385 Investigating Inclusiveness within the Department of Animal Science

Abstract Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) have become important topics for discussion in Animal Science Departments across the nation. The need DEI-awareness programming has increased as student populations more diverse. Therefore, objective of this work was to understand how included students felt Department Science. A survey instrument using Qualtrics developed distributed 1,047 undergraduate graduate students. total 436 participants completed at least a portion (response rate = 41.6%). Information will be presented descriptively. Approximately 56%, 29%, 15% came from rural, suburban, urban areas, respectively. Additionally, 36% reported having no previous livestock experience. Participants were asked rank their perceived level different facets department when starting major. 11%, 14%, 13% that they not class, with peers, faculty, respectively, degree program. Conversely, 24%, 22% 26% very upon entering Juniors, seniors, graduates same three areas after being two years. Only 2%, 10%, 5% these feeling Roughly 39%, 34%, 39% experienced Although feelings improved mature students, there is still concern some do feel belonged. Further analysis needed identify attributes throughout program tools could help improve inclusion.