Groups and Resources

Many diversity and inclusion-focused groups are working to build community within the Department of Physics and throughout the CU «Ƶ campus. Learn more about the groups and resources below.

Community in Physics

COSMOS is a student organization dedicated to diversifying the CU «Ƶ Physics, APS, and Math Departments. They strive to make our departments an inclusive environment and have equal access for the community to help reduce URM/POC isolation in STEM.

CU-Prime is a student-led, diversity-focused, and community-oriented organization in the physics department. Their goal is to improve the culture of physics at CU «Ƶ through equity and inclusion, allyship, and education. 

Equity, Inclusion, and Cookies (EIC)

EIC is a monthly event series open to all members of the CU physics community. Each event is a 90-minute guided discussion over coffee and cookies about issues relating to equity and inclusion in physics.

Representation, Recruitment and Retention (R-Cubed)

R-Cubed is focused on improving representation, recruitment, and retention in the physics department. They lead a genuine community effort involving faculty, post-docs, undergraduate and graduate students, and staff members.

Undergraduate Women and Gender Minorities in Physics (uWaGMiP)

The Undergraduate Women and Gender Minorities in Physics group is a community of undergraduates that host events designed for undergraduate majors. All genders are welcome!

The Women and Gender Minorities in Physics group is a community of graduate and undergraduate students, post-docs, and faculty working to support the inclusion, participation, and success of women and gender minorities in physics.

STEM Groups at CU «Ƶ

The American Indian Science & Engineering Society (AISES) at CU «Ƶ nurtures the building of community by bridging science and technology with traditional Native values. Through its educational programs, AISES provides opportunities for American Indians and Alaska Natives to pursue studies in science, engineering, and technology arenas. 

is a collective of diverse STEM trainees that promotes inclusivity and scientific excellence and connects individuals who have a strong commitment to STEM scholarship, racial and ethnic diversity, community building, and mentorship. They value camaraderie, innovation, self-awareness, and self-empowerment, and they aspire to grow as scientists, professionals, and role models.

CU-STARs is a University of Colorado program to recruit first-year students from diverse backgrounds to scientific careers. The program is open to all interested students, and they meet biweekly throughout the academic year.

is a student organization that works to support women of color in STEM and give them a community to fall back on. The goal of this organization is to inspire current and future generations of women of color to become interested in STEM. Women of Color in STEM also aims to provide students with a safe space and an opportunity to network with fellow students, alumni, professors with similar experiences.

is a self-nominated group of JILAns focused on advancing effective diversity and inclusivity through education and activities within JILA and collaboratively with the CU community. JEDI includes JILA Fellows, Staff, Students and Postdocs.

The McNair Scholars Program is designed to prepare undergraduate students for doctoral studies through involvement in research and other scholarly activities, increasing graduate degree awards for students from underrepresented segments of society. McNair participants are either first-generation college students with financial need, or members of a group that is traditionally underrepresented in graduate education and have demonstrated strong academic potential.

The CU «Ƶ chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) aims to increase the number of culturally responsible black engineers who excel academically, succeed professionally, and positively impact the community. They provide an opportunity to network and meet other members and to get potential internship and job opportunities at their Fall Regional Conference. 

oSTEM at the «Ƶ strives to provide networking opportunities, professional development, social proceedings, and safe space for the LGBTQ community belonging to science, technology, engineering, and math fields on campus.

The Postdoctoral Association of Colorado «Ƶ (PAC) was formed in 2004 to serve the needs of individuals holding postdoctoral positions at the «Ƶ or in the national labs collaborating on campus research projects. Their goal is to create an environment that fosters professional advancement through programming, support services, and networking opportunities for all Postdocs (and to have a little fun along the way!).

PICA is a diversity group primarily run by graduate students with support from faculty members in the Astrophysical and Planetary Sciences Department at CU «Ƶ. They dedicate their time to raising awareness of actions that can increase diversity and inclusiveness within the Astrophysical and Planetary Sciences Department. They work towards providing a safe space for graduate students to discuss challenges they face in the department as well as in the wider field of STEM.

The Partnerships for Informal Science Education in the Community program facilitates community partnerships with local schools, connecting CU «Ƶ mentors with primary and high school students, largely those of under-represented minorities (URM), to explore pathways to STEM in an engaging, welcoming environment.

The CU «Ƶ SASE chapter is dedicated to the advancement of Asian heritage scientists and engineers in education and employment so that they can achieve their full career potential. Their mission is to: prepare asian heritage scientists and engineers for success in the global business world, celebrate diversity on campuses and in the workplace, and provide opportunities for members to make contributions to their local communities.

is a joint student chapter from two national organizations: the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) and Latinos in Science and Engineering (MAES). Their mission is to develop a diverse community of supportive CU «Ƶ students that excel as STEM leaders, contributing community members, and well rounded professionals. 

 focuses on building an inclusive community of strong female engineers and other minorities, while remaining open to all who support these groups in STEM. Their goal is to establish a secure and substantial support system for the collegiate to professional transition, by giving back through their various outreach programs, furthering opportunities for their members and cultivating a strong network within the CU community.

STEM Routes aims to provide community-based support and career mentorship to underrepresented CU students as they find their paths in STEM. The program helps undergraduate students explore and define their career goals as they become prepared for their next step in STEM, be it graduate school, medical training or the STEM workforce. This is a great opportunity for graduate students to act as mentors and for undergraduate students to learn from someone who is eager to help them grow. STEM Routes aims to provide training, mentorship and community. 

CU WIC is the ACM-W Chapter within the computer science department at the University of Colorado at «Ƶ that is dedicated to supporting women and diversity in computing.

 at the «Ƶ is committed to providing coaching, mentorship and a platform for discussion, networking and support to encourage and inspire women in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields throughout their professional careers.

The  chapter at CU «Ƶ aims to create a safe and welcoming environment for underrepresented individuals with a passion for space exploration. We are driven by curiosity, not politics; we believe in advancement for the common good, not the privileged few; and we are relentless in our love for knowledge, for the unknown, and for the future.

Campus Groups and Resources

’s goal is to support all students in the exploration of all of their identities and to create a welcoming and inclusive space on campus that supports academic and personal growth. They provide community-building programs, numerous educational opportunities for students to learn and teach, and a space for students to become active, informed global citizens by engaging and interacting with individuals from different cultures.

The University of Colorado Student Government (CUSG) is the official governing body of the nearly 34,000 students at CU «Ƶ. As the most autonomous Student Government in the nation, CUSG is responsible for allocating $25 million in student fees to improve the lives of all CU students.

CU Engage collaborates with communities, schools, and organizations to address complex public challenges. They facilitate the development of equity-oriented partnerships that sustain engaged learning and mutually beneficial community-based research.

The CU LEAD Alliance is a unique set of academic learning communities whose students, faculty and staff are united to promote inclusive excellence. These “academic neighborhoods” build camaraderie and promote student success during the first-year and throughout students’ four years. Examples of these communities include:

The Graduate Student Experience in the Research University, or gradSERU, survey is the only comprehensive survey of graduate and professional students at the «Ƶ.

The Graduate and Professional Student Government represents graduate and professional students at the «Ƶ. They support initiatives that empower graduate and professional students to pursue their goals.

The «Ƶ offers parental leave benefits and resources for graduate students, including pregnancy & parenting-related academic adjustments, as well as paid leave for students on qualifying appointments.

is making CU «Ƶ a better university by seeking equitable work conditions for all CU employees.