Program Overview

College of Science and Engineering Faculty Ambassador Program

The College of Science and Engineering (CSE) is committed to creating a welcoming environment for students, staff, and faculty. To support a diverse community, the college helps maintain and strengthen a supportive network of people across the college.

Charge

The charge of the CSE Faculty Ambassador program is twofold: to serve as a support network for faculty engaged in Access, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ADEI) work, and to serve as a resource for the CSE community. The cohort of faculty ambassadors work together as a retention, support, and communication system for faculty engaged in ADEI work.

What will Faculty Ambassadors do?

The faculty ambassador position is for one year with the possibility of re-appointment. To build a larger network of support for ADEI work, each faculty ambassador will meet quarterly with the cohort of faculty ambassadors and associate dean. An orientation led by the CSE Associate Dean at the beginning of fall quarter will include action planning, cohort introductions, and guidance for the academic year. Faculty ambassadors are asked to pick one project or initiative related to ADEI topics.

Responsibilities

• Meet quarterly with the cohort of faculty ambassadors and associate dean
• Participate in an orientation led by the CSE Associate Dean
• Pick one project or initiative related to ADEI topics
• Hold at least one Community Hour per week within their department
• Communicate directly with the Department Chair

Ongoing Activities or Initiatives

• Faculty Mentoring Assessment/Implementation
• Student Event Support/Advising/Mentoring/Clubs/Climate Assessments/Feedback
• Outreach Efforts
• Speaker Series
• Workshops/Journal Clubs
• Scholarly Research
• Collecting Best practices

Eligibility

Faculty (T, TT & NTT) with training in inclusion and equity are eligible for a year-long position. Ideal candidates will be faculty well-trained and already engaged in inclusion and equity within their department or college and who can provide support immediately.

Building Expertise

Faculty interested in a future faculty ambassador position can build expertise in ADEI through many opportunities on and off campus, self-study of literature focused on STEM experiences, and self-reflection of one's own identity.

Service & Compensation

For tenure and tenure-track faculty, this position counts as service, with the level of service determined by the extent of work agreed upon by the Department Chair and Dean. Non-tenure track faculty are eligible, but compensation must be arranged in advance and depends on availability of funds.

Selection Process

Department Chairs will solicit applications for a vacant faculty ambassador position in their department. The Department Chair and Associate Dean will review and recommend a faculty ambassador, and if needed, will seek additional input from the CSE ADEI Committee. Candidates will be evaluated on the level of professional and personal development and experience in ADEI-focused issues, planning and communication skills, and demonstrated commitment to the role of the position. The final decision will be made by the Dean of CSE, after which applicants will be notified.