Inclusive excellence statement

In the Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences (AOS) Department, we study atmospheric dynamics, chemistry, physics, meteorology, biogeochemistry, oceanography, space physics, and Earth’s climate. We explore how these systems change and how their impacts on humankind affect us all.

The AOS Department pledges to (1) strive to actively create an inclusive academic environment, one that is open, welcoming, and accessible to all qualified individuals and encourages the highest quality of research and education, (2) foster an environment that recognizes and supports inclusivity and gives each person a space for safe expression, and (3) identify and implement mechanisms that prevent and address discrimination and hold members accountable for their actions through clear reporting processes, transparent review procedures, and appropriate departmental or university responses if concerns arise.  All department activities, including admissions, hiring, mentoring, and evaluation, are conducted in accordance with principles of fairness, equal opportunity, and merit.

We rely on a broad range of talents and perspectives to study past, present, and future environmental changes and challenges and to provide advice for decision makers. The quality and relevance of science and solutions is improved by recruitment of talent across the entire breadth of our society. Accordingly, the AOS Department is committed to fostering a safe and inclusive space where differing perspectives are welcomed, a commitment advanced through the work of our Inclusive Excellence Committee (IEC). The IEC is composed of faculty, graduate students, and undergraduate students, and serves as a forum for the AOS community to discuss academic challenges or grievances, ensuring that all voices are heard and valued. The IEC leads a variety of initiatives to cultivate a supportive and inclusive departmental culture. These include the biannual “Chat n’ Chow with the Chair”, a community-building event that encourages and facilitates open dialogue between students and faculty.  The committee also collaborates with graduate students to develop mentor-mentee agreements, which promote effective communication and respectful academic relationships in alignment with Inclusive Excellence promoted by One UCLA. The department maintains clear and accessible reporting channels for concerns related to discrimination and follows established review procedures to ensure such concerns are addressed promptly and fairly, based on mandatory workplace training. If issues arise, appropriate departmental and university processes are used to investigate concerns. Additional, external resources are listed below.

This statement was created by the Inclusive Excellence Committee and approved by the AOS Faculty on March, 2026

Additional Resources:

Below is a list of resources and organizations, both within and outside the department, that offer support to faculty, graduate, and undergraduate students., The AOS Department actively collaborates with these groups in our ongoing efforts to build an inclusive academic environment. We encourage prospective students to contact us with inquiries on our academic programs and financial and academic support available at the undergraduate and graduate level

Contact: Kathy Yi, Student Services Officer, kathyy@atmos.ucla.edu

LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT

As a land grant institution, the AOS Department at UCLA
acknowledges the Gabrielino/Tongva peoples as the traditional
land caretakers of Tovaangar (Los Angeles basin, So. Channel Islands).