Office of Diversity & Inclusive Community Development
About
We understand what it means to be the only one in the room. The only woman. The only person of color. The only one.
At the Manning College of Information and Computer Sciences (CICS), we believe that you belong in computing. We welcome and value all individuals—regardless of previous computer science experience, age, citizenship, disability, sex, gender identity, military experience, political views, race, religion, or sexual orientation—while maintaining an environment that celebrates, welcomes, and honors those differences.
We're committed to supporting all of our students through their journeys in computer and information sciences — especially students from identities and backgrounds that are still underrepresented in our field. Diverse perspectives on the challenges that our society faces animate our vision of computing for the common good. Your insight, talents, and skills are needed to protect and improve an ecosystem that relies on the combined efforts of the greatest technical minds, and we believe your place is here.
Initiatives
The Office of Diversity and Inclusive Community Development offers a number of programs and events that are designed to increase participation in computing and to foster a welcoming and inclusive environment.
CICS Community Discussions
The Office of Diversity and Inclusive Community Development offers a number of programs and events that are designed to increase participation in computing and to foster a welcoming and inclusive environment.
Student Organizations in Computer Science (SOCS)
CICS has many student-led organizations that enrich our college and provide opportunities to explore and learn. The annual SOCS celebration, typically held during the Spring semester, is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the leaders of these organizations in a festive environment.
Travel Funding for Conferences
CICS provides travel funding for students to attend various conferences related to diversity in computing. These conferences include the Grace Hopper Celebration of Women in Computing, the Richard Tapia Celebration of Diversity in Computing, WeCode, the CRA-W Grad Cohort Workshop, and the CRA Grad Cohort Workshop for Underrepresented Minorities and Persons with Disabilities.
Women in Engineering and Computing Career Day
We collaborate with the UMass Amherst College of Engineering to bring young women from high schools around Massachusetts to campus for a day. Participants hear keynote speakers, talk with industry professionals, and participate in workshops on engineering and computing topics.
Massenberg STEM Insitute
Events
We hold events and activities that are designed to build community and spark conversation about diversity, equity, inclusion, race, and bias.
Our Commitment
Our office is committed to maintaining an environment that celebrates, welcomes, and honors differences; supports inclusivity, respect, and equity in all aspects of CICS and our community at large; and educates and fosters student leadership within our community.
Hack(H)er413
“We need the people who create computing systems and use them to reflect the population at large so that it serves all of our needs,” says CICS Dean Laura Haas.
In the spotlight
"If you bring a team together that reflects all different backgrounds, cultures, and ethnicities, it is a powerful force."
