GSO Commitment
The University of Rhode Island’s Graduate School of Oceanography is committed to fostering an environment that values fairness, opportunity, and respect for all individuals. GSO does not discriminate in the recruitment and enrollment of students and postdocs, or the recruitment and hiring of faculty and staff, or the use of volunteers for programs, education, training, employment or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity or disability. We recognize the importance of addressing disparities that can impact access to education, professional development, and overall success for all in the Narragansett Bay Campus community. To that end, we are dedicated to integrating principles of fairness, inclusion, and opportunity into all aspects of our work, including hiring, training, teaching, recruitment, retention, promotions, partnerships, and community engagement.
Our goal is to create and maintain a collaborative, welcoming environment that reflects the diverse perspectives and experiences of our community, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to thrive and contribute meaningfully to the advancement of science and society.
The Community Building and Inclusion committee, in collaboration with the Assistant Dean, is committed to fostering principles and practices that promote an inclusive and supportive environment for all. Through these efforts, we aim to cultivate a vibrant and welcoming social and cultural climate built on mutual respect, understanding, and safety, while valuing the range of beliefs, ideas, perspectives, identities, and cultures within our community.
We understand the diverse challenges faced by our students, faculty, and staff and recognize the importance of providing equitable opportunities, services, and resources to support their success. Our dedication to advancing community engagement, and inclusive initiatives and practices will include the following:
- Address behaviors that may impact inclusivity and respect on campus, while fostering a supportive environment that prioritizes the emotional well-being of the campus community.
- Review and enhance the curriculum to include a broad range of perspectives and histories relevant to the geosciences, ensuring equitable and engaging learning experiences for all students.
- Encourage and support collaborations, partnerships, and research initiatives that reflect a broad range of perspectives and contribute to the advancement of the field.
- Reassess recruitment and marketing strategies, including the language used in public communications, to ensure they resonate with and attract a broad and talented pool of students, faculty, and staff.
- Develop academic student and professional training programs tailored to meet the varied educational and social needs of a diverse student population.
- Support the unique challenges faced by underrepresented and underserved groups, including individuals from diverse cultural, social, and ability backgrounds.
We aim to develop partnerships with schools, training institutions, and adult education organizations across Rhode Island to help bridge the academic and skills gap in STEAM-focused careers for underrepresented and underserved communities. Programs will be designed to strengthen students’ abilities in science and math while fostering interest and engagement in STEAM careers.
Through workforce development and competitiveness initiatives, participants will have pathways to pursue STEAM degree programs at URI. Additionally, GSO plans to explore future workforce development programs in “blue” fields, including marine technology, small boat maintenance, repairs, sailing, and navigation to support the state’s growing marine-related industries.
We aim to enhance our hiring practices, policies, and procedures with a focus on faculty and staff recruitment, retention, and professional development. Our goal is to foster a welcoming and supportive environment where all faculty and staff feel valued and empowered to succeed.
We are committed to building a community that reflects a broad spectrum of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences, ensuring fair and equitable representation. By embracing the diversity within our institution, we strive to create policies and practices that support collaboration and the achievement of shared goals.