GRADUATE SCHOOL: Still a Good Idea

Black Collegian, Oct 2003 by Rovaris, Dereck J Sr

A graduate education has been proven beneficial. Salaries for those with advanced degrees far surpass those of graduates with bachelor's degrees. The types of careers available and the variety of the types all increase for those with graduate training, and the levels of job satisfaction are greater. But has the recent Supreme Court ruling on Affirmative Action in collegiate admissions caused a backlash that will hinder your graduate school opportunities?

THE BLACK COLLEGIAN asked four faculty and graduate admissions administrators to answer this question and others. The four are Dr. Cheryl Evans, Miami University Graduate School Associate Dean; Kharen Fulton, Emory University's Graduate School Director of Admissions; Dr. Calvin Mackie, Tulane University Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering; and Jessie Perval, Thomas Jefferson University's Director of Admissions and Recruitment for Jefferson College of Graduate Studies.

Following their answers and comments is a "how to" guide for graduate school preparation.

What impact do you think the recent Supreme Court decision will have on graduate school recruitment efforts?

Evans: I do not foresee any immediate impact on my recruitment efforts. I still will visit HBCUs, and I will still have the financial support to offer students of color.

Fulton: I believe most schools value the importance of a diversified student body and will find creative ways to identify, recruit, and retain students of color.

Mackie: Many schools like Tulane, which falls within the Fifth Circuit, had to adhere to the Hopwood decision that outlawed minority-specific programs; the Supreme Court effectively overturned that decision, so we need the schools to return to the efforts and commitment of the past.

Perval: This ruling, which permits race to be one of many factors taken into account when considering applicants for admission, is indeed welcome news because it serves as encouragement to academic institutions such as ours to continue their initiatives and objectives to boost minority enrollment without fear of violating the Constitution's guarantee against discrimination. While I wish for the day that all students have equal academic experiences and opportunities, I recognize that our nation's historic and economic history reminds us that we have a long way to go before we can proclaim equality of all citizenry. Until we arrive at that state, we must continue to right the wrongs of the past, and to keep open the doors of academic opportunity through affirmative measures.

What should students of color expect as a result of this decision?

Evans: Students of color must continue to exceed minimal admissions requirements at the graduate school level. They should expect that this decision has not influenced the non-supporters. Students will still face the same attitudes about Affirmative Action and should be prepared to compete at the highest level.

Fulton: Students of color should definitely continue to pursue graduate school and not hesitate to identify their ethnicity on the applications for admission. We have a minority fellowship, and without that information, we are unable to identify candidates for the funds. Some schools have funds that are not federal funds and therefore are designated for increasing the number of students of color in their programs.

Mackie: Students should be working hard every day towards their dreams regardless of any case before the Supreme Court. As long as graduate schools are accepting anyone, students of color should work to make sure that they are among those accepted.

Perval: There is a stronger need than ever for students of color to be diligent in pursuit of their academic goals. It is becoming increasingly important for students to establish personal contacts at the colleges they are applying to, i.e., contact personnel who will actively promote their application.

What are graduate recruiters doing as a result of this decision?

Evans: As a recruiter, I will continue to aggressively recruit students of color and continue to work at making Miami University a welcoming and supportive environment for students of color.

Fulton: I believe recruiters will continue to strengthen their pools of applicants with strong students of color by developing relationships at HBCUs that have demonstrated their ability to produce quality graduates, as well as recruiting students through organizations such as the Mellon Foundation, IRT, and Project 1000.

Mackie: Institutions have always had the inalienable right to recruit minorities. This decision allows them to put some meat into their efforts. Unfortunately, some schools will follow the same tired excuses used before the decision.

Perval: I believe that majority institutions will continue their mission to achieve and maintain diverse student populations to the extent that political constituencies and financial resources will allow. We must all remain vigilant in our endeavors and cognizant of the reality that we will endure legislative and legal challenges in the future.