The aim of physics is to understand how nature works on all scales of distance and time and for all forms of matter and energy. The discipline requires careful observation and experimentation followed by hypotheses and eventually theories that explain the many phenomena manifested by nature and that are testable by new experiments. In short, the very definition of physics involves studies that take place over the entire world and by necessity encompasses a universe of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. An excellent academic department should continually seek to accomplish its missions of research, teaching, and service to the university, the state and the nation through the application of its discipline. It is the belief of the Physics and Astronomy Department that any person with a curiosity about the physical universe can benefit from studying the discipline and that anyone with sufficient talent, interest, and dedication can contribute to the department’s academic mission. It is important to be able to recognize and develop excellence in all people who can contribute to that mission as the problems at the leading edge of physics require the very best of human intellect for timely progress in our knowledge to occur. No science department can maintain its own excellence if it fails to attract the very best people from wherever they may have come to arrive at our doorstep. Hence, diversity across the range of human experience, ideas and ideologies is vital to the Physics and Astronomy department and we express our re-commitment to the pursuit of diversifying our faculty, post-graduate researchers, graduate students and undergraduate majors.
The University of Pennsylvania values diversity and seeks talented students, faculty and staff from diverse backgrounds. The University of Pennsylvania does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected class status in the administration of its admissions, financial aid, educational or athletic programs, or other University-administered programs or in its employment practices. Questions or complaints regarding this policy should be directed to the Executive Director of the Office of Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Programs, Sansom Place East, 3600 Chestnut Street, Suite 228, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6106; or (215) 898-6993 (Voice) or (215) 898-7803 (TDD).
Learn more about this policy at the Office of Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Programs and Division of Human Resources websites. Penn has specific policies on sexual harassment and submitting formal complaints about harassment. Faculty and staff who are disabled can find out more about accomodations on campus here.