Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
University of Utah Department of Mechanical Engineering EDI Statement
The greatest accomplishments made by mechanical engineers occur through team and community efforts. As a department, we value the contributions and perspectives that underrepresented and marginalized populations including, women, LGBTQ+ people, ethnic and racial minorities, persons with disabilities, those experiencing homelessness, and veterans, can bring to solving today’s social and technical challenges.
Those that are underrepresented in engineering have historically faced challenges and discrimination. The Mechanical Engineering Department at the University of Utah is not only committed to recruiting, welcoming, and supporting a diverse community of undergraduates, graduate students, postdocs, scientists, staff, and faculty but to addressing and working to correct any barriers in our own department and community. Our department continuously aspires to attract problem solvers from all groups, cultures, and identities while maintaining a deeply collaborative and highly collegial environment where all members of our community have the same opportunities to achieve excellence. Efforts to support our Mechanical Engineering community occur at the department level and through partnerships with College and University level organizations (see resources below).
Engineers play a critical role in building a better future. Our curriculum continuously evolves to prepare students to solve existing engineering and social challenges while preparing students to overcome tomorrow’s obstacles. We recognize that these challenges and obstacles will require the development of systems that account for economic, environmental, and social interconnections and exemplify principles of equity, inclusion, and diversity. Our curriculum is routinely updated to incorporate cutting-edge advances in engineering and to reflect EDI principles.
Within our community, we will continuously work to address and eliminate all instances of bias, racism, sexism, or exclusion in any form. All members of our community are expected to observe the code of ethics defined by ABET and the Order of the Engineer, to practice the diversity and inclusion principles of ASME, and to embody the core values of the U of U. Our department and community are committed to holding ourselves accountable, recognizing our imperfections, listening for understanding, and being patient when teaching others. By doing so, we can make continuous improvements and be the most inclusive department possible.
If you experience bias, witness a bias event, or know of anyone facing these issues, please help the department be accountable. Report events to trusted faculty or staff (e.g., academic advisors), contact the department chair, EDI committee, or utilize U of U resources such as Safe Campus or the online incident reporting form.
Resources
The Dept. EDI committee is focused on identifying areas for improvement and developing solutions that support our undergraduates, graduate students, postdocs, scientists, staff and faculty. You are welcome to email the committee, attend our regularly scheduled monthly-meetings, or reach out to one of our committee members if you have concerns, suggestions or questions.
Faculty Representatives: Brittany Coats, Pedro Huebner (Committee Chair), Pania Newell, Samira Shiri
Staff Representatives: Ben Dahn, Benjamin Petrie
American Indian Society of Engineers and Scientists (AISES)
The mission of AISES is “focused on substantially increasing the representation of American Indians, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders, First Nations and other indigenous people of North American in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) studies and careers.” Taken from http://www.aises.org/about
Engineers Without Borders
Engineers Without Borders is a group of individuals devoted to making the world a better place, one disadvantaged community at a time. We take on international and local projects to solve real world issues people face. We solve them through clever engineering, social and environmental understanding, and on occasion, through education.
National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE)
NSBE’s mission is “to increase the number of culturally responsible Black Engineers who excel academically, succeed professionally and positively impact the community.”
oSTEM
oSTEM (out in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) at the University of Utah is committed to helping LGBT students in the STEM fields. This community provides academic and social support for LGBT students in scientifically rigorous fields and creates a feeling of inclusion and safety. We help to form friendships between academically like-minded students and create connections throughout both the LGBT and the STEM communities. We want to encourage students to become more involved in their community through service and education.
Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE)
SHPE is the leading social-technical organization whose primary function is to enhance and achieve the potential of Hispanics in engineering, math and science. The U of U SHPE chapter exists to increase the numbers and retention of Hispanic engineering student at the U. The society is committed to improving the overall culture of engineering at the U through diversity. Members participate in work readiness seminars and professional dinners, outreach to Hispanic students in the local community and attend regional and national conferences for Hispanic engineers and engineering students.
Society of Women Engineers (SWE)
The Society of Women Engineers (SWE), founded in 1950, is a not-for-profit educational and service organization. SWE is the driving force that establishes engineering as a highly desirable career aspiration for women. SWE empowers women to succeed and advance in those aspirations and be recognized for their life-changing contributions and achievements as engineers and leaders.
* Complete List of Student Organizations: https://www.coe.utah.edu/students/current/student-organizations-directory/
John and Marcia Price College of Engineering Diversity Programs
Goals of the CoE diversity programs are to:
- Attract a diverse population of K-12 students to engineering majors using outreach programs that excite students to the possibilities in engineering.
- Better prepare under-represented student populations and their families for college success.
- Enable the success of matriculated CoE students through academic programs and resources.
- Create an inclusive environment in the College for all future engineers.
University of Utah Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Office
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion is deeply committed to enhancing the success of diverse faculty, students, and staff, as part of our broader goal to enrich the educational experiences and success of all members of our university community. Additional details of the following centers can be found at: https://diversity.utah.edu/centers/.
American Indian Resource Center
Black Cultural Center
Center for Ethnic Student Affairs
Dream Center
LGBT Resource Center
Office for Inclusive Excellence
Health Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
New Leadership Academy
Center for Student Wellness
801-581-7776 (8am-5pm)
We strive to cultivate a holistically well and safe campus community. We believe that wellness is the foundation of success and that equitable access to inclusive wellness services, education and support will create a more resilient, thriving University of Utah.
Office of Equal Opportunity
801-581-8365 (9am-5pm)
The Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action (OEO/AA) is dedicated to providing a fair and equitable environment for all to pursue their academic and professional endeavors and to equally access University programs.