PIMS-UBC Computer Science Distinguished Lecture: Christine Alvarado

In 2005, Harvey Mudd College made three changes that drastically increased the number of women who chose to major in computer science: a new introductory CS course, trips to the Grace Hopper Celebration of Women in Computing, and research experiences for first-year students. The effect of these changes was amplified by the student-centric, close atmosphere of a small college like Harvey Mudd. However, the majority of higher education takes place in much larger settings: at large public universities and, increasingly, in massive open online courses (MOOCs). It is an open question how we can acheive similar changes in these much larger contexts, with a much more diverse student body.

In this talk, I will give an overview of the programs we implemented at Harvey Mudd College that helped lead to gender parity in the major. Then I will present recent programs and pedagogies that we have implemented both at UC San Diego and in a massive open online course to increase students' sense of community and belonging in computer science, particularly among women and men from racial, ethnic and/or socioeconomic groups underrepresented in computer science. Based on these experiences, I will reflect on the future of CS in higher education, on campus and beyond.