UC CEAS Commits as WEPAN Champion, Reaffirming Dedication to Drive Diversity

The

University of Cincinnati's

College of Engineering and Applied Science

, or CEAS, has joined the

Women in Engineering ProActive Network

 at the institutional champion level.

As a network institutional champion, CEAS joins fellow university and industry leaders in a collaboration to construct inclusive engineering cultures, create

T-shaped

students, and equip the diverse workforce of tomorrow.

The network is the nation’s leading organization and catalyst for transforming culture in engineering education. It connects more than 1,000 leaders from nearly 200 universities, colleges, community colleges, government agencies, Fortune 500 companies, small businesses, and non-profit organizations working to increase participation, retention, and success of women and other underrepresented groups in engineering from engineering colleges through executive and academic leadership roles.

In July 2016, CEAS Dean Teik C. Lim, a Herman Schneider Professor of Mechanical Engineering, was one of more than 200 engineering deans from across the nation who co-signed the

American Society for Engineering Education

 dean’s letter in declaration of their commitment to a diversity plan which would provide increased opportunity to pursue meaningful engineering careers to women and other underrepresented demographic groups. CEAS continues to act on this commitment.

Opting to become an institutional member of Women in Engineering ProActive Network, the highest level of commitment, further affirms the college's commitment to equity and inclusion as a pillar of growth for the engineering community. This step is in alignment with current CEAS inclusion initiatives with programs such as Emerging Ethnic Engineers and Women in Science and Engineering Undergraduate Research, among others.

Women in Engineering ProActive Network is a key constituent whose participation is a driving force in the American Society for Engineering Education's diversity plan and dean’s letter supporting diversity initiative, especially with institutions whose goal is to recruit, retain and graduate an increased number of women and other underrepresented groups.

"The input of national organizations (such as WEPAN and ASEE) would articulate the definition of the vision of diversity and inclusiveness for the institution; assess its need or justification; provide a statement of priorities and goals; commit to equity, implicit bias and inclusion training across the school and define accountability and the means of assessing the plan," ASEE said.

“Engaging in WEPAN at the highest level affords us countless resources such as:

• Elevated exposure to a network of like-minded peers striving to reach gender parity.
• The opportunity to advertise our latest faculty openings to a diverse population of strong, potential applicants.
• And the fortuity to attend annual meetings where progressive ideas, like North Dakota State University’s ADVANCE Male Advocates and Allies program, are featured and absorbed in a unified effort to strengthen the movement," Lim said.

"Our alliance with this professional society will also focus on research-informed methods of creating positive work environments for people from all segments of our society," Lim said. "With the joint efforts of WEPAN, ASEE, and our fellow institutions and industry partners, I envision the creation of an inclusive, vibrant engineering community that will lead us into our Third Century as an institution.”

About the UC College of Engineering and Applied Science
The UC College of Engineering and Applied Science unleashes education by immersing students in a rigorous and innovative curriculum and culture of real-world, experience-based learning. The value of a CEAS degree is unparalleled, providing elevated placement, greater earning potential and unlimited post-graduate options.

Select to learn more about WEPAN and the Institutional Champions.