A committee convened by the Coalition to Diversify Computing (CDC) released a report entitled Recruitment and Retention of Underrepresented Minority Graduate Students in Computer Science (212 KB PDF). The report offers 25 practical suggestions for graduate departments to consider. These suggestions cover specific recruitment tactics, means to facilitate early success in graduate school, retention methods, and organizational issues such as best ways of providing financial support. The committee was co-chaired by Andrew Bernat (University of Texas at El Paso) and William Aspray (Computing Research Association). The study was sponsored by the National Science Foundation and PACI, with staff support from CRA.

This NSF-funded study was initiated to test the validity of an earlier report, “Recruitment and Retention of Women Graduate Students in Computer Science and Engineering” (Cuny and Aspray, 2001). It summarizes and expands on the results of a 2006 workshop and outlines research-based practices likely to promote gender balance in graduate computing programs.

This NSF-funded study was initiated because of CRA’s concern about the effect that faculty departing for industry might have on the ability of universities to carry out their research and teaching missions. It provides recommendations for recruiting and retaining faculty and outlines areas where additional research is needed. The results of five surveys that were conducted during the course of the study appear in the appendices.

Stemming from a series of NSF-funded workshops, this report offers innovative ideas on how to use the rich, empirical material of history to enhance student learning and appreciation for fundamental concepts in computer science and related disciplines. Reports by twenty authors are divided into five parts: 1) two introductory papers; 2) six essays on curricular issues and strategies; 3) twelve course syllabi; 4) five historical case studies; and 5) two essays on key resources in the history of computing. Copies ($15.00 each) can be requested by e-mailing info[@]cra.org/cra or by calling (202) 234-2111.

The report, written by Janice Cuny (U. of Oregon) and William Aspray (CRA), is the result of a workshop that was held in June, 2000. Workshop participants included long-time members of the CSE academic and research communities, social scientists engaged in relevant research, and directors of successful retention efforts. The report’s goal is to provide departments with practical advice on recruitment and retention in the form of a set of specific recommendations.

The Supply of Information Technology Workers in the United States, a study to improve the understanding of the supply of and demand for information technology (IT) workers in the United States, and the surrounding contextual issues. [Note: This is an archived report]

CRA Testimony on the underrepresentation of women and minorities in computing, given by Edward D. Lazowska, Chair, Board of Directors, Computing Research Association, and Chair, Department of Computer Science & Engineering, University of Washington before the Commission on the Advancement of Women and Minorities in Science, Engineering, and Technology Development (CAWMSET), October 6, 1999.