Diversity and Inclusion Master Plan

College Initiatives that Promote Diversity, Inclusion, Equity

Chief Diversity Officer Position The position of Chief Diversity Officer (CDO) was created and filled in the fall of 2016. The chief responsibility of the CDO is to assess and nurture diversity and inclusion in the College’s operations. This will be largely accomplished through the implementation of the suggestions outlined in this master plan and by working in coordination with the Assistant VP for Human Resources to implement strategies currently in place at the College.

Affirmative Action and Diversity Committee The College’s Affirmative Action and Diversity Committee exists to

• Recommend Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action policies and procedures; • Serve in an advisory capacity on matters of affirmative action, including the interpretation of policy; • Aid in the resolution of grievances related to affirmative action; • Provide support and advice to the Office of Student Affairs with regard to recruitment and retention of under-represented students; and, • Raise Awareness of cultural issues involving students, employees, and patients. • Assist with the development, dissemination and implementation of EEO/AA policies and procedures • Sensitize students and employees to the institution’s EEO/AA policies and our commitment to equal treatment of all individuals • Review and update of the Affirmative Action Plan • Work closely with the Office of Student Affairs in their endeavor to recruit qualified minority students • Develop and implement activities to promote ASCO’s Diversity Action Plan to make multiculturalism/diversity a Core Value in the schools and colleges of optometry Cultural Competency and Diversity Training SUNY Optometry is committed to serving all individuals with compassion, respect and appreciation for their unique cultural insights and needs. The College’s curriculum includes aspects of cultural competence threaded though out various courses, including but not limited to, integrative seminar, courses and laboratories in optometric procedures, epidemiology, public health and practice management. Specific Functions

In 2011-12, the Tool for Assessing Cultural Competence Training (TACCT) was used to survey instructors of record and determine which cultural competence topics were covered by the

P age | 52