Office of Graduate Educational Equity Programs (OGEEP)
The Office of Graduate Educational Equity Programs (OGEEP) is the student-facing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging unit within the Graduate School at Penn State. OGEEP leads the Graduate School’s efforts to foster diversity both academically, socially, and occupationally across the broader graduate community. Beyond diversity, the office works to connect underrepresented undergraduate and graduate students to vital programs, resources, and opportunities.
Programs
OGEEP is committed to fostering diversity within the Graduate School through various resources designed to support underrepresented groups, including mentoring, recruitment, networking, and professional development opportunities.
Learn about Programs and Initiatives
Ronald E. McNair Scholars Program
The Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program supports academically talented undergraduates from traditionally underserved backgrounds in preparing for doctoral studies through research involvement, mentoring, and academic support.
Learn about McNair Scholars
Summer Research Opportunities Program (SROP)
Each summer, the Office of Graduate Educational Equity Programs works in partnership with the Big Ten Academic Alliance (BTAA) to host twenty-five to forty undergraduate students for an eight-week intensive research program culminating in a research paper and conference-style presentation.
Learn about SROP
Resources and Partners
Dedicated Penn State resources aim to support equity and inclusivity among graduate students, with links to selected initiatives and offices dedicated to educational equity.
View Resources and PartnersOGEEP Team
The Office of Graduate Educational Equity Programs is headed by Dr. Stephanie Danette Preston, who works with other administrators across campus and serves on the Council of College Multicultural Leaders. In addition, she is a member of the Northeast Alliance for Graduate Education and the Professoriate. This alliance is funded by the National Science Foundation and is responsible for designing recruitment programs to attract more underrepresented students into math, science and engineering programs.
The members of the staff in the Office of Graduate Educational Equity Programs also serve as liaisons between students and many other offices and organizations. Among these are the Black Graduate Student Association, the Boricua Grads, the Africana Research Center, the American Indian Leadership Program, and the Big Ten Academic Alliance.
Dr. Stephanie Preston
- Associate Dean
- Graduate Educational Equity and Chief Diversity Officer for Graduate Education
Lesley Jackson
- Associate Director of Graduate Student Career and Professional Development
“OGEEP has been a home away from home for me. This organization truly cares about the success of students and tailors various workshops and events to meet the needs of students. I’ve been able to form professional networks and friendships and attended conferences because of OGEEP’s commitment to my personal and professional growth.”