Recruiting and Retaining Women Faculty in Science and Engineering

The purpose of this project was to assess the perceived efficacy of university-based activities designed to improve the recruitment and retention of women in academic science and engineering (S&E). Numerous approaches to recruitment and retention have been described and implemented but little change occurs. An evaluation of suggested activities by 35 S&E women faculty was conducted using quantitative and qualitative methods. Eight of 25 activities were strongly recommended by participants as effective strategies related to recruitment and retention. Mentoring, as frequently operationalized, was not found to be effective. Several recommendations are offered to improve the system of mentoring