Graduates for Underrepresented Minorities (GUM)

Graduates for Underrepresented Minorities (GUM) is a student organization at The University of Texas at Austin dedicated to supporting the holistic well-being of graduate students who identify as underrepresented within their discipline, academia, or broader society. Founded in 2018 by Gabriel Rodríguez Rivera, in collaboration with the Equal Opportunity in Engineering (EOE) Office, GUM began within the Cockrell School of Engineering as a community for underrepresented engineering graduate students navigating the challenges of advanced study and academic life. Over time, the strength of that community has resonated beyond engineering, bringing together graduate students and postdoctoral scholars from across the university who are seeking connection, mentorship, and support. While our roots remain firmly grounded in engineering, GUM’s impact now reaches across disciplines as we work to foster belonging and empower underrepresented scholars to thrive. Our guiding principle is simple: we stick together to grow as scholars and leaders.

Through professional development events, social gatherings, co-working sessions, mentorship opportunities, and community outreach, GUM creates spaces where graduate students can connect beyond their departments and build the supportive networks that are often essential for success in academia. For three consecutive years, GUM has been recognized as Best Social Organization at UT Austin, a reflection of the vibrant and supportive community our members have built together. From hosting Grad School Declassified, where experienced students share candid advice about navigating graduate life, to forming our first intramural basketball team—the GUMballers—to volunteering in STEM outreach events for K–12 students across Austin, our members are committed to building community while uplifting the next generation of scholars.

Looking ahead, GUM hopes to deepen this impact by expanding our programming and establishing a member support and scholarship initiative to assist graduate students who may face unexpected financial barriers while pursuing their degrees. Graduate school can often feel isolating, defined by long hours and intense demands. GUM exists to remind students that they do not have to navigate this journey alone. Through spaces for connection, reflection, and support, including our annual retreat for open conversations about the minority experience in academia and the provision of tools for support, we strive to create something every graduate student deserves: a community where they belong, grow, and succeed together.