Our actions

Closeup view of blueberries and other tundra plants

Led by its AllSTAARsTask Force, INSTAAR is working toward becoming an anti-racist institute. Decolonizing systems is the ultimate goal, which goes far beyond actions by individuals or units. However, actions can help us create a culture that values and exercises justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion within INSTAAR and our surrounding contexts.

Goals

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Goal: Dismantling biases

Dismantle biases, especially anti-Blackness, within our institute and within our larger institutional and scientific contexts.

Our actions:

  • Organized ongoing mandatory and optional training for all INSTAARs in diversity and inclusion.
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  • Continuing participation in activities that help INSTAARs move along their antiracist journeys, such as antiracism discussion sessions and the Unlearning Racism in the Geosciences (URGE) program.

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Goal: Nurturing inclusion

Create an inclusive, positive environment for people from all groups underrepresented in STEM

Our actions:

  • Finalized INSTAAR codes of conduct, including codes specific to lab and field work. See appendices in our Standing Rules.
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  • Reward community-centered activities as part of performance evaluations and promotion processes for faculty and staff.
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  • Established mentorship programs for all new INSTAARs; and for potential graduate school applicants (especially those from historically excluded groups).

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Goal: Aligning demographics

Align the demographics of INSTAAR with those of our state and nation.

Our actions:

  • Developed a strategic hiring plan that centers scholarship and opportunities relevant to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion.
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  • Improved hiring practices by including justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion as concrete criteria and by improving guidance on creating inclusive job announcements, advertising opportunities to diverse groups, and training those participating in the search process.
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  • Participated in Campus efforts to increase diversity of faculty hires.

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Goal: Reducing barriers

Reduce barriers to living in Boulder and conducting scientific research at the UniversityÌýof Colorado Boulder.

Our actions:

  • Instituted fellowships that provide summer funding for graduate students.
  • Recruited and supported students from minoritized groups through broad faculty participation in bridge programs such as , SMART, and .

AllSTAARs Task Force

The AllSTAARs Task Force helps INSTAAR take action on community building. It is theÌýlargest and most inclusive committee in INSTAAR’s history. Currently there are about 35 INSTAAR participants, including staff, students, professional research assistants (PRAs), postdoctoral scholars, and faculty.

Membership

Membership in the Task Force is voluntary. Calls for membership are sent via email at the beginning of each semester. If you are interested in joining,Ìýemail instaarit@colorado.edu. If you want to receive calendar invites for Task Force meetings, email Julio Sepúlveda.

Leadership

Julio Sepúlveda
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Julio Sepúlveda
Associate Director of Community and Belonging

Sarah Elmendorf
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Sarah Elmendorf
Awards & fellowships

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