VALUING COMMUNITY BY EMBRACING DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION

Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED) embraces diversity, equity and inclusion values that create a working and learning environment grounded in respect and collegiately of all. NEOMED views diversity as a commitment to recognizing and appreciating the variety of characteristics that make individuals unique—diversity encompasses race, culture, ethnicity, gender, socio-economic status, religion, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, and military/veteran status.

Individuals at NEOMED strive to create an atmosphere that promotes and celebrates both the uniqueness of individuals and their collective achievement. The practice of diversity at NEOMED means continually educating and training members of the University community to effectively serve an all-inclusive society. Each person is accountable for the University’s overall success.

DIVERSITY IS EVERYONE’S BUSINESS

TABLE OF CONTENTSDiversity is Everyone’s Business 2 Statement of Guiding Principles 3 Offi ce of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion 4 Diversity Council 5Pipelines to NEOMED 6 Pipeline Programs 6 Admission, Scholarship and Support 8 Education for Service 9Diversity on Campus 10 Embracing Diversity Series 10 SafeSpace Initiative 10 Student Success 11Engaging Our Community 12 Outreach and Events 12 Partners 12 Learn More 12

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These Guiding Principles help NEOMED fulfi ll its mission of improving the health of Northeast Ohio through education, research and service. The Guiding Principles are used to implement institutional actions, activities, policies and planning to ensure all members of the community are represented among faculty, staff and students.

A commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion is the responsibility of all individuals. All University members are expected to use the following practices to guide their actions and decision making.• Create a welcoming, nurturing, inclusive environment that promotes interaction among all University members.• Promote practices that create awareness, appreciation, acceptance and celebration of different cultures, beliefs and ideas.• Build skills required to be successful in an all-inclusive environment.• Develop and implement actions and activities that result in the recruitment and retention of more diverse faculty, staff and students.• Serve as University Ambassadors in the community and convey NEOMED’s commitment to serving Northeast Ohio.

“Northeast Ohio Medical University appreciates the rich diversity of our country and is dedicated to increasing the diversity of our students, faculty and staff to ensure that our community is inclusive to all. It is more important than ever that we look at the critical role health care providers play and the need to ensure that the health care workforce is representative of the patients that are served. The efforts of our Offi ce of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and our Diversity Council, combined with the outreach efforts of our Education for Service initiative, aid us in focusing on diversity efforts that can make a positive impact in the communities we serve.”

- Jay A. Gershen, D.D.S., Ph.D., President, Northeast Ohio Medical University

STATEMENT OF GUIDING PRINCIPLES

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The Offi ce of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion seeks to build on the successes achieved by various NEOMED entities and organizations. In collaboration with internal and external stakeholders, the Offi ce is responsible for developing and implementing a University Strategic Diversity Plan, collaborating with University departments to identify opportunities and barriers to the recruitment and retention of a diverse community of successful students, faculty and staff, and leading and supporting diversity-building programs across campus.

The Offi ce is also responsible for evaluating NEOMED’s assets and challenges with regard to underrepresented groups, community support and cultural awareness, and working with the President’s Leadership Team to foster a climate of support and inclusiveness.

“NEOMED has made signifi cant strides in integrating a thoughtful and energetic approach to diversity. The University has a strong Diversity Council, numerous student organizations, faculty networks and innovative programming that are centerpieces in all University-wide diversity initiatives. Their work will be enhanced by the development of a global strategy for diversity, equity and inclusion for NEOMED through a concerted collaborative process across the senior leadership team, NEOMED’s external business partners, Diversity Council members, student organizations, University departments and other key resources. We will continue to determine the direction and resources needed to ensure all NEOMED stakeholders are aware and committed to NEOMED’s diversity objectives.”

- Sergio A. Garcia, LL.B., vice president, Offi ce of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

OFFICE OF DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION

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The Diversity Council ensures the University is dedicated to increasing and sustaining a diverse learning and work environment that is grounded in respect and inclusion. The Council functions as a catalyst for the identifi cation and development of initiatives for improvements in diversity at every level of the University.

The Council leads many initiatives and activities, including enhancing organizational competency for diversity, building a welcoming and affi rming environment for all people and providing a forum to address diversity issues within the NEOMED community.

In tandem with these efforts is the support and leadership of the executive director of diversity, equity and inclusion, who is responsible for implementing practices, processes, support services, and programmatic and educational initiatives that enable diversity and inclusion to become part of the fi ber of the institution. The director leads the charge to advocate for all students, including students from underrepresented groups, and to build bridges of understanding to develop greater cultural competencies.

“At Northeast Ohio Medical University, we understand that valuing diversity and inclusion means providing all who learn, work and visit our institution the opportunity to actively participate in a vibrant intellectual community that offers a myriad of ideas and perspectives. This mission is in part carried out by the Diversity Council, which comprises faculty, staff, students and community partners whose time and efforts help us realize our commitment to enhancing and fostering diversity and inclusion in ways that impact and engage our campus and surrounding communities.”

