The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) has begun its latest strategic initiative to place engagement, integrity, inclusiveness, and self-reflection at the forefront of its values. Its two student organizations, Student Chemists Association (SCA) and Gamma Sigma Epsilon honors society (GSE), have enacted measures to create a department that intentionally cultivates an atmosphere of inclusion and engagement. Many of our activities have focused on strengthening mentorship relations between upperclassmen and first-year students. The year began with a mentor training program led by our faculty advisors to discuss the sociological background behind the need for diversity and inclusion. Fundamentals that were explored included paradigms of diversity, dissemination of cultural capital, and techniques to maintain effective engagement. After training, both SCA and GSE initiated a variety of social and academic activities to put these ideas into practice. These took the form of brown bag mentoring lunches, monthly "stress buster" activities, and various volunteering opportunities. By encouraging a culture of diversity and inclusion, these efforts have improved recruitment rates into the major and eased the stress of leadership succession. We hope that through this, students will develop a sense of belonging in the department that will lead to their academic and professional success.

Infusing diversity and inclusion initiatives into the Student Chemists Association at The College of New Jersey

255th National Meeting (2018)

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