Belonging Statement

Creating a Departmental Culture of Respect

Edited: 7/25/2025

The community of scholars that make up the Department of Molecular Biosciences at the University of Kansas believe that our scientific endeavors are strengthened by incorporating a range of ideas and approaches into our research, teaching, and service missions. We value intellectual openness and curiosity and encourage participation from people with different backgrounds and paths to science. We strive to create a community of scientists who all gain by recognizing the distinctive strengths each person brings to our shared work.

Specific goals:

  1. Ensuring that all members of the department – faculty, staff, and students – as well as visitors feel respected, supported, and able to fully participate, and that they have many opportunities to contribute to the department, the University of Kansas, and their academic field.
  2. Encouraging the participation of everyone in all aspects of departmental function.
  3. Empowering all participants to make the most of their scientific endeavors.
  4. Ensuring that department members are attentive to the professional, academic, and interpersonal needs of colleagues, fostering a productive scientific, academic, and collegial atmosphere.

Our commitment is manifest in the following ways:

  • Recruitment
    • We strive to recruit students, staff, postdocs, and faculty whose varied experiences and training enhance the culture and scientific activity of the department.
  • Departmental Culture
    • Our department values a collegial and supportive environment and partners with programs that enrich our departmental climate, such as the Impact and Belonging team.
  • Outreach
    • We actively encourage participation in outreach activities at local universities, public schools, and community events, which build relationships that enhance scientific progress and facilitate science communication.

Campus resources:

Molecular Biosciences Graduate Student Organization (GSO)
Black Student Union
Asian American Student Association
SACNAS
University of Kansas Student Senate
University Academic Support Centers
Counseling and Psychological Services

 

Office of International Student Affairs - The Office of International Student Affairs provides an experienced immigration advising staff to help answer questions and process paperwork for maintaining legal student immigration status. It also offers a wide range of services and programs to support international students in adjusting to life in Lawrence, Kansas. From a week-long orientation program to ongoing academic support, the office is here to help ensure that international students have a rewarding and successful experience at KU.

Office of Civil Rights and Title IX - The Office of Civil Rights and Title IX is committed to maintaining a safe and respectful campus environment and addressing concerns related to discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct, and retaliation.

McNair Scholars Program ­- McNair Scholars are KU undergraduates from a wide range of disciplines who are committed to conducting research and pursuing graduate education.

Langston Hughes Visiting Professors  - The Langston Hughes Professorship brings prominent scholars to KU for a prestigious appointment and helps foster intellectual exchange through a campus-wide symposium on important academic topics.