Department actions

MIRA conversations on inclusion and equity

The Michigan Institute for Research in Astrophysics sponsors an irregular talk series on matters related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. When colleagues with a track record of activity on DEI topics come to give a scientific talk, we invite them to stay an extra day and also give a presentation on their DEI interests. (We recognize that this is an extra burden we place on our speakers and appreciate the effort from those who are able.)

Upcoming talks (as of September 2019) are:

• Dr. Annmarie Eldering, "My, how things have changed! Working in science and engineering since the 1980s (and how we can all be part of change in the future)."

  • • Sep 27, 12-1:30pm. Climate and Space Research Building (North Campus), 2455 Hayward St.

eliminated the physics gre

• On November 18, 2016 the Astronomy faculty voted to eliminate the Physics GRE from our graduate admissions process. The scores are no longer accepted (there is no optional submission), as of the Fall 2017 application season. As of 2020, the general GRE is also not considered in grad application.

• The American Astronomical Society has a statement that concludes with: "Given the research indicating that the GRE and PGRE are poor predictors of graduate student success, that their use in graduate admissions has a particularly negative impact on underrepresented groups, and that they represent a financial burden for many students in pursuing advanced degrees in the astronomical sciences, the AAS recommends that graduate programs eliminate or make optional the GRE and PGRE as metrics of evaluation for graduate applicants." Please see that document for extensive references in support of this recommendation.

Recruitment, admissions, and hiring

• Annual Preview Weekend: an all-expenses-paid opportunity to explore graduate education, participate in admissions workshops, meet world-renowned faculty and current graduate students, and learn about life in Ann Arbor

• Annual NextProf workshop: an all-expenses-paid workshop designed to encourage talented scientists with a demonstrated commitment to diversity to consider academia — an exciting and rewarding career. We will help you develop strategies to strengthen your ability to pursue an academic career

• Presidential Postdoctoral Fellowship Program: a postdoc-to-faculty program. The University seeks applicants whose research, teaching, and service will contribute to diversity and equal opportunity in higher education. The program is particularly interested in scholars with the potential to bring to their research and undergraduate teaching the critical perspective that comes from their non-traditional educational background or understanding of the experiences of groups historically underrepresented in higher education.

  • Profs. Keren Sharon and Emily Rauscher were hired through this program

• LSA Collegiate Postdoctoral Fellowship Program: a postdoc-to-faculty program. The purpose of the LSA Collegiate Postdoctoral Fellowship Program is to support exceptional scholars who are committed to diversity in the academy and to prepare those scholars for possible tenure-track appointments in the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts at U-M.

  • Profs. Lia Corrales and Sean Johnson were hired through this program

astronomy participation in national activities

• American Astronomical Society (AAS) Committee for Sexual-Orientation and Gender Minorities in Astronomy

• AAS Committee on Astronomy and Public Policy