Diversity, equity and inclusion= innovation

building a culture of innovation

At the Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources, we aim to enhance the quality of higher education and promote a fruitful and productive work environment by placing diversity, equity and inclusion as a top priority across all functions of the College. A diverse faculty and staff are essential in providing academic excellence in teaching, mentoring, research and service to our community.

Diversity, equity and inclusion are integrated into our fundamental values and are reflected in our daily activities and outcomes. As such, the College has created the Council for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion to honor the worth of every individual and sustain an environment where all people are encouraged to succeed and excel.

Diversity

Diversity is strength. We commit to not only increasing, but also promoting social and cultural characteristics that provide perspective and enhance innovation that transcends race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, language, culture, national origin, religious beliefs, age, (dis)ability status, political status and veteran status.

Equity

We all work together to ensure fair treatment, equal opportunities and advancements of our students, faculty and staff, we ensure that everyone has the tools they need to achieve their fullest potential. By understanding the root causes that have led to the unbalanced conditions and mistreatment of historically underserved and underrepresented populations, we can strive to identify and eliminate the barriers that prevent equal opportunity for all persons. One WVU.

Inclusion

We are committed to ensuring that our campus is a place where students, faculty and staff with different identities are being welcomed, valued and promoted. We are committed to creating empowering and collaborative environments in which any individual or group can feel comfortable to share ideas and perspectives to guarantee the best possible outcome of any pursuit; our differences are our strengths.

ASEE Diversity Recognition Program, Bronze, ASEE

Diversity Bronze Award ASEE

Values

The following core values establish the foundation for diversity, equity, and inclusion at WVU.

Every person has intrinsic worth and dignity.
Respect for law is fundamental.
Freedom from fear is universal.
A climate of opportunity, mutual respect, and understanding engenders a feeling that the future should be shared by all community members.
There is an absence of discrimination and harassment based on age, color, disability, ethnic origin, marital status, pregnancy, race, religious beliefs, sex, sexual orientation, and veteran status.
The rich diversity of people, their cultures, and the bonds that tie people together are appreciated and celebrated.

Vision

The Statler College at WVU will be known for honoring the worth of every individual and sustaining and environment where all people are encouraged to succeed and excel.

We are committed to the inclusion of all socioeconomic groups, traditional and non-traditional students, international and domestic persons, the extended academic community, and society;
Every collegiate unit will continually examine itself and identify ways of assuring that a comprehensive approach to achieving social justice is attained and sustained;
We will act proactively and affirmatively to assure equal opportunity and employment and in delivery of programs and offerings consistent with both federal and state civil rights laws and affirmative action guidelines;
The essential elements of character- integrity, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and good citizenship- will transcend every element of the Statler College;
Students will be prepared with principles and competencies in order to function effectively in the global workplace;
Faculty, staff, and students will exemplify principles of social justice in fulfilling their responsibilities;
No form of illegal discrimination or harassment will be tolerated;
Complaints of illegal discrimination or harassment and abuses of social justice principles will be addressed in an objective and timely manner; and,
All people will be accountable for their actions

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West Virginia University is deeply committed to the issues of diversity, equity and inclusion. In fact, President Gee shared a letter with the campus community Wednesday morning that outlined his commitment to eradicate racism through the power of higher education. We have an excellent leader in Meshea Poore, our vice president for diversity, equity and inclusion. She, along with the entire University, will continue to create conversation around the issues with which our country is grappling. In addition, we lean on our Mountaineer Values – Service, Curiosity, Respect, Accountability and Appreciation – to guide us. We are confident that your student will find WVU and Morgantown to be a safe, welcoming and respectful community.

West Virginia University is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive culture by promoting diversity, inclusion, equality, and intercultural and intercommunity outreach. The University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, marital or family status, pregnancy, veteran status, service in the uniformed services (as defined by state and federal law), religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, or gender expression in the administration of any of its educational programs, activities, or with respect to admission or employment. – Board of Governors Rule 1.6

For more information about diversity at WVU, contact:

DIVISION OF DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION
1085 Van Voorhis Road Suite 250
P.O. Box 6202, Morgantown WV 26506-6202
P: 304-293-5600
diversity@mail.wvu.edu

The Statler College Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee

The charge for the DEI Committee in the Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources includes the following:

Promote the goals of diversity, equity, and inclusion as identified by West Virginia University and in the Statler College.
Identify challenges and strengths in promoting and achieving DEI goals.
Make recommendations to the College Dean/Administrative units/Vice President’s office regarding ways to achieve DEI goals.
Facilitate communication and understanding among different constituencies in the College and at the University levels.
Engage students, staff, and faculty to assess needs related to DEI/Propose strategies for assessing progress and removing barriers in DEI.

Committee Members:

Committee Chair Cerasela Zoica Dinu - Professor and Associate Chair - Chemical and Biomedical Engineering

Marsha Rohozen - Human Resources Partner - Statler College

Cate Schlobohm - Outreach Program Coordinator - Statler College

Robin Hensel - Assistant Dean for Freshman Experience - Fundamentals of Engineering

Hema Siriwardane - Professor and Chair - Civil and Environmental Engineering

Kenneth Currie - Professor and Chair - Industrial Management Systems Engineering

Brian Powell - Teaching Assistant Professor - Lane Department of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering

Xueyan Song - Professor - Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Joshua Brady - Director - Mining and Industrial Extension

Qingqing Huang - Assistant Professor - Mining Engineering

Samuel Ameri - Professor and Chair - Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering

J. Paige Nesbit - Director - Marketing and Communications - Statler College

The WVU Faculty Ombudsperson Office

A confidential, independent, informal, and neutral resource for WVU faculty members.

Contact the Ombuds

Faculty Senate

The Faculty Senate includes 131 Senators representing the Morgantown, Beckley, and Keyser campuses. They are responsible for guiding WVU’s academic pursuits, and for communicating faculty opinions and concerns.

Committee Meeting Dates

Diversity @ WVU

The Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion exists because WVU is always striving to create the safe, diverse, welcoming community we all deserve.

Get Involved at the University Level

We host several events, in conjunction with SWE/AOE, for females:

Currently room 118 in the Advanced Engineering Research Building is a gender inclusive, family bathroom.

We are also creating two, single person, gender neutral bathrooms, and one lactation room as part of the Engineering Sciences Building west wing, ground floor renovation. The renovation will be complete in February 2020.

The non-denominational rooms are ESB 30B and AER 318

West Virginia University is deeply committed to the issues of diversity, equity and inclusion. In fact, President Gee shared a letter with the campus community that outlined his commitment to eradicate racism through the power of higher education. We have an excellent leader in Meshea Poore, our vice president for diversity, equity and inclusion. She, along with the entire University, will continue to create conversation around the issues with which our country is grappling. In addition, we lean on our Mountaineer Values – Service, Curiosity, Respect, Accountability and Appreciation – to guide us. We are confident that your student will find WVU and Morgantown/Beckley/Keyser to be a safe, welcoming and respectful community.

PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS STUDENT RECEIVES LEAH BERHANU MEMORIAL AWARD

Torey Wright, a sophomore petroleum and natural gas major and Arabic studies minor, has been awarded the 2019 Leah Berhanu Memorial Award by The Thrasher Group.

Read Torey's story.