The Association of Multicultural Scientists (AMS) believes that in order to obtain “the sharing of knowledge through education for a diverse community (which will) benefit people of the state, the nation, and the world” (Mission Statement, University of Minnesota Board of Regents Policy, adopted: 1/14/94), proactive initiatives must be set in place to promote such a community. AMS is founded on the premise that in order to establish and maintain diversity within the campus’s scientific community, it is imperative that members belonging to historically underrepresented groups be present on all levels of the University’s infrastructure. AMS is committed to aid in the recruitment and retention of minority graduate students and faculty.
Purpose:
AMS is a student organization comprised primarily of graduate students pursuing a Masters or PhD degree in an applied science graduate program at the University of Minnesota. AMS is dedicated to the support, retention and recruitment of historically underrepresented students* in the applied science disciplines. Our primary goals are to:
Assist students in the successful completion of their graduate studies by offering activities and support which will meet academic, professional, and social needs in an atmosphere of cultural context and comfort.
Promote awareness within the university’s scientific community of the ever growing presence of qualified minority postdoctoral trainees and faculty candidates.
Promote awareness of other minority programs on campus through joint sponsorship of activities.
Establish events that promote science discovery and learning at an early age.
AMS is open to undergraduate and graduate students, as well as postdoctoral fellows affiliated with the University of Minnesota. AMS members are expected to attend meetings and participate in sponsored activities, which include:
“Welcome to the U” Social gathering
Roundtable luncheons—topics include grant writing, mentorship, preparing a CV, and more
Careers in Science Mixer
Annual keynote address on diversity in the sciences
Various community outreach events
* Historically underrepresented populations include citizens of African-American, Pacific Islander, Southeast Asian, Hispanic/Chicano/Latino, Alaskan Natives and American Indian decent.
University of Minnesota Graduate School Commitment to Diversity
The Graduate School embraces the University of Minnesota’s position that promoting and supporting diversity among the student body is central to the academic mission of the University. We define diversity to encompass many characteristics including economic disadvantage, special talents, evidence of leadership qualities, race or ethnicity, a strong work record, and disability. A diverse student body enriches graduate education by providing a multiplicity of views and perspectives that enhance research, teaching, and the development of new knowledge. A diverse mix of students promotes respect for, and opportunities to learn from, others with the broad range of backgrounds and experiences that constitute modern society. Higher education trains the next generation of leaders of academia and society in general, and such opportunities for leadership should be accessible to all members of society. The Graduate School and its constituent graduate programs are therefore committed to providing equal access to educational opportunities through recruitment, admission, and support programs that promote diversity, foster successful academic experiences, and cultivate the leaders of the next generation.
Departments and programs represented by our members:
Animal Science
Applied Plant Science
Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics
Bioproducts and Biosystem Engineering
Chemical Engineering & Materials Science
Chemistry
Dentistry
Ecology, Evolution, & Behavior
Environmental Health Sciences
Epidemiology
Family Medicine
Food Science & Nutrition
Integrated Biology and Physiology
Laboratory Medicine & Pathology
Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering
Medicinal Chemistry
Microbiology, Immunology and Cancer Biology
Molecular, Cellular, Developmental Biology and Genetics
Neuroscience
Neurosurgery
Occupational Medicine
Pediatrics
Pharmacology
Pharmaceutics
Plant Biology
Public Health
Radiology
Soil Science
Surgery
Toxicology
Veterinary Sciences