- Walter E. Horton Jr., Ph.D., Chair, Diversity Council

“NEOMED is committed to enhancing and fostering diversity and inclusion. We are dedicated to creating a campus climate that welcomes, celebrates, and promotes respect for the entire variety of the human experience.

Valuing inclusion benefi ts NEOMED faculty who advance knowledge by exploring the vast range of questions that result from our differences. It benefi ts our employees by creating a dynamic work environment that draws on various points of view. Lastly, it benefi ts our students by enriching their learning experience and better preparing them to be more culturally competent and globally aware.

We learn best when we learn from one another, and we are ever vigilant in fostering an inclusive and respectful educational environment in which all of us in the NEOMED community can thrive.”

- Andre Burton, J.D., Executive Director, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

DIVERSITY COUNCIL

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PIPELINE PROGRAMSNEOMED offers a host of high school programs designed for ninth through twelfth graders who have typically been underrepresented in medicine and pharmacy, including fi rst generation college students, students who are from a rural or urban environment or students who identify with a group that is racially/ethnically underrepresented in the health care professions. Participants receive exposure to the health professions through fun and educational activities and get the opportunity to interact with current NEOMED students, physicians, pharmacists and health researchers.

HEALTHSUCCESS is a nine-month program for ninth through eleventh grade students. Although developed to encourage interest in the health care professions from groups that have typically been underrepresented, HealthSuccess welcomes students of all races and ethnicities. Participants receive exposure to the fi elds of medicine, pharmacy and scientifi c research through fun and educational activities and have the opportunity to interact with current students, physicians, pharmacists and scientists.

MEDCAMP is a three-day intensive summer experience designed to stimulate students’ interests in the basic sciences related to medicine and pharmacy and to expose them to career opportunities in those fi elds. The program, for students entering the ninth grade, provides hands-on experiences in biomedical science workshops involving research and clinical problem-solving, and is coordinated through Area Health Education Center.

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PIPELINES TO NEOMED

PARTNERSHIPS TO ADDRESS REPRESENTATION OF RURAL AND URBAN STUDENTSNEOMED has developed several partnership programs strategically aligned with the missions of all partner institutions, including NEOMED’s commitment to primary care, medically underserved populations and diversity in health care.

NEOMED and Hiram College joined forces to establish the NEOMED-Hiram College Baccalaureate to M.D. Pathway Program. NEOMED and Hiram College work to identify and recruit academically qualifi ed students from diverse backgrounds in Ohio who desire a liberal arts education leading to an M.D. degree and are interested in providing primary care or serving medically underserved populations.

The NEOMED-Cleveland State University Partnership for Urban Health encourages economically disadvantaged students from Greater Cleveland to complete undergraduate coursework at CSU, enroll in the College of Medicine at NEOMED to earn a Doctor of Medicine degree and return after residency to work in medically underserved communities in Northeast Ohio.

NEOMED and Central State University, Ohio’s only historically black university, also have partnered to attract and educate students from diverse backgrounds with an interest in providing urban primary care. Still in the initial phase of the partnership, the universities are working together on institutional and college-specifi c components of the partnership, involving medicine, pharmacy and graduate education and research opportunities.

PATHWAYS TO PHARMACY is a summer program for sophomores and juniors designed to expose students to the career of a pharmacist through mentorship, enrichment programs and industry exposure. The program provides an opportunity to expand student interest in the pharmacy profession and increase the number of students who graduate from high school and pursue pharmacy as a career. It is sponsored by Walgreens.

THE HEALTH PROFESSIONS AFFINITY COMMUNITY (HPAC) program is designed to support and guide ninth to twelfth graders who have an interest in extending their connection to, and preparing for, a career in the health professions. HPAC is a partnership among schools and community organizations and offers a host of academic and community-based experiences with the aim of empowering students to take charge of their academic and career development and make a difference in the health of their communities.

ADMISSION, SCHOLARSHIP AND SUPPORT

NEOMED believes in the value that diversity brings to its educational, research, service and health care initiatives. There is a compelling interest to maintain a diverse student body and the University is committed to improving diversity among its students.

The Offi ce of Enrollment Services embraces a holistic review process when considering admissions applications. Both academic and personal characteristics are reviewed, assessing unique characteristics that will enrich the student body and assessing qualities that will demonstrate an applicant’s potential to succeed at NEOMED.

A primary goal of admitting a diverse student body is to prepare NEOMED graduates to work with a diverse patient population. Aspiring future physicians, pharmacists and researchers will be best prepared for practice in a diverse society if they learn in an environment characterized by,

and supportive of, diversity and inclusion. Each of the Colleges’ curricula facilitate training in: • basic principles of culturally competent health care; • recognition of health care disparities and the development of solutions to such challenges; • the importance of meeting the health care needs of underserved populations; and, • the development of core professional attributes needed to provide effective care in a multi-dimensionally diverse society.A variety of funds and endowments through the NEOMED Foundation provide scholarship support for students of diverse backgrounds in all three Colleges at the University. Created through the generosity of individuals, corporations and foundations, these scholarships are awarded annually based on the availability of funds and the number of eligible students. Learn more at www.neomed.edu/admissions/tuition/diversityscholarships.

