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Climate and Diversity

What Is ...

What is Diversity?

The Eberly College of Science recognizes diversity as a broad and multifaceted issue.  We strongly support the University’s nondiscrimination policy and seek to provide an environment of mutual respect among individuals of all background and those holding differing perspectives and ideas.

 

What is Climate?

Climate is the word we use to describe the atmosphere in the college.  How does it feel to be a member of our college?  We strive to have a climate supportive of and welcoming for everyone, including those of different cultures, racial and ethnic backgrounds, sexual orientation, or religious beliefs; those with physical disabilities; nontraditional learners and to create an environment in which each member can achieve their fullest potential.

 

What is the Climate and Diversity Committee?

In October of 1999, Dean Larson formed a committee charged with the task of assessing the climate within the Eberly College of Science as a place to work and study. The information gathered since then has been used to further the college’s vision of providing a supportive and welcoming environment in which all of its diverse members can carry out their individual missions of research, service, teaching and learning.

The committee is charged by the dean to assess and improve the climate of the Eberly College of Science as a place to work and study. Committee members represent every area of the college and consist of faculty, staff, and student members.  In addition to the college committee, each department has a committee to address issues at the departmental level.

 

What does the Climate and Diversity Committee do?



The Climate and Diversity Committee chooses issues to address each year, and makes recommendations to the Dean about policy changes or actions the College might take to improve climate. Past recommendations have included implementing the Ombuds program, graduate student mentoring guidelines, digital displays, post-doc IDPs etc.

Most specific actions and recommendations come from Subcommittees that meet outside the full Committee. Anyone in the college may join a Subcommittee of interest. Subcommittees focus on:

Staff issues

Graduate students

Communication

Post-docs and non-tenure track faculty

Awards

To join a Subcommittee contact Bridget Deromedi (bmd139@psu.edu) who is the staff support person for the C and D committee and can point you to the Subcommittee chairs.