Equity, Diversity, Inclusivity, and Wellness

Geographic inquiry has always been captivated by diverse places, populations, and processes, including the social and spatial variations produced by race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, language, ability, and socioeconomic status. These facets of diversity remain central to successful geographic research.

In alignment with the core mission of the University of California, the Geography Department at UC Santa Barbara aims to foster an academic climate that not only celebrates diversity but also actively dismantles institutional and systemic barriers to diversity. As a department, we are committed to reform on individual and institutional levels, and, as such, racism or discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated.

We understand that exposure to diverse backgrounds, viewpoints, and ideas enriches one’s educational and personal experience, and we aspire to make our department the top destination of choice for students and researchers who want to feel welcomed, included, and supported. The department is further committed to promoting the academic and professional growth of individuals from historically disadvantaged backgrounds through student equity, community building, and campus advocacy—values that we hope our faculty, students, researchers, and staff will, in turn, emulate throughout their broader communities.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Working Group

Toward this goal, the Geography Department formed the Geography Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Working Group (GEDIWG) in 2020, a community effort to create a more equitable, inclusive, and supportive department. Through GEDIWG and other individual and programmatic efforts, the Geography Department at UCSB renews its responsibility to enhance our department and campus diversity, equity, and inclusion. Please contact the department Diversity Officer, Nick Nidzieko, for more information or leave an anonymous comment here (available only to ucsb.edu accounts).