Dear Students,
Science and research are inextricably linked for a good reason: this is how we further knowledge. We're really good at research here at UT, but research is far from the only area of excellence, especially amongst you, our undergraduate students who amaze me at every turn. With that in mind, the College of Natural Sciences (CNS) is creating four new College Distinctions that will recognize student excellence and be awarded at graduation:
- Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
- Entrepreneurship
- Service & Leadership
- Research
During November, I will introduce each of these areas and point you toward resources to learn more.
This week I want to tell you about the distinction in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI). CNS is dedicated to making sure the college is a welcoming place that celebrates diversity in all its forms, while effecting change beyond our college and university. With that in mind, CNS has created a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Concentration, which is one of the paths you can take to earn the DEI distinction. This concentration guides students through coursework, trainings, specialized events, and empathy tools to better understand and engage in difficult topics related to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Interested? Apply for the concentration and keep a space open in your schedule in the spring for the first course, NSC 109: Civil Discourse, offered Fridays from 10 – 11 am. Once you're admitted to the concentration you'll be added to NSC 109. Or send questions to cns.diversity@austin.utexas.edu.
Best,
Dr. Vanden Bout
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