometown reference!), the structure of the Multicultural Engineering Program and its Bootcamp summer program was imploded and ground broken on a replacement. What has risen from the ashes is an office with broader responsibilities, fewer staff, and the challenge of balancing change and continuity; an office now called Engineering Student Services and headed by The Engineer, Dale Masterson.
When the "re-structuring" happened, Cynthia Cruz (the "Coalition all-star" I've mentioned here before) was in the middle of her undergraduate [Year?] degree. At the time, she was already so well known among the Coalition programs that she was asked to be on the hiring committee that brought Dale on in the first place....
As the director of a wholly new office of Engineering Student Services, Dale faced the challenge of continuing to provide at-risk students with the same personalized support that the Multicultural Engineering Program offered, while also extending the same advising services to the college at large.
Dale Masterson is up to this challenge. Having grown up in a rural community with modest means, Dale is familiar with the struggles facing many of their students. He remembers the challenges of working his way through college, feeling a dearth of support. Over the course of his career, Dale has sat on both sides of nearly every table one encounters into and within the academic climate. He has been admitted and helped to admit, he has been advised and given advise, and he has received and now gives direction to an office of student support.
As Director of ESS, Dale has been voraciously consuming data on student performance and the efficacy of his office's various initiatives, with the goal of focusing the ever dwindling resources here at Cal towards the most useful and effective practices. What helps students feel at home here? What helps them achieve their goals, or even realize the goals they want to achieve? These are the questions that motivate him as he collects the GPAs of students who pass through their PREP summer program and opinions and evaluations from students participating in their various workshops. One of the most important things Dale has found, is the existence of a variety of student groups where students feel a sense of belonging and ownership.
[Quote about ONE black engineer in this incoming class]
Difficulty in this financial and political climate to recruit the best and brightest diverse population.
Role of the Coalition in supporting their work through collaboration.