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NEOMED is partnering with other higher education and health care institutions, clinical providers, businesses, communities and individuals to fi nd solutions to meet the challenges of creating a more diverse health care workforce that cares for underserved populations, and one of its hallmark initiatives is known as Education for Service.

The Education for Service initiative has four main goals: • Support our local talent—educate and train students from Northeast Ohio who want to stay and provide care to underserved communities in Northeast Ohio • Build partnerships and integrate talent—partner with universities and health systems to develop interprofessional health care teams oriented to patient care

• Engage our communities—build the social structures and mentorship opportunities that will support students throughout their educational and professional career • Reduce fi nancial barriers—award scholarship funds to students who want to provide primary care and other needed services to rural and urban underserved communities

This initiative is designed to create a regional, comprehensive integrated program that educates local students to become the next generation of health care practitioners who will provide high quality, effective care to patients in urban and rural areas in the region. Education for Service seeks to address the academic, social and fi nancial barriers on the pathway to practice, starting in middle school and continuing through the start of practice.

EDUCATION FOR SERVICE

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Students have the opportunity to become involved in diverse student organizations, volunteer in underserved and ethnic communities and learn in diverse clinical settings as part of their rotations.

Students can join and take leadership roles in the University’s numerous diverse student organizations or create their own. Examples include: • American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin • American Medical Women’s Association • Asian Pacifi c American Medical Association • Jewish Student Society • Association of Catholic Medical Students • Hispanic Community Outreach Group • The Q Club –LGBT Student Organization

Volunteerism gives students the opportunity to give back to the community and interact with diverse patient populations. Opportunities include: • Open M Clinic • MedWish • Body and Beyond Health Fair • Diabetes Health Fair • Hartville Migrant Clinic

Experiential education in an array of practice sites gives students exposure to caring for diverse patient populations. Sites include: • Akron City Hospital Internal Medicine Clinic • Prescription Assistance Network of Stark County • Centers of Children and Families • Axess Pointe Community Health Center • Free Medical Clinic of Cleveland • St. Vincent Charity Medical Center • Stephanie Tubbs Jones Family Health Center

SAFESPACE INITIATIVESexual orientation is an important component of the University’s defi nition of diversity. In an effort to further its commitment to creating a diverse and welcoming environment for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) students, faculty, staff and guests, NEOMED implemented the SafeSpace initiative.

The SafeSpace initiative provides dedicated resources to members of the LGBTQ community at NEOMED, their allies, family and friends. Many faculty and staff serve as trained advocates for the SafeSpace initiative, having participated in information sessions and completed formal educational programming in order to be recognized as a resource for the initiative.

EMBRACING DIVERSITY SERIESThe Embracing Diversity Series brings attention to and focus on competencies related to various diverse topics and cultural issues. Through lectures, panel discussions, presentations and more, the series aims to educate and enlighten students, employees, partners and the community on the benefi ts of diversity while celebrating the uniqueness of each individual.

Offering dozens of programs and activities each semester, the Embracing Diversity Series always includes these annual staple events: • Cinco de Mayo Celebration • Lunar New Year Festival • Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service • Multicultural Festival • National Coming Out Day Programming • Passover/Pesach Presentation

DIVERSITY ON CAMPUS

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STUDENT SUCCESSThere are numerous resources and dedicated spaces on campus designed to promote an environment for student success.

The Pathway to Practice Mentoring Program provides advising, development and nurturing to underrepresented minority students as they pursue their educational journey and future career opportunities in the delivery of health care services. In this program, students develop professional and supportive relationships with diverse physicians, pharmacists and researchers. Students participate in shadowing opportunities from diverse mentors, gaining insight on how to succeed in health care education and practice.

Underrepresented Minority Student Forums are held monthly and bring together students in an atmosphere that fosters camaraderie, allows them to share feedback on their experiences and perspectives of the University climate, and encourages them to identify opportunities for enhanced support services.

The Inclusivity Center provides a physical home for diversity and inclusion activities and related resources. The Center allows all students, faculty and staff to feel a sense of belonging, engagement and value and is open to everyone in the campus community regardless of background.

The Meditation Room is open to all students, faculty and staff who wish to engage in religious observances, prayer or meditation activities.

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ENGAGING OUR COMMUNITYNortheast Ohio Medical University is an active participant in promotion health initiatives, cultural competency and an appreciation of diversity on campus as well as in the community.

OUTREACH AND EVENTS • Arts and Culture on Campus • Community Movie Nights • Health Fairs • Make a Difference Day

PARTNERSThe University’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusivity is furthered through collaborations with a variety of community organizations, including: • Advisory Board for Diabetes Risk Reduction in Minority Communities • Ohio Commission on Minority Health • Youngstown Minority Health • Area Health Education Center Advisory Committee • Akron Minority Health Roundtable • Portage County NAACP • Cleveland NAACP • The Diversity Center of Northeast Ohio

LEARN MOREFor more information about diversity initiatives at NEOMED, visit neomed.edu/about/diversity.