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Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

We have long invested in a variety of programs to support diversity. The creation of the School of Medicine Office of Inclusive Excellence was a result of the 2012 UNC School of Medicine Strategic Plan.

The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Framework is the foundation of the School of Medicine’s strategy strategy to increase diversity and build and sustain an inclusive working and learning environment.

Diversity Strategic Priorities

  • Recruit and retain diverse faculty, staff, and learners
  • Cultivate an environment that promotes a more inclusive culture
  • Strengthen institutional infrastructure and systems to support diversity, equity and inclusion efforts

Year 3 – Key Accomplishments*

Strengthen DEI Infrastructure

  • Appointed a Director of Underrepresented (UR) Postdoc Access and Success
  • Expanded the leadership of the Office of Scholastic Enrichment and Equity by hiring an Assistant Director of Multicultural Affairs & Student Success
  • Appointed a Director of Underrepresented (UR) Trainee Access and Success
  • Expanded the leadership of the Office of Rural Initiatives by hiring an Assistant Director of ORI

Build and Sustain a More Diverse Community

  • Graduated the first class of students from the Carolina MED Excel Program
  • Hosted the first cohort of the Rising Star Program to Increase Faculty Diversity
  • Held the first ODEI Faculty Retreat to promote the professional development and career advancement of faculty who identify as members of historically marginalized communities

Cultivate an Inclusive Culture

  • Administered the first SOM and UNC Health DEI Climate Survey
  • Developed a system change model for the advancing DEI within the SOM and launched learning communities to leverage DEI best practices across departments
  • Delivered the Understanding and Responding to Microaggressions workshop to 26 departments

*Year 3 through June 31, 2022

Tracking Implementation Progress – Year 4, Q2

Priority Status
5A. Build and sustain a more diverse community reflective of those we serve On Track
5B. Cultivate an environment that promotes a more inclusive culture On Track
5C. Strengthen institutional infrastructure and systems to support DEI efforts On Track

Resources

Equity: Office of Inclusive Excellence Newsletter

View February 2021 Newsletter

Imperative Administration

Stephanie H. Brown, PhD

Stephanie H. Brown, PhD

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Imperative Administrator

Each generation has a chance to create social change and make this world better for marginalized and oppressed groups. The DEI priorities expressed in Forward Together help move us closer to our goal of one day eliminating the oppression and marginalization of diverse people and groups in our state and society. To do so, would allow everyone to lead a healthy and high-quality life.