Diversity Committee
While every member of the department contributes to making Pitt Chemistry a welcoming and inclusive environment, the department also has a Diversity Committee responsible for developing and implementing the department's overall diversity plan. Some of the committee's current priorities include:
- Implementing the Departmental Diversity Plan
- Ensuring that the Department of Chemistry climate supports diversity, equity, and inclusion
- Promoting community outreach, especially to K-12 students
The committee has representatives from many different groups in the department. The current committee members are listed below - feel free to reach out if you have questions, concerns, or ideas you'd like to discuss.
Current members:
- Chair: Peng Liu (Chair)
- Faculty Members: Pete Bell, Paul Floreancig, Xin Gui, Kaz Koide, Kitty Liu, Michelle Morgan, Wesley Transue, Michelle Ward
- Graduate student members: Maya Hayden
- Undergraduate student Members: Aaron Winchell
The committee is also actively seeking another undergraduate and graduate student representatives for 2023-2024 - contact Prof. Liu (pengliu@pitt.edu or ChemDiv@pitt.edu) for more information if you are interested!
Events
The Diversity Committee organizes a number of events throughout the year to help build connections in our department community and make sure that everyone is heard. Event announcements are distributed by email and on fliers posted around the department.
Reporting Issues
In the case of an incident involving discrimination or harassment based on a protected category: race, color, religion or creed, national origin or ancestry, sex, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, genetic information or citizenship you may choose to
- file a formal report with the Office of Diversity and Inclusion or ODI (https://www.diversity.pitt.edu/civil-rights-title-ix-compliance/make-report/report-form). ODI will give you advice on how to proceed, help you access resources, and will allow you to choose how you want to move forward. If a formal investigation is pursued, they will explain the steps that will be followed and tell you what to expect.
- report it to the police, if the incident involves a crime (Pitt police: 412-624-2121).
- reach out to a faculty member that you trust or a Diversity Committee member either directly or using the form below if you need advice and support
Contacting the Diversity Committee
If you have suggestions or if you would like the Diversity Committee to be made aware of an event or an issue, please email the committee Chair Peng Liu (pengliu@pitt.edu)