Our Goals
The Physics Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee is focused on furthering diversity and on creating a welcoming and inclusive climate where everyone can thrive and be academically successful. We are especially invested in increasing the population of underrepresented groups in physics and in actively promoting a cultural change within our department and the larger field of stem.
The committee includes representatives from undergraduate students, graduate students, staff, and all levels of faculty. Everyone in the department is welcome to provide input through email, via in person/zoom meetings, as well as through the anonymous inclusion feedback form. The committee presents at departmental gatherings and organizes informational and training events. Meetings between the committee and similar committees in other departments are aimed at establishing best practices and coordinating across departments.
Current Agenda
- Improve recruitment and retention strategies for underrepresented graduate and undergraduate students in physics
- Work with the department to include a track for physics majors with low or limited previous exposure to physics/calculus
- Learn about scholarship possibilities for underrepresented students in physics
- Conduct a department wide survey on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion to better understand the current state of the physics department
- Organize Hot Topic discussions centered on the work environment, intellectual atmosphere, and fighting workplace harassment and discrimination
- Support our international colleagues and create the best environment for all
- Work with the campus wide diversity committee to make sure STEM departments achieve a diverse student, faculty, and staff body in which everybody can thrive and develop to their full potential
- Support underrepresented groups in physics in all aspects of their academic pursuits
The DEI Committee is part of APS IDEA
The Department of Physics DEI Committee belongs to The American Physical Society Inclusion, Diversity & Equity Alliance (APS IDEA)
The WashU Physics Department DEI committee members are motivated and passionate about creating a diverse, inclusive and supportive environment. Shared leadership is a cultural change which is new to us, but we are committed to improving and training ourselves in this new practice. We are especially invested in developing an environment where all the committee members are co-leaders, where everybody feels appreciated, and where there is trust that all members are working toward the committee’s goals. We believe that belonging to a healthy learning and working environment is essential for progress.
