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The Department of Biology recognizes that diversity in students, faculty, and staff along multiple dimensions is beneficial to student success and to the research enterprise itself.

We define diversity broadly, ensuring individuals from all walks of life can learn, grow, and contribute to the department, university, and beyond.

When individuals are grouped in diverse combinations and in an environment that supports collaboration, innovation and creativity increase and problem-solving skills are enhanced. 

Resources

An 8-week mentor training program is available each summer for faculty, postdocs, and graduate students. This course follows the "Entering Mentoring" curriculum developed by the Wisconsin Program for Scientific Teaching (sponsored by NIH, NSF, and HHMI), and is led by NIH NRMN certified master facilitators. For more information, contact Biology faculty member Dr. Lori Adams.

Diversify your curriculum

Project Biodiversify offers many resources you can use to increase representation and inclusion in your courses. They maintain a repository of studies useful in teaching commonly-taught biology topics, with a focus on promoting the work of scientists representative of human diversity. They provide slides you can adapt for your own courses, and you can also submit curricular materials of your own.

Inclusive teaching

This article describes an online, evidence-based teaching guide that serves as a resource for faculty, instructors, and TAs to develop inclusive teaching practices. The guide also includes an instructor checklist with actionable steps to guide instructors as they develop inclusive teaching environments.

Cultivate Classroom Equity

This article provides 21 strategies for promoting student engagement and equity in the classroom.

The University of Iowa Department of Chemistry Inclusive Classroom Resources website curates a similar and complementary list of teaching resources.

Biological Interests Organization

BIO stands for Biological Interests Organization. BIO is an undergraduate student organization dedicated to the development of students in the biological sciences. The organization is free to join and open to all majors. The purpose of BIO is to provide students with connections to research opportunities, career networking, and volunteering opportunities within the Department of Biology and across the University of Iowa campus. 
        BIO Diversity Newsletters

University of Iowa Division of Access, Opportunity, and Diversity

Additional resources can be found on the University of Iowa's Division of Access, Opportunity, and Diversity website. 

Access, opportunity, and diversity in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

The principles of access, opportunity, and diversity are fundamental to the mission of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at the University of Iowa, as we conduct our work in the context of the whole of humanity.

  • In our teaching, we encourage exploration, inquiry, and the questioning of the many facets of human experience and understanding.
  • In our research, scholarship, and creativity, we generate new knowledge and perspectives, while reflecting and shaping the cultures and societies in which we live.
  • In our service to Iowans, we partner with communities to address critical challenges and foster leadership in a global context.

By embracing this vision together, we are laying a strong foundation that empowers all Hawkeyes to succeed and lead in a diverse and ever-changing world.

With a commitment to meeting accreditation requirements, upholding the professional code of ethics, and aligning with Higher Learning Commission standards throughout CLAS, we strive to maintain the highest standards of integrity and excellence.

For more information and resources related to access, opportunity, and diversity in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, visit their website.