About

Diversity + Inclusion

I BELONG: USF WEEK

Join the celebration from September 20 - 29, 2023!
I Belong: USF Week

"I Belong: USF Week" is a celebration that aims to educate students about resources on campus, engage in community building, and cultivate a sense of belonging among students, faculty and staff from all backgrounds. It's a grass-roots effort organized by members of the College of Arts and Sciences. View the Event Webpage for scheduled activities and additional details. 


additional Events

The IB Anti-Racism Book Club meets every other week to discuss readings in Antiracism, and how the ideas from the reading can inform anti-racist policy.

Contact Dr. KT Scott at kmscott@usf.edu for more info

Opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students from underserved populations

Opportunites and Links

Resources for inclusive teaching

Inclusive Teaching Resource Links

Regular Events Listings

Events page for the Anti-Racism Office for the President

Events list for the Institute for the Study of Latin America and the Caribbean

Events list for the Institute on Black Life

Student Accessibility Services and Resources. Including links to events and training opportunities

Women’s and Gender Studies Antiracism Speaker Series. Speakers and seminars are posted here on an ongoing basis

Department of Women’s and Gender Studies.  They are great source of information about events related to equality at USF


The Department of Integrative Biology engages in diversity practices which align with the University of South Florida diversity statement:

"The University of South Florida endeavors to make academic excellence inclusive by sustaining a community of free inquiry in which people of diverse race, ethnicity, veteran status, marital status, socio-economic level, national origin, religious belief, physical ability, sexual orientation, age, class, political ideology, gender identity and expression participate in, contribute to, and benefit equally, from the academic community. A diverse campus environment, in which differences are respected and appreciated, promotes more effective teaching, produces greater learning outcomes, and better prepares students for an increasingly diverse workforce and pluralistic society.

Consequently, the University acknowledges the educational benefits of diversity in education and is committed to maintaining a diverse student body at the undergraduate and graduate levels, as well as perpetuating initiatives that enhance the diversity of the campus climate, curriculum, student body, faculty, staff, and administration.

It is through valuing diversity that the University acknowledges the uniqueness of all individuals, their commonalities as well as differences, all of which have shaped their lives in meaningful ways. Diversity is demonstrated by appreciating all members of the university community. It embraces uniqueness, similarities, and differences. Diversity initiatives strengthen the university community and demonstrate USF's commitment to 'touching lives and improving the world.'"

- USF Office of Diversity, Inclusion & Equal Opportunity.

Integrative Biology Mission Statement

The Integrative Biology Department Antiracism and Equity Committee (AREC) addresses systemic racism and inequities in access to science by underserved groups in the Department of Integrative Biology.

The Integrative Biology Department Antiracism and Equity Committee addresses systemic racism and inequities in access to science by underserved groups in the Department of Integrative Biology. We assert that the most innovative biology is done when barriers to participation by underserved groups are removed.

AREC provides an avenue for giving voice to underserved populations and eliminating barriers for access to science by all. AREC shall, on an annual basis, assess the degree to which IB students, staff and faculty reflect the population of Florida and the US. Based on this information, AREC shall advocate for mechanisms to improve representation/retention of underserved populations at all levels (graduate and undergraduate students, staff, faculty).

AREC will also advocate for mechanisms to improve representation of underserved populations in our curricula, including the teaching of historic disenfranchisement and harm in our field by the dominant group to underserved populations. Further, AREC will identify training opportunities and other resources for faculty, students, and staff to address systemic racism and inequity.

AREC will be composed of at least three members of the Regular Faculty (representing multiple USF campuses), two graduate students, and a staff representative appointed by the Department Chairperson, and could grow to include other populations as needed.

The AREC chair will be appointed by the members of the committee. Members will serve three-year terms. AREC will provide reports to the Department Chairperson and the faculty.