Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
In the Laboratory of Tree-Ring Research we advocate that diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) are essential to achieving excellence in both research and education. Addressing and overcoming sources of structural / institutional inequity requires continual dedication, attention, and is an ongoing process. We do not accept discrimination, harassment and bullying, and we strive to uphold a working and learning environment where everyone is safe, and is equitably supported to perform at their fullest potential. We recognize that we cannot build a fully diverse, equitable and inclusive working and learning environment without participation by people of all backgrounds and identities; thus, we welcome and encourage you to be an active part of our department.
On-going and planned DEI Actions
- Following related University policies, procedures, and guidelines – and creating our own if we determine gaps or opportunities exist – in accordance with our commitment to furthering DEI and supporting the professional advancement of current and future LTRR members in an unbiased, transparent, and equitable manner.
- Evaluating and targeting outreach and instructional offering with renewed focus on communities that are underrepresented in STEM fields.
- Undertaking regular training in a range of areas such as cultural competency, bystander intervention, allyship, and safety training.
- Dedicating time, energy, and goodwill to widely and inclusively discuss and address DEI challenges and opportunities within our department.
- Conducting searches for open positions using best practices including proactively seeking a large, diverse and highly qualified applicant pool, and mitigating impacts of implicit biases in the evaluation of candidates.
- Creating a supervisor-supervisee agreement to support healthy and effective work between graduate students and their supervisors. (linked here)
- Developing exhibits to be inclusively and hopefully impactfully experienced by an ever-growing percentage of the population.
- Committing to review our standing, and hopeful progress, in our DEI goals and actions.
Please share your suggestions, concerns, ideas and questions.
The LTRR and its members welcome all feedback – including concerns and suggestions – related to our goals of continually fostering an inclusive, equitable and diverse working and learning environment. For example, the LTRR Director, a faculty member or a supervisor can all be approached. In case you have concerns that are related to potential harassment or discrimination, or if a higher degree of anonymity and confidentiality is preferred, the University of Arizona’s Office of Institutional Equity should be contacted.
Land acknowledgement
We respectfully acknowledge the University of Arizona is on the land and territories of Indigenous peoples. Today, Arizona is home to 22 federally recognized tribes, with Tucson being home to the O’odham and the Yaqui. Committed to diversity and inclusion, the University strives to build sustainable relationships with sovereign Native Nations and Indigenous communities through education offerings, partnerships, and community service.
We respectfully acknowledge that some techniques of Tree-Ring Research were developed using wood samples from the forests, homes and ancestral sites of Indigenous peoples.