Eastern Michigan University Physics and Astronomy Earns Award from Physics & Astronomy SEA Change Program

College Park, MD, July 23, 2025—Eastern Michigan University Department of Physics and Astronomy has earned a Bronze Award from the Physics and Astronomy SEA Change Committee (P/A SEA Change) for its work to create a more inclusive and supportive department.

The Department of Physics and Astronomy at Eastern Michigan University joined the second SEA Change cohort in the spring of 2022 and went through the self-study process over the next two years before developing the action plan that was submitted as part of the award application.  The five-year action plan focuses on three main goals: continued reform of foundational courses; improvement of department climate through inclusive teaching and mentoring; and increase recruitment and retention of students. 

"This award is the result of significant work by our SEA Change team, with the full support of our colleagues," said Ernie Behringer, professor of physics and astronomy and former Interim Department Head at EMU.  "We have already started some of the tasks in our action plan, and we look forward to improving everything -- courses, community, and climate -- for all our students.  This work is necessary to be a thriving department, and to be aligned with our stated intention to welcome all students”

The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) SEA Change program aims to advance institutional transformation that supports success for all in STEMM — science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine — fields. To combat the long-term impact of bias, marginalization, and exclusion, SEA Change (short for STEMM Equity Achievement Change) supports institutions as they interrogate the policies, processes, culture, programs, and practices that promote or impede success for all. The program also provides recognition for institutions that undertake this effort.

P/A SEA Change, the first disciplinary offshoot of this institutional program, extends this model to specifically support postsecondary-education physics and astronomy departments in their work to create an inclusive, creative, and supportive STEMM ecosystem. The program is a collaboration between AAAS and 11 member and affiliate societies of the American Institute of Physics and led by the American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT).

“Now more than ever, we appreciate that postsecondary physics and astronomy departments are dedicated to doing the work to remove unnecessary barriers and create environments where all students, faculty, and staff can thrive. Per the reviewers, Eastern Michigan University Physics and Astronomy has used their data to identify opportunities for improvement within their institutional context. Their action plan leverages these opportunities to create a positive education environment by reforming the curriculum and improving advising so that they can best support all physics learners. P/A SEA Change looks forward to seeing their progress over the next 5 years and beyond,” said Alexis Knaub, Director of P/A SEA Change. 

The P/A SEA Change process is a non-trivial undertaking during which the participating department first undergoes a comprehensive self-assessment, critically examining its demographics, policies, procedures, culture, and climate. Next, the department creates a five-year action plan with measurable outcomes to address some of the structural and systemic challenges identified. A review panel evaluates the department’s self-assessment and action plan and provides feedback, and then the P/A SEA Change Committee decides whether to award the department a Bronze Award that is good for five years. Finally, P/A SEA Change continues to provide check-ins and guidance on the action plan as it is implemented across the next five years. At the end of five years, awardees can apply again for a Bronze Award or advance to another level.

Physics and Astronomy SEA Change
SEA Change empowers institutions to identify and address barriers that will enhance student and faculty retention, and foster resilience aligned with each institution's unique mission and goals. By joining SEA Change, colleges and universities access a community of peers, tailored self-assessment frameworks, and practical tools to support continuous improvement. P/A SEA change is a collaboration of professional physics and astronomy societies: American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT), American Astronomical Society (AAS), American Institute of Physics (AIP), American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM), American Physical Society (APS), AVS (Science and Technology of Materials, Interfaces, and Processing), National Society of Black Physicists (NSBP), National Society of Hispanic Physicists (NSHP), the Physics and Astronomy Division of the Council on Undergraduate Research, Optica, and the Society of Physics Students (SPS).

Contact: David Wolfe, Director of Communications, dwolfe@aapt.org
(301) 209-3322, https://www.aapt.org