Diversity and Inclusion

The School of Statistics embraces and supports diversity among its student body, faculty, and staff, in pursuit of building a fully inclusive academic community. We are committed to cultivating an environment that welcomes individuals from all cultures, religions, disabilities, ethnicities, genders, and economic and political backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota and School of Statistics strive to provide a nurturing environment for underrepresented students to explore and thrive in their areas of interest. 

Towards this end:

• We have joined the Math Alliance and implemented a mentoring program for Math Alliance Doctoral Scholars.  

• The GRE is not required for application to our PhD program.

• Application fee waivers are available. Contact statsGPC@umn.edu for the latest information for this upcoming application cycle.  

• We continue to be involved in running a week-long summer camp on machine learning, Run The World, for high school students, with an all-girls session and an all-genders session.  

Funding Resources

We have compiled a list of additional financial support options that are available to support students from underrepresented groups. We encourage you to explore all available internal and external funding sources below. We are happy to support students in applying for external funding sources.

• McNair Program

• President’s Emerging Scholars Program (PES)

• University-wide scholarships

• College-wide scholarships

• University of Minnesota scholarships requiring separate applications

• Other University-based scholarships

• External scholarships

University Resources

In making diversity a core value, the University of Minnesota recognizes that its campuses flourish only when all students, staff, faculty, and external supporters have a community in which they can grow and thrive. The University’s access and diversity goals, values, and practices are fully interconnected, and the Office for Equity and Diversity (OED) comprises offices that work together—and in collaboration with faculty, staff, students, and administrators—to educate and serve all members of the University community.

Furthermore, the College of Liberal Arts is committed to supporting diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice Work with programming that is designed to cultivate respect and a sense of belonging.

• Office for Equity and Diversity

• Graduate School Diversity Office

• Multicultural Center for Academic Excellence

• Gender and Sexuality Center for Queer and Trans Life

• Disability Resource Center

• International Student and Scholar Services

• Improving Campus Climate

• Community of Scholars Program

• The Martin Luther King, Jr. (MLK) Advising Program (for undergraduate students)

• UMN Racial Justice Resources

Organizations

There are many organizations whose mission is to provide the right environment for the growth of their members. The links below are for the local chapters when they exist and otherwise to the national organizations.

• American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES)

• National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE)

• Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE)

• Society for the Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS)

• Women in Machine Learning and Data Science 

• R-Ladies Meetup Group

• PyLadies Meetup Group

• NorthStar Alliance 

• Math Alliance

• Empowering Women in Science 

Twin Cities Information and Resources

Set in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, the University of Minnesota and its students can experience the exciting and diverse culture of two of America's premier cities. The Twin Cities are renowned for their quality of life, outdoor recreation spaces, diverse culture, and much more! Learn more about the Twin Cities and the University's place in them through the resources below.

University of Minnesota Twin Cities Location 

The thriving University of Minnesota Twin Cities campus stretches over 1,150 acres in Minneapolis and St. Paul. Nestled around the scenic Mississippi River, the Minneapolis campus sits under the shadow of a sparkling downtown skyline. 

At the U of M, you’ll find unlimited opportunities for entertainment, culture, and hands-on experience right outside your front door. Learn more about the Twin Cities campus.

Diverse Minnesota

This official guide to Minneapolis will give you all sorts of information about visiting or relocating to the Twin Cities. As noted on the website, "Minneapolis is home to a robust African American community, a strong Native American heritage, the largest Somali population in the US, the largest Hmong population outside Laos, the second-largest Vietnamese and Ethiopian populations, and one of the fastest-growing Latino/Hispanic populations. The city’s many distinctive neighborhoods offer rich places for visitors to discover... ethnic shopping, dining and entertainment possibilities."

Explore Minnesota also offers an overview of Minnesota’s history and heritage, including articles on the different communities that make our state great.

Twin Cities Multicultural Directory

The Twin Cities Multicultural Directory was developed by the University of Minnesota's Graduate School Diversity Office as a courtesy to inform University students, staff, and faculty about resources and services within the Twin Cities area. The directory can be viewed by major category or by the primary community served. The University of Minnesota does not endorse any of the resources or services listed in the directory that are external to the University. 

Twin Cities Relocation Guide

Minnesota Monthly and Twin Cities Living offers a relocation guide that gives an overview of the Twin Cities. Learn why we love living here, and research different areas of the Cities to see where you might make your new home. Download a digital version for free or order a print copy for a small fee.