DIMP 2.0

DIMP 2.0 Goals and Strategies

1. To increase the number of students and faculty from underrepresented minoritized communities in our student body and academic workforce by making the College a destination of choice for underrepresented students, faculty, and staff. • Strategy 1 – Increase the optometry applicant pool by establishing outreach initiatives and collaborations that reach students earlier in the educational pathway • Strategy 2 – Continue to support and enhance pathway programs to cultivate strong optometry applicants at the College level • Strategy 3 – Develop services and initiatives that help support and educate underrepresented minoritized students about residency, graduate degree programs and the benefits of academic optometry • Strategy 4 – Enhance recruitment and interview strategies to increase the likelihood of recruiting URM faculty • Strategy 5 – Focus efforts on removing barriers in access to education for qualified applicants to optometry school and residency candidates • Strategy 1 – Devote resources to initiatives that educate and celebrate the diverse cultural background of the SUNY Optometry Community and that improve climate • Strategy 2 – Showcase diversity in its myriad forms in College communications • Strategy 3 - Ensure that the physical structure of the College is as inclusive and accessible as possible • Strategy 4 – Identify challenges and create strategies that promote mental wellness of faculty, students, and staff • Strategy 5 – Provide regular feedback mechanisms to encourage the College community to participate in improving inclusion and belonging on campus 2. To create and foster a culture of inclusion and belonging for all people.

3. To produce students and residents who are equipped to care for a diverse patient base.

• Strategy 1 - Examine and update the clinical and didactic curriculum to provide students with solid a foundation in health equity, social determinants of health, intergroup communication, and culturally responsive care • Strategy 2 – Ensure that graduate students matriculate with knowledge of the complexities associated with equitable research practice and equity in clinical and laboratory research • Strategy 2 - Utilize or adapt an established tool to assess an individual’s knowledge, patient - centered attitudes, and skills necessary to serve a diversity of communities

4. To educate the college community on cultural humility and cultural sensitivity and empower them to apply those principles to patient care and community service.

SUNY Optometry | Diversity and Inclusion Master Plan 2.0 | 21