DIMP 2.0

o There is increasing competition for URM applicants with significant scholarship opportunities at other schools and colleges of optometry o Expansion of the applicant pool has focused on college students when earlier interventions may be necessary to make meaningful change

Human and institutional resources • Strengths o

There has been a significant amount of capacity building with one faculty member and three staff members with DEI related job responsibilities ▪ This includes the creation of the “Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB)” and the establishment of the Office of DEIB o There has been an increase in external partnerships established with industry, legislative organizations alumni and other individuals who are willing to support DEI initiatives Although there are meaningful partnerships through outreach at the UEC, College wide we could leverage more collaborations with educational and non-profit organizations who may have contacts in communities of interest o The College and UEC brand are not widely known despite notable successes Mandatory anti-racism and anti-discrimination training was implemented for all faculty students and staff with an overwhelmingly positive response o A diversity module is included in new employee orientation and in Annual Compliance Training o The Office of Continuing Professional Education (CPE) has offered complementary COPE- approved lectures to foster more inclusive practice patterns o Cultural competency training and education on the social determinants of health are integrated into numerous courses in the optometry curriculum o The diverse patient base at the University Eye Center (UEC) exposes students, faculty, and residents to individuals from a variety of communities and backgrounds • Weaknesses o The cultural competency and social determinants of health education could be better integrated and coordinated throughout the curriculum o Clinical faculty could use more training on cultural humility, cultural sensitivity, and culturally responsive care o Graduate students receive few lectures on cultural humility, social determinants of health and health equity • Weaknesses o Learning and training opportunities • Strengths o

Campus Climate & Inclusion Efforts • Strengths o

There are robust resources to support student mental wellness on campus. These services were highlighted by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) in the accreditation visit in April of 2021 o Campus wide programs, such as the Community Book Project have allowed learning opportunities and encouraged interaction between faculty, students, and staff

SUNY Optometry | Diversity and Inclusion Master Plan 2.0 | 17