UNMC's Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
Whether engaged in patient care, research or education, UNMC touches the lives of millions of people. As part of a global health community, we recruit students from around the world and here at home who have an interest in serving patients from all walks of life.
UNMC is creating an environment of inclusion for everyone – patients, visitors, employees and students. When you step foot on this campus, we hope you feel valued, respected and connected. And we hope you feel this way beyond the confines of our campus as our students, faculty and staff reach out into the surrounding communities, the nation and the world.
College of Dentistry Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives
Our initiatives have included:
- Ongoing - Educational campaigns focused on educating the college community about different cultures and the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion.
- Ongoing - Encouraging the college community to attend University and community events to learn about different cultures and the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion.
- June 2021 - Held a workshop for faculty and staff on how the college community can collaboratively foster a more inclusive environment.
- November 2021 - Developed and distributed a survey to faculty, staff and students around diversity and inclusion to help guide the development of strategic priorities.
- April 2022 - Invited students, faculty and staff to share a personal narrative at a storytelling workshop. Participants gained an understanding our differences through hearing individuals' different perspectives and experiences.
Core Principles
UNMC defines the core principles of inclusion, diversity and equity as defined by the Association of American Colleges & Universities.
Diversity: Individual differences (e.g., personality, learning styles and life experiences) and group/social differences (e.g., race/ethnicity, class, gender, sexual orientation, country of origin and ability, as well as cultural, political, religious or other affiliations)
Inclusion: The active, intentional and ongoing engagement with diversity—in the curriculum, in the co-curriculum and in communities (intellectual, social, cultural, geographical) with which individuals might connect—in ways that increase awareness, content knowledge, cognitive sophistication and empathic understanding of the complex ways individuals interact within systems and institutions
Equity: The creation of opportunities for historically underrepresented populations to have equal access to and participate in educational programs that are capable of closing the achievement gaps in student success and completion
Equity-Mindedness: A demonstrated awareness of and willingness to address equity issues among institutional leaders and staff