Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
The Entertainment Arts and Engineering program at the University of Utah is dedicated to supporting, fostering, and increasing the diversity, equity, and inclusion of our students, staff, and faculty. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is central to our mission of creating a new interdisciplinary informatics field that deeply integrates art, humanities, social science, and computational research and practice. We embrace and celebrate the unique talents, skills, and perspectives which come from having a diverse campus community.
DEI @ EAE
Values
Feedback and Reporting
Our Community is a Shared Responsibility
While we have a DEI committee that helps promote our ideals, our DEI committee is not the sole responsible party for these activities. Rather, the committee serves as a resource for everyone in the department; setting the strategic direction, setting/maintaining accountability, and providing support, input, and feedback to ensure everyone is able to grow, learn, and contribute to the constant improvement of our academic and scholarly environment. It is the responsibility of all members of our community to actively drive the sometimes difficult conversations needed to dismantle systemic bias.
The Student Communities Around EAE
EAE students can find opportunities for community and support within an array of organizations, including many that connect EAE students from specific racial, cultural and diverse backgrounds.
The purpose of our organization is to provide an inclusive space for disabled students, faculty, and staff in STEM. To create a counter-space on campus that provides students with the support, resources, and community needed to excel in college. To normalize and de-stigmatize disabilities; start dialogues about accessibility on campus and in the classroom; and educate faculty, staff, and fellow students about disability. To promote and create change for a more accessible and equitable campus.
The University of Utah's Game Design and Development Club! We provide a space for aspiring Game Developers of all skill levels to connect and grow. Gamecraft hosts host workshops, social events and industry speakers to provide creators with a robust community in which they can ensure long-term success in the Games Industry. We also host monthly Game Jams! Come join us, we're open to all students regardless of major or level of experience! Meeting Times and Event Announcements are made on our discord, so head on over there if you're interested in checking us out!
National Society of Black Engineers
The National Society of Black Engineers strives to accomplish the following objectives for our organization:
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- Stimulate and develop student interest in the various engineering disciplines
- Strive to increase the number of minority students studying engineering at both the undergraduate and graduate levels
- Encourage members to seek advanced degrees in engineering or related fields and to obtain professional engineering registrations
- Promote public awareness of engineering and the opportunities for Blacks and other minorities in that profession
- Function as a representative body on issues and developments that affect the careers of Black Engineers
oSTEM at the University of Utah
oSTEM's mission is to create a diverse, inclusive, and supportive community that brings LGBTQ+ students and allies in STEM fields together. oSTEM fosters interpersonal connections and growth on and off of campus and unites students to promote real-world change. oSTEM is committed to offering a safe space to everyone regardless of background or identity. oSTEM stands for community, acceptance, and diversity. Check out our Instagram @ostemutah for announcements and upcoming events!
Queer and Trans Students of Color
QT SOCs is designed to provide community for queer and trans students of color through social meetings and fun events. This is a space to explore your intersectionality and blur the lines between race, gender, and sexuality.
Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers
The University of Utah SHPE is a student chapter of the National Organization - the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE). Our mission is to develop a diverse community of supportive University of Utah students that excel as STEM leaders, contributing community members, and well-rounded professionals. This is achieved through professional development workshops, networking opportunities, outreach events, fundraising, social events, and conferences. Non-engineering or science majors are welcome, as are non-Hispanic or Latino students.
The Society of Women Engineers, 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.
Faculty and Staff Affinity groups
If you're interested in being connected with any of these faculty/staff affinity groups or are interested in creating a new affinity group, you can use this form to send a message to the Office for Faculty, who will respond with assistance.
Queer Faculty Group
- Contact: Ramon.S.Barthelemy@utah.edu
Black Faculty and Staff Association
- Contact: Portia.Anderson@utah.edu or Myra.Washington@utah.edu
S.P.A.R.K. - Supporting Parent Advocates of Remarkable Kids
- Contact: Sarah.Projansky@utah.edu
W.O.C.A. Women of Color in Academics
- Contact: a.fukushima@utah.edu
Parenting in Academia
- Join: UU-Parents in Slack
- If you are interested in a parenting co-op contact: Holly.Godsey@utah.edu
Faculty Club
- Contact: Shawn.Steidinger@utah.edu
Latinidad Faculty and Staff Association
- Contact: Natalia.Torres@utah.edu
American Indian and Alaska Native Faculty and Staff Association
- Contact: Emma.Houston@utah.edu
Intersectional Action Group
- Contact: Emma.Houston@utah.ed
Centers and Offices:
- American Indian Resource Center
- Black Cultural Center
- Center for Disability and Access (CDA)
- Center for Ethnic Student Affairs (CESA)
- Center for Equity and Student Belonging
- Dream Center
- International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS)
- LGBT Resource Center
- University of Utah Health Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion
- Veterans' Support Center
- Office for Inclusive Excellence
Acknowledgement: Special thanks to University of Michigan, and Queensborough Community College for the inspiring examples of DEI statements.