DEI within your course work

As a department, we value creating a safe and inclusive atmosphere within the classroom. We believe this should extend into the course work students encounter within the Geography department. With that, we have implemented language to be put into all syllabi that are within the Geography Department. 

Syllabus Language

Meaningful and constructive dialogue is encouraged in this class and requires mutual respect, willingness to listen, and tolerance of opposing points of view. No student will be penalized for the content or viewpoints of their speech as long as it is germane to the subject matter of the class and conveyed in an appropriate manner. Should any student disrupt the instructor's ability to ensure a safe environment, control the class agenda, and/or deliver course content, the instructor has the right to ask that the disruptive action cease immediately. In such an event, the responsible student should cease the disruption and utilize non-disruptive means for expressing disagreement or concern. Students who are physically or verbally disruptive in class may be asked to leave the class and will be dealt with according to the Code of Student Life or referred to the Dean of Students in 135 IMU (319-335-1162). The instructor will report in writing to the Dean of Students the nature of the disruption and any disciplinary action undertaken against a student. (See the Code of Student Life, "Interference with University Operations.")

Any student wishing to provide feedback regarding classroom disruptions may do so at the departmental level, the university level, or to the Dean of Students. 

Student Cultural Houses 

On campus, you will have no problem finding any one of our cultural houses. These are great places to find people like you, and make friends. Our campus values creating homes for all people and our cultural houses are great ways to find that. Walk in at any time, whether it's to do homework, play some games, or just hang out.

• Afro-American Cultural Center: The Afro House is a safe space for Black students, where they can feel welcomed and at home.
• Student groups advised by Afro House:
  • Hubbard Scholars
  • Black Art; Real Stories (B.A.R.S.)
  • Black Student Union (BSU)
• Asian Pacific American Cultural Center: APACC is a space for affirming and healing student identities affiliated with the center, and a space for fellowship and community building.
• Latin Native American Cultural Center: LNACC fosters a sense of belonging, where students can authentically engage with their personal, academic, cultural, emotional, and spiritual identities in a safe, trusting, loving, non-competitive, non-judgmental, yet challenging space.
• Pride Alliance Center: Pride House supports student success and holistic wellness by providing a nurturing and affirming space for our LGBTQ+ students.

Get involved with DEI on campus!

If the cultural houses aren’t enough, there are plenty more groups and organizations on campus to choose from! All of these extracurriculars listed below are specifically programmed to let Hawkeyes know that they belong and they are welcomed. 

• Iowa Edge Program: The Iowa Edge is an exciting program for selected African-American, Alaskan Native, Indigenous/First Nations, Asian-American, Polynesian and Pacific Islander, Latino/a, first-generation, and LGBTQ+ college students transitioning to college. Participate in The Iowa Edge to meet faculty and campus leaders who will support you during your college experience; build community with a group of peers before the semester begins; and develop leadership skills for success in class, on campus, and in life.
• Center for Diversity and Enrichment: CDE brings together under one umbrella a variety of programs, offices, and services that work to create a welcoming climate for students, staff, and faculty from communities underrepresented in higher education. CDE is a unit of the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
• Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: DDEI helps to coordinate the central diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts and inform all parts of campus about opportunities happening across campus.
• Student Disability Services: The SDS mission is to bridge the accessibility gap in the classroom.
• University Counseling Service: UCS supports mental well-being, nurtures student success, and contributes to a safe, welcoming, and multiculturally aware campus community.
  • Trans-Inclusive Services: Medical and mental health services from UCS for Transgender, Gender Non-Conforming, and Non-Binary students seeking assistance/support as part of transitioning. 
• Women's Resource and Action Center (WRAC) has been empowering individuals and fighting oppression since 1971.
  • Womxn of Colour Network

ICIGO Projects

ICIGO is a student organization within the Department of Geographical and Sustainability Sciences that utilizes experiences and skills gained in the classroom to support projects focused on sustainability in the community and state. Examples of past and current projects include mapping campus-wide sustainability efforts, mapping and visualization of local and organic producers, merchants and markets, visualization of campus health activities and more.

DEI Undergrad Chairpeople

In order to ensure all undergraduates are included in important talks about DEI within the Geography department, we require that an undergrad be present in these talks. Every year, a new undergraduate is selected as a representative in meetings with the DEI committee and share important input. Our current undergrad representatives are Martha Fey and Emmeline Kraus.