University of Washington UW Chemical Engineering

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

chemical engineering students

Community Code of Conduct

The UW Department of Chemical Engineering is dedicated to providing a safe and inclusive experience for all attendees. This means that the space will be free from harassment based on, but not limited to, gender, gender identity and expression, age, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, ethnicity, religion (or lack thereof), or technology choices.

Read the full code conduct here (pdf) >>

Increasing Access and Equity in ChemE Education

UW ChemE is committed to implementing evidence-based changes that make an engineering education accessible to all. While in our department, all faculty, staff, and students are provided with tools and training to grow in their cultural competency; this we believe is critical to our mission of engineering solutions for a better world. Further, we strive to lead the conversation and influence other departments and institutions to take effective, proactive measures.

These are a few of the actions ChemE is taking to improve diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI):

Facilitate Veteran’s Day and PRIDE Celebrations
Held annually since 2016
Organize Women’s Networking Session and DEI posters at PhD visit weekend
Held annually since 2015
Support WChE Industry Event
Held annually since 2016
Form LGBTQ+ student group
Pending return to normal operations
Create resources and support for student parents
In progress
Organize sexual harassment training for graduate students and faculty
Held annually since 2017
Facilitate SafeZone trainings
First hosted in 2018
Create equal bathroom representation in ChemE spaces
Implemented in 2019
Renovate Benson Hall lobby to be welcoming to all
In progress
Create onboarding materials for new faculty to engrain culture of DEI
First draft complete 2020
Host town halls on DEI and anti-racism work
First series summer 2020
Develop faculty hiring rubric and prioritize proposed contribution to diversity
Implemented in 2018
Review assessment rubrics and job postings in DEI Committee
Implemented in 2019
Remove GRE from admissions requirements
Implemented in 2019. (Access the slide deck used in ChemE faculty discussions around this decision here (ppt) and reach out to professor Elizabeth Nance with questions.)
Use rubric in evaluating graduate applicants
Implemented in 2019
Improve clarity and transparency in undergrad admissions essay
Revised for 2020

Continuous Improvement and Accountability

The department strives to communicate its goals, define metrics of success, and document progress in its DEI activities. Internally, we are increasingly incorporating status reports and avenues for feedback into regular department communications. Here, we will post our metrics and update the status of our DEI initiatives as they advance.

DEI Town Halls

  • ChemE hosted a Listening Town Hall on June 18, 2020
  • Action/Discussion Town Halls held on June 25, July 23, and August 27, 2020
  • We are currently developing quarterly town halls for the 2020-2021 academic year

Resources for Community Members

Although we hope all members of our community will have a positive experience in our department, we also want to highlight the resources available to you if you need help, and the many ways that you can report an issue so we can take action to address any racist or otherwise problematic behavior.

Report issues: Each individual on this list has had training in how to respond and elevate concerns around bias, harassment, and safety. Please share any issues you have observed through whichever channel feels most comfortable

Access resources

Report issues: Each individual on this list has had training in how to respond and elevate concerns around bias, harassment, and safety. Please share any issues you have observed through whichever channel feels most comfortable

Access resources

Report issues: Each individual on this list has had training in how to respond and elevate concerns around bias, harassment, and safety. Please share any issues you have observed through whichever channel feels most comfortable

Access resources

Report issues: Each individual on this list has had training in how to respond and elevate concerns around bias, harassment, and safety. Please share any issues you have observed through whichever channel feels most comfortable

Access resources

Report issues: Each individual on this list has had training in how to respond and elevate concerns around bias, harassment, and safety. Please share any issues you have observed through whichever channel feels most comfortable

Access resources

Diversity Committee

The following faculty, staff, and students currently serve on the Diversity Committee. Everyone can contribute ideas and feedback to the committee through this anonymous form >>

Faculty

james carothers

James Carothers

cole deforest

Cole DeForest

elizabeth nance

Elizabeth Nance

lilo pozzo

Lilo Pozzo

Staff

debbie carnes

Debbie Carnes, Administrator

dave drischell

Dave Drischell, Academic Services Director

nicole minkoff

Nicole Minkoff, Undergraduate Adviser

allison sherrill

Allison Sherrill, Graduate Student Adviser

Students

Graduate and undergraduate students may apply, starting September 1, to serve on the committee. Sincere thanks to outgoing student members Kyle Elliott, Jaime Rodriguez, Griffin Ruehl, and Gabriella Tosado!

More Information and Resources