Diversity

Diversity Statement

OCOM recognizes, values, and affirms that diversity contributes richness to OCOM and enhances the quality of education, research, clinical care, and service. Students, faculty, staff, and administration are valued for their diversity. OCOM will be committed to providing and nurturing an academic and employment environment in which students and employees are treated with courtesy, respect, and dignity. 

OCOM will ensure that no student or employee will be excluded from participating in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination in any program sponsored by OCOM. OCOM will always be attentive to its commitment to the diversity goals and principles, and it will: 

• provide focus upon diversity and inclusion in the development and revision of OCOM policies and procedures.

• regularly review diversity and inclusion efforts by developing, refining, and continually improving metrics to assess the effectiveness of diversity and inclusion initiatives for employees and students to ensure that the outcomes bring OCOM closer to reflecting the diversity found in its community.

• recognize and critically assess the fragilities and strengths of its actions and outcomes to actively promote social justice, challenge discrimination, and address disparity, inequity, and barriers to inclusion.

• acknowledge the diversity that each member of its community offers – including, but not limited to – race, ethnicity, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background and circumstance, national origin, geographic background, ability and disability, physical characteristics, veteran status, political ideology, creed, and age.

• provide a safe environment where all members of its community can engage in dialogue, question, learn and contribute to their fullest potential.

• respect the dignity of all members of its community and aspire to ensure that all feel valued and supported.

• provide education and training that emphasize respect for differences in culture, language, and life experience and that address both health disparities and the role that implicit and explicit bias can play in decision-making.

• support community engagement and partner with the local, national, and global communities to advance the diversity pathways and eliminate health disparities.

• provide institutional resources to support these efforts in diversity, equity, and professional development of its employees and students