Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

We Thrive on Our Differences

Our unique culture of open collaboration—the “Urbana style of physics”—draws talent from around the globe and from every walk of life. This allows us to attack the most relevant and pressing questions in physics with tremendous breadth of experience, unparalleled innovation, and great synergy. Illinois Physics has made and continues to make extraordinary contributions to our understanding of the universe, to modern technologies, and to STEM-subject pedagogies. This open, interactive departmental culture also brings a tremendous advantage in training tomorrow’s scientific leaders.

We recognize we can succeed in our core missions—research, education, and outreach—only if each member of our Illinois Physics community is free to contribute, without fear of bias or prejudice. We embrace diversity in our faculty, staff, and student body as a strength and we support the principles of academic freedom, equity, and inclusion as expressed in the University of Illinois’ policy against discrimination and harassment. As a department, we are committed to actively promoting equity and inclusion and to safeguarding our community from intolerance with regard to race, color, sex or sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, religion, culture, national origin or ancestry, disability, military veteran status, and socioeconomic status. Our hiring and admissions practices reflect these core principles of equality and are based on merit, without bias.

U of I has been recognized for several years running by INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine’s Higher Education Excellence in Diversity Award. For more information about the university’s stance on diversity, equity, and inclusion, please visit the website of the Office of Inclusion and Intercultural Affairs, which hosts a Women’s Resource Center, an LGBT Resource Center, and several cultural resource centers.

For campus information about discrimination and harassment prevention and reporting, please visit the websites of the Office of Diversity, Equity and Access, the Office for Student Conflict Resolution, and the University of Illinois Ethics and Compliance Office.

At Illinois, we care

At Illinois, we care about supporting all students who are impacted by sexual misconduct, and we have many resources available to assist with various needs related to these issues. Please visit WeCare to learn about the various resources available on campus for our students.

Our people-focused organizations

SUPS (Society for Underrepresented Physics Students)

SUPS is an undergraduate community whose goal is to empower underrepresented minority students in physics and to educate all students about racial, religious, gender, and sexuality biases in physics and at large. All are welcome!