Culture, Access, and Community
The faculty, students, and staff of the University of Tennessee’s Department of Microbiology believe that engaging with individuals from all backgrounds and perspectives is crucial for the scientific endeavor and community.
To foster outstanding research, scholarship and practice – and to be people able to work, excel, and lead in an increasingly multicultural and global society with complex challenges and opportunities – we must take advantage of our collective strengths. We are committed to promoting an atmosphere where all members of the Microbiology community feel welcome, can thrive, and achieve success, consistent with the University’s commitment to high academic standards, student achievement, and the preparation of responsible citizens.
Our Department of Microbiology is committed to advancing and maintaining a collegial academic environment by engaging with individuals from all backgrounds and perspectives to foster a vibrant learning environment that enhances critical thinking and intellectual growth. Therefore, we work to cultivate a welcoming, equitable, and accessible community, characterized by respect and civility, for all its students, faculty, and staff.
The Microbiology Access and Engagement Committee is interested in hearing comments, concerns, or general thoughts about the culture, access, and community in our Department. To support safe and open expression, we are implementing a completely anonymous online submission form. This portal is monitored by the Department Head, Dr. Heidi Goodrich-Blair and Department Associate Head, Dr. Alison Buchan, who will direct comments to the appropriate departmental committee.
Learn more about the University of Tennessee’s commitment to Access and Engagement:
Please know that there are avenues for you to formally report incidents at UT:
- Campus Climate Concern Reporting Form: form
- Harassment / discrimination: https://dae.utk.edu/eoa/
- Sexual assault / harassment / stalking: https://titleix.utk.edu/)
The UTK ombudsperson is a confidential resource to discuss issues and reporting options: https://ombuds.utk.edu/
The University of Tennessee offers a range of services for student and employee assistance:
- Distressed Employee Hotline 865-946-CARE (2273)
- Distressed Student Protocol 865-974-HELP (4357)
- Emergency Information Line 865-656-SAFE (7233)
Emergency Contacts for Immediate Help:
- 911
- UT Police Department: 865-974-3111 (emergency)
- Student Counseling Center: 865-974-2196
- Mobile Crisis: 865-539-2409 (available 24 hours)
- Contact Care Line: 865-584-4424
- Suicide Hotline: 800-784-2433
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255