In line with the University of British Columbia’s policy, the Department of Microbiology and Immunology is dedicated to promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) by:
- Creating a welcoming, respectful, and supportive environment in all areas of our academic mission of research and teaching by promoting a campus life where respect, civility, culture, diversity and inclusion are valued
- Giving equal opportunity and voice to all members of our community no matter their race, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, class, or religion
- Welcoming diverse perspectives and acknowledging that diversity is essential to drive our research and learning
How we practice EDI:
- Expand access to research experience to groups that are underrepresented in STEM
- Host events aimed at demystifying college and graduate school, microbiology and immunology research, and science career paths for students encompassing a range of underrepresented identities
- Maintain a Canvas course that outlines undergraduate research opportunities in the department and provides professional development resources on how to contact potential advisors, write a resume, etc.
- Amplify diverse voices in all departmental operations, including hiring, networking events, and seminar speakers
- Consider diversity and inclusiveness in our recruiting process to support a diverse leadership, teaching, learning, and research community
- Prioritize representation of diverse voices and life experiences in events such as our seminar series, career panels, and workshops
- Develop inclusive teaching practices that cater to students of all backgrounds and learning styles
- Work with the Centre for Accessibility and other campus resources to identify barriers for members of the department with disabilities and ongoing medical conditions and make appropriate accommodations in the classroom and the lab
- Host training sessions that focus on making higher education in science more accessible to neurodivergent individuals
- Address systemic barriers to academic success and socioeconomic barriers to graduate and postdoctoral training
- Provide equal opportunity to access mentorship, scholarships, speaking opportunities, and other career-elevating opportunities to ensure all trainees reach their full potential
- Provide competitive stipends for graduate students and living-wage stipends for postdoctoral fellows
Other initiatives:
- Maintain an active EDI Committee to promote equity, diversity and inclusion in all department activities, including teaching, research, and recruitment
- Recognize that UBC and the department are located on unceded xʷməθkʷəy̓əm Musqueam Territory, include land acknowledgements in seminars, symposia, and other events we host, and participate in meaningful learning about the lands we work and live on
- Equip department members with EDI resources related to accessibility and accommodation, advocacy, anti-racism support, bullying, harassment, and discrimination support, family and lactation spaces, Indigenous community support, food insecurity, gender diversity and safety, mental health support, and religious expression
- Host a “Let’s Talk EDI” event series to provide education and resources on a specific EDI topic and offer an inclusive space for all department trainees to share their experiences and ideas
- Provide mentorship for Indigenous students, including designated advising and academic support
- Provide a First-Generation University Student Mentorship Program to support the career and personal development goals of undergraduate and graduate students who are the first in their family to attend university
- Collaborate with EDI committees throughout the Life Sciences Institute to host joint EDI seminars highlighting topics at the intersection of science and society