Creating Welcoming Research Spaces

UCCS is a vibrant and growing university, with a student body from many different backgrounds. From active military and veterans to first-generation college students, we have a duty to our students to consider both inherent and lived experiences as we help them navigate their college journeys. 

As researchers, it is our responsibility to ensure that not only are the research practices that we employ welcoming to all, but that the environments in which we conduct this research are also welcoming. For many students at UCCS, this may be their first introduction into research and laboratory spaces and it is up to us to set them up for success. By keeping in mind that everyone's path at UCCS is unique, we can set intentions, guidelines, and expectations for our students that foster a welcoming research environment.

Below you will find resources and templates for creating "lab manuals" and welcome letters to introduce new students and research associates to your group!

And if you're interested in learning more about why this work is so important in academia, check out these articles here:

1. Grindstaff, K., & Mascarenhas, M. (2019). “No One Wants to Believe It”: Manifestations of White Privilege in a STEM-Focused College. Multicultural Perspectives, 21(2), 102-111.
2. Gutiérrez, R. (2017). Political conocimiento for teaching mathematics. Building support for scholarly practices in mathematics methods, 11.