Diversity and Inclusion Master Plan

Scope of the project

Institutional Data

This report has been developed using the following national and institutional data:

1. National demographic data of gender, race and ethnicity representation in healthcare professions and healthcare programs, and data of students, faculty and staff at optometry schools 2. Demographic data of students, faculty, and staff at SUNY College of Optometry (SUNY Optometry) 3. In addition, it includes pilot data from a campus-wide climate survey of students, faculty, staff, and administrators, and a diversity and inclusion focus group. 1. To compare demographic data from the Optometry profession and the College’s with national and state demographic data to gain a deeper understanding of potential groups that may be underserved 2. To gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the feelings and thoughts of the College’s community including staff, faculty and students 3. To devise a workable plan to address potential issues related to diversity and inclusion

The purpose of this report is:

Definition of terms

The term “underrepresented minorities” (URMs) in this report refers to African American/Black and Hispanics/Latino. Although SUNY Excel standards also consider American Indian, Native Hawaiian, and Two or More Races as URMs, they were not included in this report because some of our sources combined them as “Other races” or did not have a significant sample size. In addition, SUNY Optometry applicants and students often id entify themselves as ‘Two or More Races’ and describe them as White and Asian, neither of which are considered URMs in the Optometry profession and at SUNY Optometry.

Why is this work important?

We need to continue to work towards building a diverse community of students, faculty, and staff that accurately reflects and embraces the values and experiences of the pluralistic society in which we live and serve. This will allow us to better support the C ollege’s mission to advance eye care through education, research, and patient care.

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