Department of Chemistry Climate and Diversity Update

The Climate and Diversity Committee is a group made up of students, postdoctoral researchers, faculty, and staff who work together to pursue projects to improve climate and inclusivity within the department.  Much of our work involves coordination between student, department, and college committees to make small changes that have a large impact on improving transparency and student engagement within the department.  For example, students who help with interviews for potential junior faculty are now asked for their feedback, and students are encouraged to return to their alma maters to help recruit new graduate students.  The students on the climate and diversity committee also organized a card drive for staff through the graduate student association.

Larger initiatives have included the creation of graduate student advocates, two senior students with whom other students can discuss challenges.  These advocates help students find further help and report student concerns to two faculty members, the graduate program chair and the associate head for climate and diversity.  The president of the graduate student association and one of the graduate student advocates have started attending the first 10-15 minutes of some faculty meetings to present on graduate student initiatives and concerns.  We also hosted two get-togethers to build community.  In the spring, we held a potluck in which attendees were encouraged to bring a dish they enjoyed from childhood.  This summer, we have had hallway get-togethers to bring all who see each other on a daily basis together.  In addition, we have held three workshops for students and postdocs interested in applying for academic jobs; and the graduate student association has held workshops for students interested in industry jobs.

We are excited for the start of another academic year to continue to work together to build community.  Some upcoming events include a department-wide townhall meeting, workshops on mental health, and a workshop on applying for postdoc fellowships.