Embrace Diversity and Inclusion in Academic Makerspaces with a Network of Tutors (Work in Progress)

Abstract The Innovation center of the Faculty of Engineering at University hosts an academic makerspace aimed at fostering interdisciplinary hands-on learning among undergraduate students. Its user population has grown from 931 to over 2,800 students within two years after its launch. Such growth brings more diversity to the workspace in terms of study focuses, study years, skill levels, and cultural backgrounds. It also induces challenges to the accessibility and inclusion of the makerspace. The effectiveness of the makerspace depends on its commitment to embrace diversity and inclusion to create an open and welcoming environment that stimulates innovative ideas. This practice paper documents the challenges and opportunities we have encountered due to the inadequacy of diversity and inclusion in the Innovation center since its launch and its progress after two years of operation with the help of supportive tutors. We also present the formation of such a tutor network, which itself is designed to be also diverse in terms of academic background, gender and culture. An evaluation of the impact of this approach on makerspace diversity, inclusion, and equity is presented through a thorough analysis of statistics and reflections from the tutors involved in the initiative.