In Fall 2020, a College of Engineering task force, appointed by Dean Patricia Culligan and chaired by Associate Dean Ron Metoyer, evaluated every aspect of the College with respect to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). The task force made recommendations for long- and short-term efforts to create a more diverse and inclusive community. For more details about the full task force report, contact Associate Dean James Schmiedeler or read/download the ND Engineering DEI Action Items.
The College undertakes this work under the guidance of Notre Dame’s principles of diversity and inclusion, which call us to respect the dignity of every person; build a Notre Dame community in which all can flourish; and live in solidarity with all, particularly the most vulnerable.
News
In Spring 2022, the University of Notre Dame received an Honorable Mention in the National Science Foundation’s Taking Action: Covid 19 Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Challenge in the 4-year STEM category. The Challenge aims “to identify actions that institutions of higher education can take to ensure DEI in STEM despite the long-term challenges of the COVID pandemic and to share those strategies broadly….” The College of Engineering led the effort at Notre Dame, focusing its entry on the “double-edged sword” impact of STEM AP credits (Advanced Placement in Calculus, Chemistry or Physics) on students’ education.
In Fall 2021, the College established a standing Committee on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, including faculty from each department as well as staff, graduate student, and undergraduate representatives. The committee is charged with guiding progress on DEI initiatives across the College.
In Spring 2021, the College appointed Yvette Rodriguez as its first Director of DEI in Engineering. She joins us from Notre Dame’s Multicultural Student Programs and Services, where she served as assistant director for five years.
Contact
Yvette Rodriguez
Wilma Sanchez Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Engineering
yrodrig2@nd.edu
College of Engineering Standing Committee on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Chair
James Schmiedeler, professor and associate dean
Faculty Directors of DEI in each department
Yamil Colón (CBE)
Christine Maziar (EE)
Tijana Milenkovic (CSE)
Hirotaka Sakaue (AME)
Antonio Simonetti (CEEES)
Dean’s office
Yvette Rodriguez, Wilma Sanchez Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Engineering
Leo McWilliams, assistant dean for undergraduate programs
Jay Brockman, director, Center for Civic Innovation
Graduate students
Nicole Cortes (CBE)
Alberto Rodriguez (CSE)
Staff representative
Annie Cahill Kelly (CEEES)
Student representatives
- National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE)
- Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPe)
- Society of Women Engineers (SWE)
- Asian American Association of Notre Dame
- PrismND (LGBTQ+A)
Notre Dame Resources
Speak Up! Report DEI concerns
Office of Institutional Equity
574-631-0444
speakup.nd.edu