The University of Michigan Department of Astronomy Earns Award from Physics & Astronomy SEA Change Program

College Park, MD, November 8, 2024—The University of Michigan Department of Astronomy has earned a Bronze Award from the Physics and Astronomy SEA Change Committee (P/A SEA Change) for its work to create a more inclusive, diverse, and supportive astronomy department.

The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) SEA Change program aims to advance institutional transformation that supports success for all in STEMM — science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine — fields. To combat the long-term impact of bias, marginalization, and exclusion, SEA Change (short for STEMM Equity Achievement Change) supports institutions as they interrogate the policies, processes, culture, programs, and practices that promote or impede success for all. The program also provides recognition for institutions that undertake this effort.

P/A SEA Change, the first disciplinary offshoot of this institutional program, extends this model to specifically support postsecondary-education physics and astronomy departments in their work to create an inclusive, creative, and supportive STEMM ecosystem. The program is a collaboration between AAAS and 11 member and affiliate societies of the American Institute of Physics, including the American Astronomical Society (AAS). The Bronze Award received by the University of Michigan Department of Astronomy marks the third such award issued by P/A SEA Change.

“I am thrilled that departments are taking advantage of the opportunities provided through P/A SEA Change to explore their unique challenges in supporting success for all and scientific excellence. A department cannot fix what it cannot see; the process of uncovering and removing barriers is part of this ongoing journey. We commend University of Michigan Astronomy on recent recognition of a P/A SEA Change Bronze Award and its commitment to excellence and inclusion.,” said Shirley Malcom, senior advisor to the CEO and Director of SEA Change at AAAS. “We are excited that the physics/astronomy team was first to come online with its SEA Change review and awards process, especially as the historic challenges to inclusion are so large.

The P/A SEA Change process is a non-trivial undertaking during which the participating department first undergoes a comprehensive self-assessment, critically examining its demographics, policies, procedures, culture, and climate. Next, the department creates a five-year action plan with measurable outcomes to address some of the structural and systemic challenges identified. A review panel evaluates the department’s self-assessment and action plan and provides feedback, and then the P/A SEA Change Committee decides whether to award the department a Bronze Award that is good for five years. Finally, P/A SEA Change continues to provide check-ins and guidance on the action plan as it is implemented across the next five years. At the end of five years, awardees can apply again for a Bronze Award or advance to another level.

The University of Michigan Department of Astronomy worked over the last two years to put together a plan for the P/A SEA Change program led in part by Kayhan Gültekin, associate professor of astronomy at University of Michigan. Gültekin said that the hard work was worthwhile. “Our self-assessment through the P/A SEA Change program was incredibly rewarding, providing us with critical insights into our strengths and areas for growth in diversity, equity, and inclusion. Over the next five years, our action plan will guide us in making meaningful improvements, from enhancing diverse recruitment and retention efforts to integrating inclusive practices throughout our curriculum and research. These focused initiatives will ensure that the University of Michigan’s Astronomy Department becomes an even more welcoming and supportive place for everyone to study and research astronomy.”

The University of Michigan is the first astronomy department and first doctoral-granting department to be awarded a P/A SEA Change Bronze Award. AAS Education Program Manager, Tom Rice, who oversees AAS’s partnership in the P/A SEA Change program, sees the University of Michigan Astronomy Department’s efforts as a model for other, similar astronomy programs to follow. “The AAS is proud to support astronomy departments in adopting inclusive practices like those that UM Astro has committed to working on in their action plan,” Rice comments.

The P/A SEA Change program began with its first cohort in May 2021, and thus far, 28 departments ranging in size, type, and location have engaged in the program and are making progress. P/A SEA Change is currently recruiting for a fourth cohort of departments. Interested physics and astronomy departments are encouraged to fill out the application form by 20 November.

“The commitment among the professional societies that work on P/A SEA Change is a testament to what we can achieve when we collaborate and support one another,” says Knaub. “My hope is for this program to enable our physics and astronomy learning spaces to truly welcome and include those who wish to be here.”

Physics and Astronomy SEA Change
P/A SEA Change seeks to support postsecondary physics and astronomy departments in United States or US territories by creating systemic, structural change regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). A pilot program of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)—known as SEA (STEMM Equity Achievement) Change — P/A SEA change is a collaboration of professional physics and astronomy societies: American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT), American Astronomical Society (AAS), American Institute of Physics (AIP), American Physical Society (APS), AVS (Science and Technology of Materials, Interfaces, and Processing), National Society of Black Physicists (NSBP), National Society of Hispanic Physicists (NSHP), the Physics and Astronomy Division of the Council on Undergraduate Research, and Optica. The program is funded in part by a Venture Grant from the American Institute of Physics.

The American Astronomical Society (AAS), established in 1899, is a major international organization of professional astronomers, astronomy educators, and amateur astronomers. Its membership of approximately 8,000 also includes physicists, geologists, engineers, and others whose interests lie within the broad spectrum of subjects now comprising the astronomical sciences. The mission of the AAS is to enhance and share humanity’s scientific understanding of the universe as a diverse and inclusive astronomical community, which it achieves through publishing, meetings, science advocacy, education and outreach, and training and professional development.

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Contact: David Wolfe, Director of Communications, dwolfe@aapt.org
(301) 209-3322, https://www.aapt.org