Mission

The mission of the Department of Biology at California State University, Fresno is to prepare students for the future with broad training in biology at the undergraduate and graduate (Master's level). The Department focuses on innovative student-centered strategies, research-focused teaching, and faculty mentoring to advance student success. At both the undergraduate and graduate levels, students work with faculty to carry out cutting edge research of relevance to Central California and beyond. Research and teaching programs are collaborative and integrative. To meet the needs of the diverse Central Valley population, the Department promotes science literacy, does outreach to the community, provides content expertise for science educators, and prepares science teachers.

Vision

The Department of Biology strives to be a regional and national leader in biology research and education, with a diverse curriculum, innovative instructional techniques that advance student success, and active student involvement in externally funded collaborative and integrative biological research programs. The Department is a valuable resource to the community, promoting science literacy, performing research on topics that directly impact the quality of life in the Central Valley and beyond, preparing individuals for careers as practicing scientists, and preparing and supporting science educators.

Goals

• Increase the numbers of faculty so that we can conduct innovative research and offer the diverse curriculum appropriate to the needs of both society and our increasing number of majors
• Build an environment that supports cutting edge, externally funded, and collaborative research
• Reward and support the scholarship of teaching and learning, leading to innovative pedagogical approaches that enhance student success
• Maintain & enhance connections with the community, especially with respect to K-12 science education
• Increase the role of the university in science literacy and rationalism

Community Building Efforts

The Biology Department at Fresno State strives to stand as a beacon of diversity, inclusivity, equity, acceptance, and belonging, recognizing that much of our strength lies in our differences. We are dedicated to ensuring that access to science education and research is inclusive of all individuals*. We understand that achieving this goal requires intentional, active involvement and contribution of each member of the Biology community, including students, staff, administration, and faculty. Therefore, we seek the full support of all individuals, by broadening participation in our effort and fostering a sense of shared responsibility and collective ownership of our goal. By valuing and honoring the diverse perspectives, experiences, and contributions of each person, we create an environment where everyone can thrive. Because transparency is fundamental to this effort, we are committed to openly sharing our progress, goals, and challenges. We also welcome feedback with respect to any potential improvements, so that we may foster trust, encourage dialogue, and build a culture of accountability. Together, we can create an environment that benefits us all, tapping into the full potential of every individual.

*Diversity encompasses age, appearance, color, ethnicity, gender, migration status, national origin, physical or mental ability, race, religion, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, and veteran status.

Fresno State Division of Equity & Engagment.

Biology Department ongoing activities toward enhancing diversity:

• Created a departmental committee to support inclusion and diversity efforts amongst our faculty, staff and students
• Workshops with faculty defining “sense of belonging” and practicing community building
• The Black Excellence in Science & Technology annual Science Saturday
• Aligning research mentor plans to reflect our diversity goals
• We still have a lot of work to do!

Future objectives:

• Organizing trainings, seminars, and outreach
• Aligning our course syllabi to reflect our diversity goals
• Incorporate culturally-sustaining content into our courses

References:

Fresno State Division of Equity & Engament: https://equity.fresnostate.edu/index.html

Foree, Torrel. 2024. Message from the Director of Diversity Initiatives. UC San Diego. https://biology.ucsd.edu/equity-diversity-inclusion/directors-message.html

San Francisco State Biology Department. https://biology.sfsu.edu/diversity-equity-and-inclusion#:~:text=We%20are%20changing%20the%20face,family%20structures%2C%20and%20political%20opinions.

UC Irvine Rubric for Equity and Inclusion: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1cX8I8lGwS8xKWYWImwuei5Z9Cm2cTYCy/edit

Cornell University Diversity and Inclusion: https://cals.cornell.edu/microbiology/diversity-inclusion