We in the Odum School of Ecology are enriched by diverse perspectives and backgrounds. As an academic institution, it is our responsibility to support student success and the well-being of all community members. We commit to sustaining spaces that are welcoming to and respectful of all people from all backgrounds—regardless of race, ethnicity, culture, socioeconomic status, gender, sexual orientation, religion, disability or any other identity—by intentionally and continuously dedicating time and attention to issues of excellence and inclusion in all we do. To move from awareness to action, we came together as a community and created the 5-year strategic OSE Inclusive Excellence Plan*, as well as an action plan, A Way Forward*, which guides the Inclusive Excellence Committee’s activities each year to achieve our strategic goals.

*These plans, and all policies of the Odum School of Ecology, are in alignment with the mission and policies of the University of Georgia.

Inclusive Excellence Committee

The purpose of the Inclusive Excellence Committee is to facilitate the movement of the Odum School’s inclusive excellence plan into action. By coordinating initiatives, providing resources and tracking progress, the committee aims to encourage each community member to play a positive role in creating an inclusive, welcoming environment.  

2024-2025 Committee Members

  • Ford Ballantyne (Chair), Associate Professor
  • Lizzie King, Associate Professor
  • Breanna Ondich, Public Service Professional
  • Alyssa Quan, Graduate Student
  • JP Schmidt, Assistant Research Scientist
  • Natalia Vargas, Graduate Student

Events & Initiatives 

The Odum School hosts events and initiatives to broaden participation and foster inclusivity in the School, in ecology, and in our communities.

Ongoing Initiatives

EcoReach is Odum School of Ecology’s student-run environmental outreach program. EcoReach focuses on meeting the community’s needs by collaborating with other organizations such as Athens-Clarke County Libraries, the State Botanical Garden of Georgia, Oconee Rivers Audubon Society, AmeriCorps, and others.

STEMzone: OSE graduate student Reni Kaul founded this annual football gameday program that offers hands-on opportunities to engage people of all ages on research being done at UGA in the science, technology, engineering and math fields.

EMERGE:  OSE Faculty members Amy Rosemond and Amanda Rugenski are leading a national program to create an environment of inclusion to broaden participation and leadership in freshwater science.  With a 5-year, $2 million grant from the National Science Foundation, EMERGE provides welcoming spaces, mentorship, and growth experiences for all students.

Resources to Enhance Inclusion: The Inclusive Excellence Committee is working with other committees within OSE and across campus to compile and curate key resources, including a Field Safety Manual and Guidelines, and Resources for Creating Inclusive Learning Environments.

Past events

  • April 2024: Full-Day Workshop, “Five shifts in research and teaching practices towards a more inclusive and ethical ecology: Moving Knowledge to Action” with Dr. Madhusudan Katti, North Carolina State University. 
  • May 2023:  Special Seminar: Dr. Saran Traore, Visiting Fulbright Scholar from Burkina Faso.
  • April 2023:  UGA Odum Lecture / Signature Lecture: Dr. Ivette Perfecto, University of Michigan.  
    “Food Systems at a Crossroads: Producing Food and Conserving our Planet”
  • April 2023: Full-Day Workshop, Dr. Madhusudan Katti, North Carolina State University.  “Five Shifts in Research and Teaching Practice Towards Decolonizing Ecology”
  • February 2023: Odum School Seminar: Dr. Ryan Emanuel, Duke University.  “This Machine Promotes Justice: Why Environmental Sciences Need Environmental Justice (and vice versa)”

Campus resources  

Campus Offices and Organizations

Prospective and Incoming Students

Faculty/Staff Resources

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