Diversity and Inclusion Master Plan

Part IV. Critical Findings & Recommendations

Critical Findings

- The percentage of URM students in optometry is lower than that of other health professions (i.e., medical, dental, pharmacy). Our goal within the next five years is to have an enrollment of URMs equal to comparable health professions. - SUNY Optometry is one of the most competitive colleges in the country, exacerbating access and enrollment challenges. - SUNY Optometry’s percentage of URM faculty is low and deserves attention. URM faculty recruitment strategies must be devised and deployed, recognizing that the pool of potential URM faculty is currently limited nationwide. - The Student Climate Survey indicates that there is a high degree of inclusion and satisfaction amongst the student body. Maintaining and building upon the vitality of current programs that boost engagement and morale is critical. - Although the faculty/staff/administration Climate Survey indicates that there are many positives, there are faculty and staff morale concerns that need to be examined further.

Based on the critical findings of this master plan, the Diversity and Inclusion Master Plan Committee proposes the following 4-year strategic goals.

Recommendations (2016-2020)

Goal 1. Increase the recruitment of minority students to the professional OD and graduate programs

Strategy 1. Devise a recruitment strategy that is increasingly targeted at attracting and enrolling underrepresented minority and economically disadvantaged students

• Assess the profiles of our current URM and economically disadvantaged students and alumni and identify what characterizes their experience; use findings to devise recruitment strategies and refine message o Measure: Profiles analyzed, focus groups with students conducted, and findings translated into actionable items; responsible: CDO, Admissions • Reinvigorate the IDEA and Explore campaign by targeting URM serving schools, particularly those with a history of success in providing the College with minority applicants.

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