The Thriving Physics Department Inclusion Series invites experienced professionals, educators, and leaders in physics and related fields to serve as facilitators for our topical cohort series — a key component of our program designed to deepen learning, build capacity, and support meaningful departmental change. The Thriving Physics Department Inclusion Series aims to support physics communities in transforming local systems to create a discipline that is more accessible, welcoming, equitable, and collaborative. Through a range of learning experiences, we aim to equip participants with the tools, strategies, and community they need to advance thriving departments.
About the topical cohort series
As a facilitator, you will play a vital role in our topical cohort series. The topical cohort series consist of short, three-week virtual learning experiences designed to foster deeper engagement around focused topics related to departmental transformation and professional success in physics.
These cohorts are intentionally designed to:
- Explore a specific topic in depth
- Create space for applied problem-solving and action planning
- Foster peer exchange and collaborative learning
- Support reflection tied to real-world departmental contexts
The format includes:
- Small-group cohorts that are interactive and discussion-based
- Meetings once per week for three weeks
- Facilitator-led sessions with content and structured activities
- An emphasis on engagement, skill-building, and application
As a facilitator, you will:
- Design and lead a three-week cohort experience
- Develop structured session plans and activities, with each session being 60 - 90 minutes
- Lead discussions that encourage engagement and peer learning
- Support participants in creating tangible action plans
- Foster a welcoming, inclusive, and collaborative environment
Learn more about our topical cohort series and program activities
Example topics
You are welcome to submit a proposal across a range of topics aligned with thriving departments, including but not limited to:
- Effective mentoring practices
- Building productive mentor–mentee relationships
- Navigating change and resistance in academic environments
- Inclusive recruitment and retention strategies
- Departmental climate and culture improvement
- Inclusive and accessible education
- Navigating legislative policy changes
- Strategies for cultural change
- Building inclusive academic environments
- Turning access and inclusion commitments into policy change
- Developing department-level action plans for thriving communities
Program goals
As a facilitator, you should align your proposals with the broader goals of the Thriving Physics Department Inclusion Series:
- Equip participants with practical skills, tools, and strategies to strengthen departmental culture
- Foster ongoing community and connection across physics communities
- Support application of learning through reflection, peer exchange, and action planning
- Build collective understanding and momentum around key issues
APS also encourages you to consider the following program focus areas in your proposal:
- Departmental and organizational change
- Recruitment and retention strategies
- Climate and culture improvement
- Supporting student, faculty, and staff success, belonging, and well-being
