Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

The Department of Microbiology and Immunology strives to respect and acknowledge the experiences of the diverse backgrounds of all people. Our differences drive innovation and foster a collaborative culture that is essential to our educational and research missions.

MBI and CVBI Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council

The Department of Microbiology and Immunology and the Center for Vaccine Biology and Immunology established a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Taskforce in July 2020, to explore existing resources and initiatives available through the university and medical center, and make recommendations to leadership to ensure the department and center consider actions and decision-making always through the lens of diversity and inclusion. Our ultimate goal is to cultivate a climate and culture that is welcoming, supportive and continuously improving for our learners, faculty and staff.

Council Activities

• Developed a group that represents grad students, postdocs, faculty, staff, personnel who reside in secondary labs outside of MBI/CVBI, and personnel who do not work in MBI/CVBI, but share our space.
• Reviewed the URMC Equity and Anti-Racism Action Plan and compared it against the recommendations included in the #ACTIONSSPEAKLOUDER petition. Discussed at length what recommendations are relevant for our own department and center.
• Developed a survey to gauge the current climate of our department and center with regard to DEI.
• Drafted an inclusion statement, solicited feedback from all department and center personnel, and adjusted the statement per those survey results. 
• Developed a web presence to be used to monitor and report on progress.

Upcoming Events

Department of Psychiatry Summer Brown Bag Series: "Why Include Artistic Expressions? How Music and Art Connect to Culture"

July 10 @ 12:00 PM

Class of '62 Auditorium

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Registration is now open for the July 10th – 31st sessions of the Department of Psychiatry’s 2024 Summer Brown Bag Series. Join speakers every Wednesday starting at noon to learn about inequities surr...

Opioid Overdose Prevention Training at UR Nursing

July 15 @ 3:00 PM

Helen Wood Hall 1W-501, Loretta C. Ford Education Wing

The School of Nursing Council for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion and URMC Strong Recovery invite all faculty, staff, and students to join a free opioid overdose prevention training on Monday, July 15, ...

Department of Psychiatry Summer Brown Bag Series: "Patient Centered Care for Trans and Gender Diverse Individuals"

July 17 @ 12:00 PM

Helen Wood Hall School of Nursing Auditorium, Room 1W-304

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The Department of Psychiatry’s 2024 Summer Brown Bag Series continues on Wednesday, July 17th, at noon in the School of Nursing Auditorium (1W-304). Brittan Hardgers, URMC Patient Care Officer and GPS...

Rochester Pride Parade: March with the University of Rochester

July 20 @ 9:15 AM

Corner of South Avenue and Science Parkway

The University community will march in the Roc Pride Parade! FAQs: Do I have to pay to march in the parade? No. However, if you wish to attend the festival afterward, you will need to purchase t...

Department of Psychiatry Summer Brown Bag Series: Building a Place of Our Own: Creating a Safe Space with the AANPHI Affinity Group

July 24 @ 12:00 PM

Class of '62 Auditorium

Stream Link

The Department of Psychiatry’s 2024 Summer Brown Bag Series continues on Wednesday, July 24th, at noon in the Class of '62 Auditorium. Join Annabel Fu, MD, Chinh Huynh, LMFT, Marie Laksana Hasitavej- ...

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