One of the key priorities to emerge from the department’s 2021 DEI Days of Action was the need to sustain department-wide discussion of how multifaceted topics of diversity, equity, and inclusion relate to our department, the chemistry field, STEM disciplines, and society. Toward this goal, the DEI-O Committee is sustaining a continuing series of monthly DEI Forums. These forums will involve interactive, guided discussions based on articles, films, podcasts, or other media shared in the 1–2 weeks prior to each forum. These forums are open to all in our department community–including undergraduates, graduate students, postdocs, staff, and faculty.
In the spirit of Meliora, we hope that these forums will help to center DEI in our ongoing departmental conversations, growth, and pursuit of excellence. Please contact Rose at c.r.kennedy@rochester.edu. to volunteer to facilitate forums, to suggest future topics, and/or to provide any other feedback, questions, or comments.
The August 2021 forum will focus on the International Student Experience. This forum will consist of a panel discussion with opportunities for audience participation and questions. The forum will be held on Wednesday, August 18, 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM. We invite all members of the UR community to participate and welcome both international students and those seeking to better understand their experiences! Please register for an individual Zoom link at: https://rochester.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJYrf-qtpzMqGdMVo0xjiyBjb70w-PdibxYR
The July 2021 forum will focus on the LGBTQ+ in STEM experience. This forum will consist of a panel discussion with opportunities for audience participation and questions. The forum will be held on Monday, July 5, 4–5 PM. We invite all members of the UR LGBTQ community, allies, and aspiring allies to participate! Please register for an individual Zoom link at: https://rochester.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0vc-CgqzMtHdwldNt8Fzh5K5jcQGpqT6rp
