Quick Links
Diversity
The Purdue University Chemistry Department is committed to the preparation of its students, staff and faculty to succeed in a workforce and global community that is becoming increasingly diverse. To do this successfully its climate must foster a culture of inclusion – one that is open, welcoming and nurturing to everyone, regardless of rank or position of authority. All academic departments strive for preeminence, but to be preeminent, a department must create and sustain an environment that is immersed in a rich culture of diversity. Only then can its members be successful, both at Purdue and in our evolving global society. Such a department will foster mutually supportive human relations as well as enable its members to not only identify, but also reject, stereotypical misconceptions and misperceptions. Addressing issues involving harassment and the abuse of authority will foster diversity as well as benefit all members of our departmental community.
In particular, the recruitment and retention of underrepresented students, staff and faculty is essential to creating and sustaining departmental diversity. Retention is enhanced by assuring that service on committees is equitably distributed, salary decisions are transparent and professional advancement is encouraged. Retention in all categories is adversely impacted by the relative isolation experienced by underrepresented groups, both within the department and within the larger academic community.
We are proud that our Department is dealing from strength as we strive towards these goals. Using the latest available date, we were first in the nation in the number of Hispanic Doctoral recipients in 2004-2005, first in the number of Ph.D degrees granted to members of underrepresented minorities between 2002 and 2006, and first among the top 50 chemistry research departments in the number of women faculty in 2007. We also note that the efforts outlined herein mesh well with analogous goals that are outlined within the Purdue College of Science’s recently enacted strategic plan, and the University’s plan for diversity entitled MOSAIC.