In these uncertain times, many departments find themselves under threat in a number of ways. The Effective Practices for Physics Programs (EP3) guide and Toolkit for Departments Under Threat are available to provide insights into strengthening your department and looking to strategies that make physics highly relevant in the changing student demographic and financial landscape of higher education. We will briefly review guide and toolkit content that focuses on critical areas such as recruitment, retention, advising/mentoring, climate/culture, program review, strategic planning, implementing change, and tips for effective leadership. This presentation will identify tools for implementing change and strategies for focusing efforts that will allow departments to position themselves as innovators and leaders within the institution.

Three department and division chairs will share their personal reflections on approaching equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) within their own institutional contexts ranging from primarily undergraduate institutions to graduate programs. Participants will have time to discuss in small groups what considerations are important when approaching EDI from the chairs perspective as it relates to various departmental constituencies and the entire culture as a whole. Time will be set aside time at the end of the session to share insights and lingering questions.

Zoom Link: Same as P2

In this talk I will describe aspects of departmental culture that affected me, both positively and negatively, on my route from junior faculty through chaired professor. I will also discuss steps that I take to improve department culture, particularly to increase inclusivity.