Diversity Statement

At the School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, we integrate discovery, innovation and education.

To accomplish our mission, we are committed to providing a diverse and inclusive community of students, staff and scholars regardless of race, gender, age, religion, ethnicity, nationality, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity or presence of disabilities. 

SNES Diversity Initiatives

By fostering a diverse community, the School of Natural and Environmental Sciences serves as a catalyst for advancing our knowledge about and improving the biological, physical, digital and mathematical world around us.
  • SSME Diversity Plan

    The mission of the School of Sciences, Mathematics, and Engineering at the College of Charleston is to integrate discovery, innovation and education in order to serve our students, our state and our nation.

    GOAL 1

    Recruit, retain and graduate greater numbers of qualified minority, first-generation and international students.

    Strategy 1. Provide outreach opportunities for faculty and current students to meet pre-college minority students and their teachers.

    Tactic 1. Host small-group, hands-on activities for targeted schools and audiences.
    Measure: The number of events and participants will be tracked.

    Tactic 2. Host STEM program at Education Day for Women’s Basketball team.
    Measure: The number of schools attending and participants will be tracked.

    Tactic 3. Host STEM program at Charleston RiverDogs baseball games.
    Measure: The number of schools attending and participants will be tracked.

    Strategy 2. Provide academic support for minority students in SSME. 

    Tactic 1. Provide personnel and financial support to the LS-AMP program.
    Measure: Track student participation in these programs. Report on students’ perceptions of how these programs support academic progress.

    GOAL 2

    Recruit and retain greater numbers of women and minorities into faculty and staff positions.

    Strategy 1: Increase the recruitment pools of women, men, racial and ethnic minorities, and other underrepresented groups to faculty positions.

    Tactic 1: SSME will continue to seek new ways to attract diverse applicants.
    Measure: Track numbers.

    Strategy 2: Increase the retention of women, men, racial and ethnic minorities, people with disabilities and other underrepresented groups in our faculty.

    Tactic 1: Continue to assist faculty and staff members in their professional development.
    Measure: Documentation of efforts. 

    GOAL 3

    Create a supportive environment that is diverse, inclusive and welcoming to all.

    Strategy 1: Influence our students, faculty and staff to develop as professionals with a commitment to enhancing diversity.

    Tactic 1: Ensure that SSME continues to be represented on the Diversity Divisional Liaison’s Council.
    Measure: Representation on the council and attendance at meetings will be documented.

    Tactic 2: Disseminate the School’s Diversity Statement Plan and promote it among all SSME students, faculty, and staff.
    Measure: Diversity Statement and Plan are posted on the website.
  • SSME Diversity Enhancement Fund

    The endowed "SSME Diversity Enhancement Fund" initiative began in 2019 to support diversity recruitment, retention and education initiatives related to race, ethnicity, gender, culture, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, age, physical abilities, beliefs or other ideologies. 

    Contributors

    The following faculty, students, staff, alumni and friends of the School of Sciences, Mathematics, and Engineering have contributed to this fund
    * indicates support level is at or above $1,000
    ** at or above $10,000
    *** at or above $100,000

    Companies and Organizations: High Purity Standards

    Alumni and Friends of SSME

    • Semmy Purewal**
    • Roberta and Robert Krauss* (in honor of Gabby Krauss '20)
    • Naresh and Monica Emmanuel* (in honor of Shefali Emmanuel '20)
    • Robin Leonard
    • Joynicole Martinez**
    • Jessica and Don Taylor*

    SSME Board of Advocates

    • Tom McKenna*
    • Sylleste Davis*
    • Neil Draisin*
    • Lee Fryland*
    • Connie Hayes*
    • Susan Hilsman*
    • Mitchell Leverette
    • Angela Lindner***
    • Steve Swanson*
    • Lori Lyles*
    • Paul Sandifer*

    Dean's Office

    • David Johnston
    • Mini Narayanan
    • Maria Philpot
    • Sebastian van Delden*
    • Lauren Van Buskirk

    Biology Department

    • Christine Byrum
    • Courtney Murren
    • Shanon Dooley
    • Heather Fullerton
    • Seth Pritchard
    • Matt Rutter
    • Gorka Sancho

    Chemistry and Biochemistry Department

    • Jim Deavor
    • Jay Forsythe
    • Kate Mullaugh

    Computer Science Department

    • Lancie Affonso
    • Bill Manaris
    • Raymond and Rebecca Utz
    • Jonathan Sun
    • Christine Moore
    • Xenia Mountrouidou
    • Renee McCauley

    Geology and Environmental Geosciences Department

    • Erin Beutel
    • Tim Callahan
    • Vijay Vulava
    Mathematics
    • Sofia Agrest
    • Liz Jurisich
    • Alex Kasman
    • Robert Mignone
    • Garrett Mitchener
    • Kate Owens
    • Dinesh Sarvate

    Physics and Astronomy

    • Joe Carson
    • Chris Fragile
    • Narayanan Kuthirummal
    • Lee Lindner
    • Ana Oprisan
    Give to the SSME Diversity Fund