The UConn Department of Natural Resources & the Environment’s (NRE) serves to welcome all who are interested into our departmental community.   The purpose of this work is to expose barriers to full participation in our teaching, research, and extension efforts, and grow and maintain a community where members feel a strong sense of belonging and connection.

We recognize that there are longstanding barriers that have affected the ability of all to participate in natural resources and conservation. As a department, we take responsibility for creating an environment where everyone’s scientific contributions are valued, our field and field sites are welcoming and safe, and environmental challenges are acknowledged for how they may affect some communities more than others.

NRE faculty, staff, and graduate students share a collective commitment to fostering a department where every member feels accepted, valued, and respected; include a broad spectrum of human experiences; and treat all people with respect and fairness.

We commit to a shared sense of belonging for all members of the natural resources and conservation community; recognize the wealth of experiences and perspectives of our community; and encourage the individual and collective growth, self-reflection, and education of our community.