DEIO Events
Ongoing Events
The DEIO Committee has launched a continuing series of monthly DEI Forums. These forums involve interactive, guided discussions based on articles, films, podcasts, or other media shared in the one to two weeks prior to each forum. DEI forums are open to all in our department community–including undergraduates, graduate students, postdocs, staff, and faculty.
Join us for an informal discussion with a visiting seminar speaker to discuss DEIO initiatives in our respective research groups and institutions, to learn from each other’s experiences, and to build an inclusive professional network. This ongoing event is open to the Department of Chemistry community (and affiliated departments), including undergraduates, graduate students, postdocs, faculty, and staff. Cookies, coffee, and tea will be provided. Learn more about some of our recent guests through the “Significant Figures” series:
- Steve Townsend (Vanderbilt University)
- James Walker (Dow)
Join us as we celebrate the rich cultural diversity in our department through food and stories. Sample a dish and learn about its personal and cultural significance for members of our department. This ongoing event will begin in the spring 2023 semester. If you are interested in participating, please contact Professor Rose Kennedy by email at c.r.kennedy@rochester.edu.
The College/Graduate Diversity Roundtable (C/GDR) is structured as a student-centered task force where campus climate and quality of life issues and/or concerns can be voiced, heard, and acted upon, especially those affecting racial, ethnic, and cultural groups on campus. The C/GDR is also a focal point for diversity discussions, initiatives and best practices. The College and Graduate Diversity Roundtables are parallel series centered on undergraduate and graduate student experiences. However, any participants (undergraduates, graduate students, faculty, staff, etc.) invested in either set of stakeholders are welcome to participate.
The C/GDR provides opportunities for all participants to engage in activities and conversations that address current affairs and contemporary challenges affecting individuals and groups of various intersecting identities and serves as a forum for discussion of the ways in which we can celebrate the diversity that enriches our campus community.
For more information about CDR, please contact Jessica Guzman-Rea.
For more information about GDR, please contact Liz Daniele.
Past Events
The Department of Chemistry Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Outreach (DEIO) Committee invites you to a general interest meeting Monday, September 12, 4–5 p.m. in Hutchison 473.
This meeting is for you if you care about…
- Fostering an inclusive and supportive department culture
- Promoting strong mentoring relationships
- Getting involved in science outreach
- Learning more about the department and people who make it a great place to do science.
All are welcome to attend, including undergraduate and graduate students, postdocs, faculty, and staff. Zoom simulcasting and accessibility accommodations available upon advance request.
At this meeting, we will…
- Provide an introduction to the format, recent progress, and future goals of the DEIO committee
- Solicit community input
- Recruit new members and reengage returning members
There is no obligation to participate in follow-up events (although we hope you will want to), so bring a friend, mentee, or lab-mate for an engaging discussion. After attending, if you want to get involved in regular DEIO subcommittee business, please complete the short online survey.
As the University of Rochester community works to understand and address how educational opportunity and access are shaped by race in the US, community members in the Department of Chemistry have recognized that there is insufficient diversity, equity, and inclusion within our department.
In December 2020 the DEIO Committee identified three initial areas in which our department can improve:
- Understanding and normalizing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the Department of Chemistry
- Communication
- Mentorship
In January 2021 members of the committee convened with members of the Department of Chemistry in open conversation to better understand deficiencies, ways to improve, and metrics to evaluate our success or failure. Sixty-five individuals participated in the two-day event was titled “Days of Action”.
Progress toward our initial goals will be evaluated in a fall 2022 Day-of-Action reboot. Details coming soon.
#URSTEMrecharge emerged after the 2020 call from the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) for academic scientific communities to #shutdownSTEM on June 10, 2020. Building on the spirit of this important national movement, Arts Sciences and Engineering (AS&E) at the University of Rochester held a day of deduction, self-examination, and self-reflection on Thursday, June 17, 2021. Over 70 participants from across the University came together to support continued discussion, planning, and action within and across individual departments.
Additional information on the Kearns Center diversity page.