Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Starts at UIC Heading link
UIC is proud to be recognized as having one of the most ethnically and culturally rich college campuses in America.
The University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) is one of the nation’s most diverse public research universities. As a federally designated Minority Serving Institution, we are a living, learning, and working community that embraces our diversity. Our aim is to ensure that neither difference nor disadvantage impede the intellectual and professional achievement of our campus community. Every day we welcome students, staff, and faculty from a variety of racial, ethnic, and class backgrounds, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities to achieve this aim. At UIC, diversity is not an end in itself, but a vehicle for advancing access, equity, and inclusion.
Favorite Thing about UIC Heading link
My favorite thing about being a student here is the diversity. I get to learn from people with so many different backgrounds, cultures and ways of life. It’s a very welcoming student experience.
Diversity at the College of Dentistry Heading link
The College is a community of diverse, life-long learners who embody and embrace the richness and value of diversity.
The UIC College of Dentistry prides itself on inclusion. In declaring that diversity and inclusion are our core values, we have dedicated ourselves in building a culture of excellence grounded in principles of equity and social justice. We recognize and embrace professionalism, humanism, collegiality and diversity of age, race, gender, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, religious belief and thought, not only for our students, but also for our faculty, staff, and patients.
Our welcoming environment and diverse student body engenders deeper learning and provides you with new perspectives on life. Diversity is fundamental to everything we do at the College of Dentistry. In declaring that diversity is a core value, we dedicate ourselves to building a culture of excellence that is grounded in principles of equity and social justice. The College, by policies, practices and spirit, is committed to maintaining a welcoming, inclusive and culturally vibrant learning environment.
Our learning environment recognizes and embraces professionalism, collegiality and diversity of age, race, gender, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, religious beliefs and thought not only for students, but also for faculty, staff, and patients.
The College engages in a continual review of its organizational culture and climate as we recognize the ever-changing world national and local cultural landscapes. The College has developed strategies, programs, and services that advance diversity and address the needs of diverse populations. This includes focused and sustainable programs to recruit and retain diverse students, faculty, and staff.
Definition of Diversity at the UIC College of Dentistry Heading link
The UIC College of Dentistry utilizes the University’s definition of Diversity created by the UIC College of Education. We define diversity as the totality of the ways that people are similar and different, including race, ethnicity, class, gender, sexual orientation and identity, disability, national origin and citizenship status, age, language, culture, religion, and economic status, particularly when those similarities and differences are used as a basis for unfair advantage and inequity. The College’s working definition of diversity reflects our firm commitment to inclusion, access, and equity by encompassing groups that have been historically under-represented, excluded, marginalized, or otherwise discriminated against in dental education. The University’s definition of diversity can be found in the A Mosaic for UIC Transformation University of Illinois at Chicago Diversity Strategic Planning.
UIC Mosaic for Transformation
Office of Student and Diversity Affairs Heading link
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Office of Student and Diversity Affairs
The Office of Student and Diversity Affairs develops and implements policies and practices to achieve diversity, inclusion, equity and equality among our students, faculty and staff. The Office of Student and Diversity Affairs serves as a resource for the College Community by creating a learning environment that promotes acceptance and appreciation of the differences in age, race, gender, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, national origin, disability and religion beliefs. The office coordinates trainings in diversity and cultural competency as well as provides assistance, feedback and information related to the student recruitment and enrollment, access to programs and activities.
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UIC College of Dentistry Urban Health Program
The mission of the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry’s Urban Health Program is to recruit, retain, and graduate underrepresented racial/ethnic minority students, specifically African Americans, Latinos, and Native Americans, in the Oral Health Sciences, and to expand educational opportunities for these populations at the pre-college (K-12), undergraduate, graduate, and professional levels.
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Humanistic Learning Environment
The University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry creates a society of learners, where graduates are prepared to join a learned and a scholarly society of oral health professionals. Our humanistic environment pedagogy inculcates respect, tolerance, understanding, and concern for others and is fostered by mentoring, advising and small group interaction. Our dental school environment is characterized by respectful professional relationships between and among faculty and students, establishing a context for the development of interpersonal skills necessary for learning, for patient care, and for making meaningful contributions to the profession and society.
Please visit our Intranet to Access Humanistic Learning Environment
Diversity Advisory Committee Heading link
The College’s Diversity Advisory Committee plays a pivotal role in fostering inclusively and multicultural awareness at the College. The Committee oversees the College’s diversity strategic plan, goals and programs. The Diversity Advisory Committee activities include sponsoring Diversity Day and diversity Lunch and Learns that showcase the diversity present in our students, faculty and staff with an emphasis on diversity in healthcare.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging: Progress
Diversity Series Art Gallery Video Heading link
Resources Heading link
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Resources
Resources
- American Dental Education Association Access, Diversity, and Inclusion
- American Dental Education Association Faculty Diversity Toolkit
- UIC College of Dentistry Anti-Racism Resource Guide
UIC Resources
- UIC Office of the Vice Provost for Diversity
- African American Academic Network
- Centers for Cultural Understanding and Social Change
- Latin American Recruitment & Educational Services Program
- Native American Support Program
- TRIO / Academic Support Program
- UIC Policy on Religious Accommodations
Chancellor’s Status Committees
- Chancellor’s Committee on the Status of Asian Americans
- Chancellor’s Committee on the Status of Blacks
- Chancellor’s Committee on the Status of Latinos
- Chancellor’s Committee on the Status of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Issues
- Chancellor’s Committee on the Status of Persons with Disabilities
- Chancellor’s Committee on the Status of Women
Contact Heading link
For more information on the College of Dentistry’s Student Services, Diversity, & Resources:
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Contact
Dr. Darryl D. Pendleton
Associate Dean for Student and Diversity Affairs
801 South Paulina Street, Room 102GD
312-355-1670Dr. Rhonna Cohen
Associate Professor, Director and Advisor of Pre-Dental Undergraduate Program
801 South Paulina Street, Room 104Dr. Sheela Raja
Director of Resilience Center
801 S. Paulina Street, Room 104
312-413-0559Ms. Carolyn Feller
Director of Student and Diversity Affairs
801 South Paulina Street, Room 104A
312-996-2873Ms. Braulia Espinosa
Director of Student and Diversity Affairs
801 South Paulina Street, Room 104B
312-355-0320Ms. Meah Rogers
Assistant Director of Student and Diversity Affairs
801 South Paulina Street, Room 104C
312-355-1327Ms. Millie Mendez
Student Advocate
801 South Paulina Street, Room 104Ms. Laura Macias
Extra Help