Diversity Statement

As members of the Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering at San Diego State University, we acknowledge that the field of engineering has historically failed to prioritize equity and inclusion in the preparation of the engineering workforce and engineering faculty at universities. With our acknowledgement of this history, we resolve to be proactive in incorporating equity and inclusion in the preparation of our students, staff, and faculty. We resolve to remain aware, such that our methods and ways of thinking are not confined to those that exclude the experiences of any individual or community. We acknowledge the need to improve diversity and inclusion, and the importance of upholding equity and justice as moral standards for all students, faculty, and staff, including those who are underrepresented in engineering with respect to race, ethnicity, gender identity and expression (LGBTQ+ community), ability status, creed, and socio-economic status. 

Our mission as a department is to ensure student success by providing a high-quality education through focused instruction, research, and continuing professional development for the benefit of the engineering profession, society and the environment. We are making conscious efforts to grow, listen, learn, and reflect. We are taking specific actions to increase diversity and support equity and justice for students, faculty and staff. Our first two goals are to intentionally engage in activities that increase our diversity and promote inclusion and retention of students, faculty, and staff, so that our department more accurately reflects the diversity of the broader community outside of our university. Our third goal is to strengthen and sustain a climate that promotes and nurtures equity, justice, and growth for students, faculty, and staff. We have established a department committee with student, faculty, and staff members to develop a diversity and equity plan with specific strategies for achieving these goals.