Programs

The Iribe Initiative for Inclusion and Diversity in Computing is committed to making computing a field that includes participation of individuals across the intersections of gender identification, race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, and disability status.

Current Student Programming

Tutoring
IMPORTANT- TUTORING IS MOVING ONLINE for Spring 2020
 
1:1 Tutoring will be offered online immediately.
Guided Study Sessions will be offered online beginning March 30. They will be cancelled when classes are cancelled. 
 
Tutors offer support on general concepts, practice problems, and theories in the computer science intro classes for ALL students. Tutors do not offer support on specific project or homework questions.
 
To register for tutoring, please complete this form: go.umd.edu/TUTORREQUEST20 The form will give you access to a Google Calendar to sign-up for 1:1 appointments. Tutors will provide a virtual Zoom link for remote tutoring.
 
Guided Study Sessions are group tutoring opportunities for each class. They are held twice a week for 1 hour online using the link on the I4C website calendar. Spring 2020 Guided Study Session times for each class are listed below along with the link for each session.
 
Spring 2020 Guided Study Session Times
(Zoom links below will be live during the GSS)
 
 
The general flyer for Tutoring can be found here.
The Guided Study Session flyer can be found here.
 
Peer Mentoring Program
 
The mission of the Iribe Initiative for Inclusion and Diversity in Computing’s Peer Mentoring program is to facilitate community building, support academic success, and provide professional development for all students in computing. The program will foster peer-to-peer connections within the Department of Computer Science as well as involvement in the larger University of Maryland community.
 
Peer Mentoring is open to all students interested in computing and attending the University of Maryland.
 
The Peer Mentoring Program includes:
  • 1 on 1 mentor/mentee partnerships
  • Monthly mentoring meetings
  • Technical workshops
  • Informal social gatherings
  • Resources on professional, social, and academic events
 
Diversity Conference Scholarships
 
The Iribe Initiative for Inclusion & Diversity in Computing offers scholarships to attend 3 conferences: ACM Richard Tapia Celebration of Diversity in Computing, Grace Hopper Celebration, and AfroTech.
 
Scholarship applications are currently closed. Applications will open in May 2020.
 
Aside from scholarships provided by the Iribe Initiative for Inclusion and Diversity (applications open in the spring semester), the Department of Computer Science has professional development funds available to UMD students interested in traveling to conferences, workshops, hackathons, and other professional development events. Applications are typically reviewed within two weeks of submission.
 
To apply, you must: Complete this form: https://go.umd.edu/CStravelfund
 
You will need to provide a faculty reference (via the form) and submit a current resume and transcript.
 
Teaching Ambassadors
 
Each year undergraduate students are selected to be Ambassadors. Through this program, students receive training on best practices for teaching and content. They then apply these skills to go into CompSciConnect, weekend, and after-school programs to teach others computing. Through this experience, Ambassadors create a community between themselves and support each other while teaching the next generation of computer scientists. Applications for this program are typically open in August, January (if needed), and March.
 
Spring 2020 Applications have closed. 
 
Inclusion Speaker Series
 
While we have a very diverse student body in the Department of Computer Science, our faculty members are just beginning to match it in terms of diversity. Very often our students do not see professors who look like them-- or are different from them--giving academic or other technical talks. While we firmly believe that our current faculty members teach, research, and operate with fairness and inclusion in mind, we also understand that representation is of utmost importance. We take the words of education activist Marian Wright Edelman very seriously: “You cannot be what you cannot see.” Whether it is a position as a professor, a CTO, a software developer, or a cofounder of a startup, it is important for our students to see themselves in the speakers we introduce to them. Conversely, it is equally important for students to see people who look different from themselves in positions of authority as professors and technical experts in order to challenge perceived stereotypes and to ultimately encourage inclusive behavior.
 
Founded by Fredrika Salley and Dr. B.K. Adams in September 2018, the Inclusion Speaker Series brings in faculty members and researchers to give technical talks about all areas of computing.
 
Dates for Spring 2020 Speakers will be posted in January
 
Professional Development Series
 
Each semester the Center provides professional development opportunities for our students.  Events can range from insightful talks by industry leaders or faculty from other universities or panels and round-table discussions. The topics range from interview processes, graduate school preparation, adjusting to the work force, creating work-life balance, or finding a mentor.   Most events require an RSVP.  For upcoming events see our calendar. 

Slideshow:
Grace Hopper Celebration

Slideshow:
Professional Development

Community Building

DICE (Diversity & Inclusion in Computing Education) Lounge
 
The DICE lounge is a community space on the 1st floor of the The Brendan Iribe Center for Computing Science and Engineering (1104) for students in computing to meet, study, and connect. The DICE Lounge is open Monday - Friday from 8am-6pm.
 
After hours access can be granted on a case by case basis by completing this form: https://go.umd.edu/DICELoungeRequest 
 
Before putting in a request, please check the DICE Lounge calendar for availability: https://go.umd.edu/DICELounge 
 
Penthouse Sweets
 
Penthouse Sweets are geared toward bringing students, faculty, and staff of similar identities together in an informal setting - with dessert! These events are a time to get together, share advice, and build relationships. All Penthouse Sweets will take place on the IRB Rooftop.
 
Students of Color
February 6th - 3pm
 
International Students
March 11th - 4pm
 
TBD
April 14th - 3pm
 
Support of Student Organizations
 
Student organizations that have a mission and purpose related to diversity and inclusion are supported through the Iribe Initiative for Inclusion and Diversity in Computing. If your organization can be classified as such, please email studentorgsupport@cs.umd.edu for next steps.
 
Please find the CS Student Organization Resource Document here. 
 
Student Organizations supported through the Iribe Initiative for Inclusion and Diversity in Computing:

Slideshow:
Community Building

AWC General Body Meetings