UC council works to make engineering more inclusive

The Equity and Inclusion Council for the University of Cincinnati's College of Engineering and Applied Science (CEAS) is committed to creating a more inclusive and equitable environment within the college, and it welcomes all voices from the community.

The council held an open retreat for CEAS community members on July 23 at UC Blue Ash. More than two-dozen attendees, including staff, faculty and students from CEAS, met with the goal of developing a strategic plan for the council. The group discussed the history of diversity and inclusion in higher education and how CEAS could engage more effectively with its community members.

Ken Simonson, director of academics for the Office of Inclusive Excellence and Community Engagement, says, “The retreat marks a milestone for the college. Our work has the potential to position the college to meet the challenges of inclusion and equity, through intentional planning and execution.”

At a fundamental level, people experience the world differently. A lack of diversity on any team makes problem-solving more difficult because there are fewer perspectives to understand potential solutions or accurately evaluate the constraints.

To gain a fresh perspective, the strategic planning session was led by Tommie Lewis, president and CEO of Make It Plain Consulting, LLC. Guided by Lewis, the council discussed the college’s values, challenges and existing resources that could support them in their mission. The group examined inclusion as an evolving dynamic interaction, as opposed to a static conceptual understanding.

“You must live in diversity to explore it,” Lewis advises.

The council investigated important questions that will shape the future of the college’s equity and inclusion efforts. What does an inclusive atmosphere look and feel like for our students? What kind of culture is CEAS trying to build?

The answers to these questions inevitably present a moving target that will require adaptable strategies and compassionate vigilance. 

Andrea Grisell, graduate student in mechanical engineering, participated in the retreat, and was encouraged by the focus on responsive improvement.

“Everyone was willing to hear and consider my perspective as a student,” she said. “It was incredibly validating to have staff and faculty show that students' opinions and experiences are important to them. I am really glad to see a drive for action.”

Grisell views a commitment to inclusion as a vital part of students’ development into a responsible engineers and scientists.

“No fluid mechanics course is going to teach you to relate to another human being,” Grisell said.

After defining some mutually desired goals, the council members divided into action teams that focused on specific council functions, like training. Magnolia Modaress, program manager for UC's Department of Engineering Education, feels the team is on the right track.

“The action teams left with a focused plan, energized and eager to start. We have a wonderful team, which makes me excited about the future of our college,” Modaress said.

In an inspiring conclusion, Lewis announces to the council, “If you accomplish your goals on this committee, you will no longer be needed.”

This month, the council transitioned members into leadership positions for the year. The leadership team includes Corrine Witherspoon, president; Nate Jorgensen, vice president; Diana Riggs, secretary; and Thomas Huston, treasurer. Whitney Gaskins, assistant dean of inclusive excellence and community engagement, advises the council.

"I am excited about the work that we do to help continue a legacy of excellence for all. I'm thankful for the opportunity to lead such an inspiring group as we complete this important work,” Gaskins said.

Any member of the CEAS community is welcome to join the council. Please contact the council at ceasdi@ucmail.uc.edu. 

Featured image at top: UC's College of Engineering and Applied Science's Diversity & Inclusion Council poses for a group photo during its 2018 retreat. Photo provided by Whitney Gaskins.