Research

Research & Graduate Studies (RGS) recognizes the urgency of addressing institutional racism and the importance of activity advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Our responsibility extends beyond the specifics of our department operations in RGS. Our activities impact the entire campus experience and the larger communities that we serve through our support of PSU's research and creative work. Thus, our efforts to advance DEI must consider the full range of our influence and our units' interactions with other units on campus and in the community developing plans and strategies that support DEI efforts.

Our vision is to be a change agent for advancing DEI within RGS, PSU, and the larger community we serve. This derives from our mission to support research, scholarly, and creative activities, and graduate students at PSU. As Oregon's only urban, public research university, we believe in involving everyone--from freshmen to faculty to engage the community--in solving the problems facing our region and world, including dismantling systemic racism, ending discrimination, and achieving social justice. To achieve this aim, our goals include:

  • Embracing a culture that is antiracist, values the contributions of all, supports the campus community in their work, and fosters successful careers
  • Developing a staff that mirrors the racial and ethnic diversity within the broader Portland region
  • Supporting campus efforts to increase and retain the racial, ethnic, and gender diversity of our faculty and students
  • Fostering the successful engagement in research, creative activities, and scholarly work for our campus community
  • Creating more pathways for involvement in research and creative activities, specifically for current and prospective undergraduate students from Black, Indigenous, LatinX, and other underrepresented communities
  • Acknowledging and supporting the success of Black, Indigenous, and other faculty and students of color
  • Broadening the impact of PSU research and creative activities on racial justice, equity, and inclusion in our communities beyond PSU

Read RGS's strategy for advancing DEI.

Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Research (JEDI-R) Scholars Fund

The Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Research (JEDI-R)  Scholars Fund supports faculty who are furthering research that is aligned with Portland State University’s commitment to ending racial injustice, racism and discrimination, while promoting diversity and equity. This tenure-related faculty funding opportunity is a collaboration between Research & Graduate Studies, the PSU Foundation, the Office of Global Diversity and Inclusion, and the Office of Academic Affairs. Accepting proposals through April 25, 2022. Learn more.

 

Tools & Strategies to Promote Safe Fieldwork for At-Risk Individuals

Everyone deserves to conduct fieldwork as safely as possible, yet not all fieldworkers face the same risks going into the field. At-risk individuals include minority identities of the following: race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, gender identity and/or religion. When individuals from these backgrounds enter unfamiliar communities in the course of fieldwork, they may be placed in an uncomfortable and potentially unsafe 'othered' position. The following links provide tools and resources that promote safe fieldwork for at-risk individuals.