Resources for Scientists of Color
There are overwhelming data that indicate scientists of color are underrepresented, under-supported, and underpaid1,2,3. The BMB department aims to be part of the solution to these challenges that face science as a field. The initiatives and resources below are part of our ongoing work to support the success of scientists of color at UMass Chan.
In general, many inclusive and supportive resources can be found on the Diversity and Inclusion Office (DIO) website, the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) website, or the Human Relations (HR) website. We have curated some relevant resources from these sources and others below:
The Diversity and Inclusion Office (DIO) offers the Tri-School Learners of Color Orientation (TSLOCO) annually for African American/Black, Latinx, Asian and Native American learners.
The DIO maintains an Inclusive Excellence Student Council to create a bridge between the DIO and students. The DIO meets with the Council monthly to “gain an understanding of students’ concerns and needs that need to be addressed.”
UMass Chan formed a formal partnership with the Hassanamisco band of the Nipmuc people, on whose land our campus is built.
The DIO supports the Tri-School Village Alliance to “empower learners from under-represented and marginalized groups by providing the space, knowledge, and support to achieve and maintain wellness while navigating the academic training process.” This Alliance includes regularly scheduled meeting sessions with defined learning objectives.
The DIO supports Mentoring Circles to “provide a diverse group of (Medical, GSBS, Nursing) learners and residents with connections and exposure to faculty in a team-based setting that allows for informal dialogue, mentoring, and learning across the circle.”
A member of the DIO co-chairs the Committee on Equal Opportunity and Diversity (CEOD) that reports to Chancellor Collins to “make recommendations for a diverse, equitable, inclusive and just organization.”
The DIO supports the Minority Academic Advancement Committee which helps recruit and retain faculty and staff with minoritized identities.
Most NIH grants allow for applications for diversity-related supplemental funding.
