Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

DEI Committee

Statements from Leadership

A Message to the Nuclear Community from NERS Chair Todd Allen
“The urgency to address embedded structural racism has become clear since the killing of George Floyd. As the current leader of the Nuclear Engineering & Radiological Sciences Department at The University of Michigan, I’m compelled to eradicate any hidden, embedded or departmental practices that enable or perpetuate racism. We must welcome and nurture Black scientists should the field of nuclear engineering be of interest to them. As an academic institution, we are the input valve for the human resources in our field. We need to lead.” Read the entire message here.

A Message to the NERS Community from NERS DEI Leads Profs. Carolyn Kuranz and John Foster
“We have watched in horror the recent events involving the killings of unarmed black and brown people by the police. The trial of Derek Chauvin in the murder of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor’s killing, and now the recent killing of Daunte Wright, highlight the scale of the problem. Whether intentional, or due to bad training, or simply wanton negligence, these sad and tragic events are unacceptable and we deplore them.” Read the entire message here.

Initiatives

NERS Small Grant Assistance Program
Contact: Carolyn Kuranz
NERS is committed to the well-being of our students, including those coming from underrepresented educational, cultural, geographic, economic backgrounds or other underrepresented identities. The department has recently received Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) grants from the College of Engineering to provide financial assistance for laptops and textbooks for our students. Applicants will be considered as long as funding is available. As long as the form is still active, funding is still available. Apply here.

Supporting a Diverse Student Population in NERS
Contact: Carolyn Kuranz
It is imperative that the department fosters an inclusive and supportive environment to allow minoritized groups to achieve their academic and professional goals. 

Gender Champions in Nuclear Policy (GCNP)
Contact: Todd Allen
NERS has joined the GCNP leadership network, which brings together heads of organizations working in nuclear policy who are committed to break down gender barriers and make gender equality a working reality in their spheres of influence.

Recruiting Trips to Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) and Women’s Colleges
Contact: Ryan McBride
Faculty from the NERS DEI Committee will travel to MSIs and women’s colleges to hold information sessions for students about the exciting research being done in the nuclear engineering and radiological sciences field today. All NERS faculty are invited and encouraged to make recruiting trips. 

Rackham Faculty Allies and Student Ally Diversity Initiative
Contact: Carolyn Kuranz
To strengthen DEI within the department, Kuranz has put together a series of events and activities. The planning of these events will be shaped by student input and any NERS student with ideas may contact Kuranz directly.

Rackham Recruiting Bootcamp Grant (ReBoot)
Contact: Igor Jovanovic
With support from Rackham, NERS hosts an annual recruiting bootcamp to which we welcome 20 talented undergraduates—most of whom are women or from underrepresented groups—to acquaint them our graduate program. While at NERS, the students are coached on how to apply to graduate school and motivated to do so.

Events

• Increasing Diversity and Inclusion in Academic Departments, September 10, 2021
• DEI Townhall, April 23, 2021
• Towards Intersectional Equity in Complex Sociotechnical Systems, February 5, 2021
• Intro to LGBTQ+ Identities & Inclusive Language, January 22, 2021
• Antiracist Action Workshop, November 13, 2020
• Professional Cultures and Inequality in STEM with Erin Cech, U-M Department of Sociology, September 4, 2020

Reporting

Within NERS
If you encounter behavior or misconduct that does not follow the College of Engineering values or University of Michigan policies, or you are unsure if you have experienced such behavior, there are resources and contacts available for you. Learn more.

Campus Climate Support
A group of professional staff members provide Campus Climate Support and focus on addressing concerns that may create harm to members of the University community based on their identity. Learn more.

Sexual and Gender-based Misconduct Reporting & Resources
The University of Michigan is committed to preventing sexual misconduct and offering support to those who have been harmed. Learn more.

Discrimination, Discriminatory Harassment, and Sexual Misconduct Reporting Form
The University of Michigan, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. Learn more.

Resources

Reading

• Opinion: Use science to stop sexual harassment in higher education
• A call for antiracist action and accountability in the US nuclear community 

Training

• DEI Basics Online Training: get an introductory look at the U-M DEI initiative and learn what is meant by “diversity, equity, and inclusion”
• Sexual Harassment and Misconduct Training Module 
• Anti-Racism Primer: get started in the fight for justice
• Rackham DEI Certificate: for graduate students and postdoctoral fellows prepares participants to work in a diverse environment while fostering a climate of inclusivity
• University Human Resources DEI Training and Education 

Resources for Everyone

• University of Michigan DEI
• College of Engineering DEI
• Center for Engineering Diversity & Outreach (CEDO) 
• English Language Institute: language, academic, and intercultural instruction for those who speak English as a second language
• Inclusive Spaces 
• International Center 
• Office of Institutional Equity: oversees, facilitates, and supports the University’s efforts to ensure equal opportunity for all persons
• Sexual Assault Prevention and Awareness Center (SAPAC) 
• Spectrum Center: works toward enhancing the campus climate and support services for LGBTQ+ students, staff, and faculty
• Trotter Multicultural Center: a campus facilitator, convener, and coordinator of intercultural engagement and inclusive leadership education initiatives

RESOURCES for Faculty and Staff

• Center for Research on Learning & Teaching: Inclusive Teaching Strategies 
• Committee on Strategies and Tactics for Recruiting to Improve Diversity and Excellence (STRIDE) 
• Faculty and Staff Counseling and Consultation Office (FASCCO) 
• National Center for Institutional Diversity
• National Center for Faculty Development and Diversity
• Staff Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Culture Committee 

College Resources for Students

• 1st Gen Engin program for first-generation students
• Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) provides a full-time counselor available for all currently enrolled students within the College
• Diversity-focused Student Organizations
• The Engineering C.A.R.E Center focuses on assisting engineering students in successfully transitioning through a variety of challenging circumstances
• Mentoring programs
• Women in Science and Engineering is designed to increase the number of girls and women pursuing degrees and careers in STEM

University Resources for Students

• CEW+ (Center for the Education of Women) provides immediate and ongoing services and the financial support needed to ensure educational success and degree completion
• Michigan Learning Communities are self-selected groups, often from diverse backgrounds, drawn together by shared goals and common intellectual interests
• Multi-Ethnic Student Affairs engages the campus community and transforms the student experience to build inclusive spaces and equitable opportunities for all
• The Office of the Ombuds provides a confidential space for talking about any campus issue, concern, problem, or dispute
• The Office of Student Conflict Resolution (OSCR) provides a variety of programs and services designed to support a safe, just, and peaceful community
• The Rackham Resolution Office provides a safe and confidential environment to discuss concerns
• Services for Students with Disabilities
• Student Caregivers

NEWS