The School of Information and the Applied Data Science Department recognize how critical it is to foster discussion and solicit input about advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion to educate the next generation of information professionals. Without an inclusive and culturally aware environment, our academic units cannot enhance the student experience or understand the value of their presence at San José State University.

In 2022-2023, under the direction of Dr. Michele A.L. Villagran, “Your Voices: Learning, Listening, and Sharing” aimed to capture students’ voices in a space that allowed conversations among underrepresented students to occur. The “Your Voices” project consisted of three elements: EDI-focused webinars, community learning spacesessions, and quarterly e-newsletters. 

The “Your Voices” Best Practices guide was a direct result of that project. This guide serves as the foundation for the next iteration of this project, ”Students: Amplifying Your Voices.” 

For the 2024-2025 academic year, “Students: Amplifying Your Voices” seeks to create more student-dedicated spaces to build communities for underrepresented and intersectional identities to form connections, support peer and professional development, and share resources that meet student needs and support. The “Students: Amplifying Your Voices” project includes:

• Podcast Series: To share conversations with students of diverse backgrounds to share their experiences at the iSchool and Applied Data Science concerning their identities and their work to support their community.
• Discord Server: To create and maintain a safe space for students of all backgrounds and identities to build community and connections.
• Community Learning Spaces: To facilitate interactions where students can freely exchange ideas or experiences with each other.

Join the Conversation

All iSchool and Applied Data Science students are welcomed and encouraged to get involved with the SAYV community. Questions? Send us an email.