Diversity, Equity + Inclusion
You belong here.
Science thrives when diverse perspectives and lived experiences converge. We welcome and encourage talented individuals of all racial, cultural, religious, and socioeconomic backgrounds, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions, and persons with disabilities to join us as we engage with profound questions about the natural world, for the benefit of humankind.
Guided by our Principles of Community, EAPS is committed to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in our department, and in the geosciences more generally, through actions in the following areas:
We seek to improve representation and participation of people from diverse backgrounds at all levels in the department.
Examples of current activities by our department members:
- Recruitment efforts aimed at diversifying the student population
- Faculty recruitment guided by best practices on promoting a broad and equitable search
- LINK12 volunteer outreach program to Boston area schools
- Participation in the MIT Summer Research Program
- EAPS Student Advisory Committee (E-SAC) Graduate Application Mentorship Program
We seek to ensure equal access to resources for all department members, and to measure across key indicators of success.
Examples of current activities by our department members:
- Regular review of key metrics of student success (publication rates, attrition)
- First-year seminar and pre-thesis mentoring program for graduate students
- Development of handbooks that clarify expectations and support structures
- Research group-level training in inclusive mentoring
We seek to support the well-being and sense of belonging of all members of the EAPS community, and in particular those from underrepresented groups.
Examples of current activities by our department members:
We seek to foster ongoing learning about issues at the intersection of Earth science and society, and about ways to support recruitment, retention, and inclusivity.
Examples of current activities by our department members:
- Past departmental participation in the URGE program (Unlearning Racism in Geoscience)
- Collection of books available in the Charney Library (Room 54-1425) on topics connecting Earth science, history, and social and ethical responsibility.
- Regular discussions on career pathways and inclusive practices in geoscience by seminar speakers
We seek to regularly reflect and report on the status of belonging, achievement, and composition in the department with input from department members and external experts, and adjust our approaches as necessary.
Examples of current activities by our department members:
- Associate Department Head for DEI and department-wide DEI Committee (DEI-C) provide clear accountability structure
- Regular surveys of department climate and quality of life
- Work with MIT Institutional Research to compile data related to the composition and achievement of our community, shared internally with current department members
EAPS Diversity, Equity + Inclusion Committee
The aim of the EAPS Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee (DEI-C) is to envision, coordinate and accelerate action toward making EAPS a place where people of all backgrounds and identities feel welcomed and supported and are treated with respect, and where our exploration of Earth and other planets is informed by, and mindful of, a wide range of perspectives and lived experiences.
The EAPS DEI-C will:
- Identify priorities, goals, action plans, and resources required for EAPS action to support: recruitment, retention, well-being and achievement of community members from diverse backgrounds and identities across all levels of EAPS; inclusion and representation in the department’s research, education, and administration; and K-16 outreach efforts aimed at broadening representation in the geosciences.
- Engage in regular reflection and learning to deepen our understanding of how to build belonging, achievement, and a diverse composition into our department’s practices and culture.
- Ensure coordination and communication of these efforts across the department, School and Institute.
- Regularly share our work with and seek input from the EAPS community; measure and communicate progress toward goals.
Membership composition:
- Associate Department Head — Faculty Chair
- Junior Faculty representative
- Administrative staff representative
- Research staff representative
- Undergraduate student representative
- Graduate student representative
- Postdoctoral staff representative
EAPS Community Groups
EQUAL
EAPS QUeer ALliance (EQUAL) invites all students, postdocs, researchers, and staff in EAPS who identify as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community to participate in our community-led affinity group, which includes monthly meetings during the semester and community events.
MIT’s Institute Community + Equity Office
The Institute Community and Equity Office is MIT’s home for amplifying MIT’s sense of community, inspiring meaningful conversations, building skills, and supporting new inclusion initiatives. We convene and collaborate with students, staff, faculty, and postdocs on programs, projects, and initiatives that cross disciplines, departments, and identities. The ICEO is a steward and advocate for MIT’s shared values: excellence and curiosity, openness and respect, and belonging and community.
Discover DEI Programs Across MIT
