Inclusion, Diversity and Equity Award (EGCS-IDEA)
The UMass ECGS Inclusion, Diversity and Equity Award was established to recognize undergraduate and graduate students’ contributions to activities that promote inclusivity, diversity and equity. These efforts are essential for communicating the Earth and geographical sciences to broad audiences, engaging with historically disenfranchised groups, and ensuring that individuals from all backgrounds can see themselves becoming leaders in EGCS disciplines. Inclusive activities include efforts to welcome into the community of Earth, Geographic, and Climate Sciences, and engage traditionally excluded individuals and/or groups in ways that share power, opportunities, and resources. Diversity activities include working to incorporate people across race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, socioeconomic status, veteran status, education, language, age, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, mental or physical ability and other groups in the EGCS disciplines. Equity activities include efforts to ensure fair treatment, access, opportunity, and advancement for all while striving to identify and eliminate barriers that prevent the participation of some groups in the Earth, Geographic, and Climate sciences.
Awardees receive a monetary prize and are recognized on a plaque located along the main corridor of the Morrill Science building near the EGCS Department office.
Eligibility and Nomination Process
The EGCS-IDEA is open to all currently enrolled undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in a degree program within the UMass EGCS Department. Self nominations, peer nominations, or nominations from faculty are welcomed throughout the year. Submit nominations using this form.