Inclusive Excellence

Mission Statement

The Department of Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation (FREC) is committed to inclusive excellence that  strengthens the Department in all aspects of education, research, and public engagement.

We seek an environment in the Department of Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation that encourages and supports all members of our community (students, staff, and faculty) in pursuing their academic, professional, and personal goals, and we are committed to uphold and promote the Virginia Tech Principles of Community.

We believe that we are better collaborators when our students, staff, and faculty mirror our world. Everyone is a welcome and valued member of the FREC community. FREC will not tolerate prejudice or bigotry. We are committed to supporting the Virginia Tech Principles of Community.

Inclusive Excellence Activities in FREC

• FREC Graduate Seminar: The FREC Graduate Seminar provides an opportunity to learn from and network with a diverse array of forestry and environmental professionals.
• A new one-hour course, Professional Skills in Natural Resources (FREC/NR 4004), that aims to improve the professional skills of seniors in the fall semester of their final year as they begin the move from student to professional. The course focuses on soft skills.
• Field equipment check-out.
• VSU Partnerships

Additional Resources

• Hogan, K., & Sathy, V. (2018, March 14). Why we’re “speaking up” about inclusive teaching strategies. The Association for College and University Educators Community. https://community.acue.org/blog/why-were-speaking-up-about-inclusive-teaching-strategies/
• Land and Ladies: a resource for female forest owners and land managers
• Women Owning Woodlands: has events listed, some are close by