Beginning in the fall of 2018, JMU Biology faculty, staff and students launched a five-year plan to foster a more inclusive environment across the Department. The Reaching Inclusiveness with Diversity, Growth, and Equity (RIDGE) initiative is funded by a $1M grant from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI).
Over the 5-year project timeframe, the intent is to build community with multiple opportunities for discussion and formal and informal peer-collaboration. The goal is to engage 70% of the College of Science & Mathematics faculty (including new hires), and a majority of students in project activities, which will lead to campus-wide participation. The focus is on three distinct areas that support successful student experiences: Research/Mentoring, Classroom Practice/Teaching and Informal Community.
