Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

The Department of Physics at the University at Buffalo is committed to providing a fair, just, safe, supportive, and equitable place for all to learn about physics and perform ground-breaking research. This is regardless of race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, age, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability status, veteran status, socioeconomic status, or economic status. We explicitly reject racism, sexism, misogyny, and discrimination in all forms.

We strongly believe that groups composed of people with diverse experiences and areas of expertise are more creative and innovative. A diverse learning community benefits everyone, and physics is no different from any other academic discipline. However, we acknowledge that the University at Buffalo Physics Department has low numbers of participants from underrepresented groups (including underrepresented minorities like Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color -- BIPOC, and underrepresented genders), similarly to many other physics departments in the US. We are therefore committed to improving the participation of underrepresented groups in our department via recruitment efforts; training into best hiring, mentorship, and pedagogical practices for all members of the department; and by providing support for members of the department who identify as part of these groups via mentorship. We are also committed to participating in US-wide efforts by the American Physical Society and other organizations to improve our department’s representation.

There are College- and University-wide resources available to support this goal:

●  UB Student Life’s Intercultural and Diversity Center

●  UB College of Arts and Science’s Center for Diversity Innovation

●  UB’s Office of Inclusive Excellence

●  UB’s Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

 

Additional Resources

  • The Physics Department is committed to rapid responses and resolutions of grievances. The procedure for an aggrieved person to file a complaint is linked here.
  • Students facing economic hardships may apply for emergency funds here.
  • There are specific fellowships available to graduate students from various backgrounds in our department. Please see here for opportunities.