From the Associate Chair of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Melinda (Mindy) Gonzales Backen joined PBS in Fall 2024 as Associate Chair for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Since her arrival, we successfully re-established the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) committee, which now includes faculty, staff, as well as graduate and undergraduate student representatives. This diverse committee plays a vital role in fostering a more inclusive environment and guiding DEI initiatives across the department.
A key development has been the creation of a community belonging space designed to promote rest and relaxation, providing a welcoming environment where students and faculty can unwind and connect. Looking ahead, the space will be used to facilitate future focus groups, reading groups, and informal coffee hours to strengthen community ties and promote ongoing dialogue around belonging and inclusion. Come say hi and have a cup of coffee in Tobin Hall 527.
Support for international students remains a priority. Initiatives such as the distribution of red cards and an informational session with UMass Office of Student Legal Services have been implemented to better support the unique needs of this population. These efforts aim to create a more supportive environment for international students as they navigate their education during challenging times.
Recognizing members of our community who go the extra mile to promote equity, inclusion, and justice in our department is critical to building community with a strong sense of belonging. This year, in collaboration with the Graduate Diversity Committee, the PBS DEI Committee hosted a lunch and awards ceremony to recognize the outstanding contributions of PBS graduate students, faculty, and staff. Kristin Howell was awarded the Graduate DEI Service Award. Ana Uribe won the Wendy Helmer Memorial Award. Finally, Dr. Maria Galano was recognized with the Faculty/Staff Ally to Graduate Students Award.
Throughout Fall 2025, the department will host a series of speakers focused on DEI research, alongside workshops aimed at community building and promoting racial awareness. These events are designed to deepen understanding, foster dialogue, and encourage active engagement in DEI related work. Additionally, the launch of the new PSY 322 Diversity Science class provides students with an important opportunity to explore issues of diversity and social justice through an academic lens, further embedding DEI principles into the department’s educational offerings.
Campus to Community Respite Program
The Campus to Community Respite Program is a service learning course in which students are partnered and placed with families raising children, adolescents or adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities to provide weekly respite care. Students are primarily engaging in social and recreational activities in home settings, but may also be using their time with the participants to do activities in the community. By providing these activities, students are giving parents a short break from caregiving responsibility to catch up on chores, relax, or spend time with other family members or friends. This program is run by the Developmental Disabilities and Human Services program, but open to students from all majors.