Broadening Participation in ECE
A primary goal of the ECE department's recently adopted strategic plan is to recruit and retain diverse groups of students, faculty, and staff and promote a sense of community. To that end, we have created this page to highlight our ongoing efforts and also to share relevant resources for those wanting to get more involved.
“We in the Illinois ECE community are committed to understanding, empathizing with, and respecting each other, embracing the many differences among us.”
ECE Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement
How to 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.
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 at the bottom of the page).
Additionally, the Office of the Dean of Students maintains a list of resources available on-campus, in addition to those offered by the Champaign-Urbana community.
Student Funding Request
Illinois ECE provides funding to students to support professional development opportunities, build community in the ECE Department, and encourage outreach in the Champaign-Urbana community.
For example, the Department has supported participation in the NSBE National Convention (March), the SHPE National Convention (November), the Grace Hopper Convention (September), and SWE (October).
Our BPC Plan
In order to support meaningful actions that address the longstanding underrepresentation of various populations including women, African Americans/Blacks, Hispanic Americans, American Indians, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, Native Pacific Islanders, and persons from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, and persons with disabilities in the computing field, The NSF Directorate for Computer and Information Science and Engineering (CISE) launched a BPC pilot effort to encourage thoughtful engagement of and meaningful action by the community on this longstanding issue.
Our Departmental BPC plan, verified by the CISE-funded BPCnet Resource portal, outlines our goals, activities, and metrics for evaluating our department's BPC activities.
Use of Inclusive Language
The Illinois ECE department supports the use of inclusive language in all of its materials. We encourage faculty, students, and staff to review the following resources and incorporate best practices when publishing course materials and other official documentation.
- Bringing Inclusive Language into IT - "Inclusivity is a never-ending goal, changing language is an ongoing process, and some changes are more difficult than others. The process begins with asking the question: How can we do or be better?"
- Inclusive IT Language Guide - The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign does not yet have an official guide to inclusive language, but this document from the University of California, Irvine is an excellent starting point.
Registered Student Organizations (RSOs)
There are several RSOs affiliated with the department and The Grainger College of Engineering whose missions include broadening participation in engineering.
- Women in Electrical and Computer Engineering (WECE) - WECE is devoted to supporting and encouraging women in engineering. WECE provides opportunities to meet prominent women in engineering, professional information and support, and awareness of the issues relevant to women in electrical and computer engineering.
- ECE Student Advancement Committee (ECESAC) - ECESAC members serve as liaisons between ECE administration and students. Members give input on a variety of projects and topics concerning the department, and they host various activities and socials for ECE students throughout the school year.
- National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) - To increase the number of culturally responsible Black engineers who excel academically, succeed professionally, and positively impact the community.
- Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) - SHPE changes lives by empowering the Hispanic community to realize their fullest potential and impacts the world through STEM awareness, access, support and development. SHPE's vision is a world where Hispanics are highly valued and influential as the leading innovators, scientists, mathematicians and engineers.
- Society of Women Engineers (SWE) - SWE is a technical, professional, social, and outreach organization, and 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.
Sustained Engagement & Programming
The chart below represents the various programs currently in place across Grainger Engineering to address diversity, equity, and inclusion. These activities target a broad range of age groups, from kindergarten through working professionals. You can also download a PDF version, which includes links to each of the programs mentioned.
Scholarships, Fellowships & Awards
Illinois ECE offers a significant number of scholarships for undergraduate students and fellowships for graduate students with the specific intent of increasing our student body's diversity, equity, and inclusiveness.
Academic, Research, and Entrepreneurship Programs
Student Groups
Cultural and Resource Centers
Our campus cultural and resource centers provide students with programming and support for students of diverse backgrounds.
Administrative Offices and Programs
The Morrill Engineering Program (MEP) empowers African American, Hispanic, and Native American engineering students, supports their success as scholars, and leverages a community of students, staff, and alumni to achieve excellence in Grainger Engineering.
The Institute for Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access will serve as a focal point for expanding the visibility and impact of diversity efforts in The Grainger College of Engineering.
Women in Engineering is a college-wide program dedicated to providing a welcoming and supportive environment for students in The Grainger College of Engineering.
The Grainger College of Engineering Diversity Committee
The Grainger College of Engineering Diversity Committee is made up of faculty, students, and academic professionals. They advise the dean and college and departmental leadership on programs for recruiting underrepresented students, hiring practices, strategic planning, and ways of fostering a more inclusive climate within the college.
IDEA Institute Resources
The Institute for Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access will serve as a focal point for expanding the visibility and impact of diversity efforts in The Grainger College of Engineering. The IDEA institute offers anti-racism resources including webinars, blogs, reading materials, action items, talks, and more.
Advising Office
ECE Office of Student Affairs
2120 ECE Building
Hours: Weekdays 8am-12pm, 1-5pm
PH: (217) 333-0716
FAX: (217) 333-8582