About

Project Overview

Funded through a National Science Foundation ADVANCE Institutional Transformation grant (NSF 1209115), with additional support provided by the university, the AdvanceRIT project is a long-term, multi-faceted project designed to increase the representation and enhance career advancement of women faculty at RIT in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines which include social and behavioral science (SBS). The project team examines the unique challenges experienced by women faculty of color and deaf and hard-of-hearing faculty, and adapts interventions to address the needs of these key sub-populations. Members of this large project team combine research with programming and policy/practice enhancements to drive long-term changes that will transform RIT’s culture, promote inclusion, and expand the representation of women on our faculty and among our campus leadership.

The AdvanceRIT project goal is to increase the representation, retention, and career advancement of women faculty in STEM and SBS fields with a focus on women faculty of color and deaf and hard-of hearing faculty. Project objectives in support of this goal include:

Structural

Refine and strengthen targeted institutional structures, and install practices promoting representation and advancement of women faculty.

Human Resources

Improve the quality of women faculty work life, professional development, and incentive/reward structures.

Political

Align institutional, administrative, and informal systems of power and resources to support and sustain progress by shaping the political frameworks that impact representation and advancement of women.

Symbolic

Enhance the working environment and support career development for women faculty using symbolic measures which emphasize issues of meaning within the organization.

We have created a comprehensive array of programs and initiatives to support our achievement of the project objectives and project goal. Activities are led by members of the grant’s leadership team and are divided into three broad categories including cultural change, career navigation, and research.

Announcement: AdvanceRIT Institutionalized!

On Wednesday, August 29, 2018, Senior Vice Provost, Chris Licata, announced the official institutionalization of the AdvanceRIT office and highlighted that Dr. Margaret Bailey will serve as the program’s interim director for the upcoming year. We are excited to start this new chapter and look forward to continuing our mission in support of women faculty at RIT. Read the full letter here.