A community of scholars and students from a variety of disciplines, backgrounds and experiences is essential for the development of knowledge and skills that produce lifelong learners and responsible citizens who can address the myriad challenges affecting human society and the environment. As a discipline, Earth and Environmental Sciences have historically lacked participation across many dimensions, and we are dedicated to broadening participation for all.

The Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences (EES) is actively committed to building a culture and community that broadens participation in the Earth and Environmental Sciences, where everyone belongs and everyone thrives. This will ensure that there is retention of talent and perspectives in our department, our discipline, and our future workforce.

To achieve this, we strive to promote a healthy and welcoming departmental culture. We commit to learn from each other and through continued education and communication on how to create a welcoming community for all. We continuously review our departmental procedures to identify obstacles that may affect prospective or current students and staff. We will proactively engage with a range of partners, within and beyond the university, to achieve these goals. We will foster community through the promotion of shared values. We want members of our department to feel secure and supported, so they can continue to contribute to the highest standards in education, research, and service.

The mission of our committee is to actively foster a culture within the department that enables and encourages broad participation by all groups in education and research related to Earth and Environmental Sciences. This is accomplished by taking concrete steps to (i) bring broadening participation to the forefront of discussions within the department, (ii) host events that welcome the participation of all, (iii) work within and beyond the university to advance these efforts, and (iv) develop strategies for the department to increase the range of voices contributing to its educational, research, and service outcomes.