DEI Vision and Resources

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Vision

At the Molecular Cellular and Integrative Physiology (MCIP) Graduate Group, we believe in the power of diversity and inclusion, both in terms of backgrounds and perspectives, to achieve excellence and enrich the educational experience and scholarly environment of all our members. Diversity and Inclusion efforts include a holistic admission with removal of GRE, participation in Envision Program, support of diverse faculty, especially those creating programs to support DEI efforts, increase presence in URM recruitment meetings, advocacy in support of students, improved advertising of the program, partnering with UC Davis Grad Studies for different activities, facilitation of students-led DEI initiatives and many more. All of these programs and initiatives highlight MCIP dedication and commitment to promoting the values of diversity and inclusion within our community and ensuring a vibrant and supportive environment for all.

Diversity Resources

The University of California, Davis values a diversity of viewpoints, backgrounds and experiences among its graduate student population. The Molecular, Cellular and Integrative Physiology graduate group encourages diversity in the application and recruitment process by participating in programs to improve graduate diversity, such as the Initiative for Maximizing Student Development (IMSD) training grant, University of California Office of the President Historically Black Colleges and Universities Initiative, and the College of Biological Sciences Strategic Student Recruitment Plan. Our admission criteria also include each candidate’s potential for leadership in the university mission for diversity.  

Statements of Diversity

Support Programs and Departments

Expanded DEI Vision

At the Molecular Cellular and Integrative Physiology (MCIP) Graduate Group at UC Davis, we believe in the power of diversity and inclusion, both in terms of backgrounds and perspectives, to achieve excellence and enrich the educational experience and scholarly environment of all our members. Our diversity efforts are centered on values of equity and transparency. Accordingly, we strive to recruit, develop, graduate, and empower a diverse student body, including individuals from historically marginalized populations (URMs), disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds, women, and international students, who can provide meaningful contributions to our society, science, personal experiences, and the overall success of our graduate program. To back our words with action, we made significant changes to our admission process by removing the GRE requirement and implementing a holistic review of applications with a specific rubric that students can access to tailor their applications. This approach allows us to assess applicants based on their overall potential and qualifications, considering their academic achievements, research experience, personal statement and background, and letters of recommendation. MCIP also developed and participated in several outreach strategies and programs aimed at recruiting a diverse student body. For example:

  • MCIP has consistently participated in the UC Envision Program. This program seeks to eliminate the barriers that prevent underrepresented students from successfully entering and completing graduate school and encourages applications from individuals who have perspectives or experiences of groups who are historically underrepresented in higher education.
  • MCIP supports our Faculty-led Somos UC Davis Pathways to PhD Program, which aims to increase the number of students from San Jose State University (SJSU), a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI), to successfully complete PhD programs at UC Davis. This initiative includes matching SJSU students with MCIP graduate student mentors for Zoom peer-mentoring meetings, visits of MCIP Faculty to SJSU and a summer experience for SJSU students in laboratories of MCIP Faculty, thus providing invaluable guidance and support to these students.
  • MCIP built up an email list that includes Program Directors and Chairs serving underrepresented students and other stakeholders to whom we send recruitment material promoting MCIP.
  • MCIP embraced social media as a recruitment strategy to market MCIP broadly.
  • MCIP recruits a diverse faculty to participate in the admission process.
  • MCIP increased its presence in meetings and conferences steered towards URMs, including SACNAS, ABRCMS, Undergraduate Showcase at the American Physiological Society Annual Meeting, and others. 
  • MCIP partnered with UCD Graduate Studies and other Graduate Groups to participate in visits to CSUs to promote UCD Graduate Programs.
  • MCIP joined other graduate groups in advocating for changes in a discriminatory policy regarding English proficiency that precludes recruiting students from Puerto Rico and other jurisdictions that have not taken the TOEFL or equivalent exam.

 

Perhaps one of the best initiative that we feel most proud of is our engagement in the student-led WISE (Wellness, Inclusion, Social Equity) initiative. This initiative was conceived with a primary objective to foster a supportive and inclusive environment of our graduate students. The initiative strives to instill and cultivate the principles of social equity, well-being, and inclusivity throughout both the MCIP and Biophysics Graduate Groups. Under the umbrella of WISE, numerous activities and programs have been implemented to promote wellness diversity, equity and inclusion. Efforts have been made to amplify the voices of underrepresented students, create safe spaces for dialogue, and foster a sense of belonging for all members. By providing mentorship opportunities, facilitating networking events, and promoting collaboration among diverse individuals, WISE aims to create a supportive community that celebrates and values the unique perspectives and backgrounds of its members. MCIP provides support as see fit by the students. All of these programs and initiatives highlight MCIP dedication and commitment to promoting the values of diversity and inclusion within our community and ensuring a vibrant and supportive environment for all.