Funding for Speakers Contributing to
Diversity in Science and Engineering
July 10, 2006
UCR, like other educational institutions, is concerned about the lack of representation of racial and ethnic minorities in science, engineering, and mathematics. In most of these fields, neither graduate student nor faculty composition reflects the availability of qualified scholars in undergraduate institutions or the candidate pool, respectively. To help eliminate some of the barriers preventing full participation of minorities in science, engineering and mathematics, we will fund visits from speakers who contribute to diversity in these fields, as part of already existing departmental seminar series or colloquia. Such speakers may elect to give a workshop or lead a discussion on diversity issues in science and engineering in addition to their research presentation, or offer suggestions for successful programs at increasing diversity in the sciences that have worked at their own institutions. The funding may also be used to bring in potential candidates that could increase the ethnic diversity of our science, math and engineering faculty. Funds will cover domestic travel and accommodation expenses in accordance with UCR guidelines as well as a $500 honorarium.
To apply for funding, send a brief statement nominating a speaker and explaining why he or she is suitable, along with the potential speaker’s CV and a tentative date for the visit, to Marlene Zuk, Associate Vice Provost for Faculty Equity and Diversity, Vice Provosts’ Office, Surge Bldg. (vpequity@ucr.edu). Nominations should be received at least one month before the proposed visit, and funding will be awarded on a competitive basis. All departments in CNAS, the Division of Biomedical Sciences, and BCOE are eligible. Note that in accordance with the changes to APM Sections 210, 240 and 245, activities that increase diversity and equal opportunity on the campus are being considered in the merit and promotion files for faculty, Department Chairs, Deans and Associate Deans; bringing in speakers under this program is considered such an activity.