Beckman’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee formed to create opportunities for reflection, communication and action to make Beckman a more supportive place for everyone.

The committee was formed in 2023 to respond to a climate survey conducted in 2020, connect Beckman with other diversity initiatives across campus, raise awareness about DEI and access issues at Beckman, and to create safe spaces for dialogue and learning.

Changes within Beckman because of the committee’s work include advertising Beckman’s lactation spaces, creating a way to add preferred pronouns to the online Beckman directory, displaying informational brochures near the elevators and increasing leadership focus on fair processes and transparency. One result: the Staff Spirit and Dedication Award. The committee consists of 18 nominated members and meets monthly.

Other DEI Committee activities

Regular activities

• Monthly University of Illinois Police therapy dog visits
• Weekly yoga
• Gather in the Garden weekly coffee hour
• Cookie Collabs (monthly gatherings)

Education

• Hosted workshop focusing on taking care of self and others in partnership with the Counseling Center
• Hosted two Lunch and Learn events for 100 participants to discuss the book "What if I Say the Wrong Thing" by Verna A. Myers
• Hosted a viewing of the film, "A Tale of Two Labs"

Outreach

• Partnered with Campus Recreation for a successful food and key essentials drive
• Installed new brochure stands full of informative pamphlets from the Counseling Center near the first floor elevators

Belonging

• Offered a subscription to the Beckman Bulletin, Beckman's internal newsletter
• Encouraged the creation of a news coverage guidelines and the creation of a story idea form for Beckman researchers
• Added menstruation products all restrooms
• Opened the exterior gates to make Beckman feel more welcoming
• Created an onboarding checklist and other materials
• Began offering monthly New to Beckman tours
• Made it possible for Beckman community members' pronouns entered into My UI Info to automatically show up in the Beckman directory

Wellness

• Hosted a Tamarkoz method workshop

Fairness

• Implemented calls for proposals for seed, bridge, and engagement funding, which has created a transparent process for requesting resources
• Implemented guidelines for selection and renewal of research theme leaders
• Began compensating research theme leaders for their time and provided clear expectations for their roles
• Implemented a nomination process for the faculty Vision and Spirit Award and have asked past winners to review nominations and make a recommendation to the director
• Implemented guidelines for office assignments for staff allowing for remote/hybrid work
• Implemented guidelines and schedule for academic professional and custom classification promotions
• Implemented grant roles and responsibilities to clearly define expectations of all involved in the grant process
• Began discussions about rethinking the current research theme structure

Committee members

Academic Professional membership category

Civil service membership category

Faculty membership category

Graduate student membership category

Postdoctoral researcher category

Undergraduate researcher category