Background: Policy 2.4 and its related processes aim to promote and support an institutional environment and culture within the College that optimally supports its core missions of education, patient care, research and service. A collegial, respectful, inclusive, and welcoming environment and culture will assist all stakeholders of the College to excel in their multiple and interrelated roles.
As of January 6, 2025, the Dean assigned responsibility for fulfillment of this Policy to the OUCOD Access and Opportunity Committee.
Purpose: The purpose of the OUCOD Access and Opportunity Policy is to outline practices and procedures to systematically evaluate and implement comprehensive strategies to improve the College’s institutional climate for access and opportunity.
Policy Statement: Policy 2.4 requires that there be an ongoing, systematic evaluation and critical consideration of the College’s institutional environment. There shall be a formal survey or other assessment of the environment at least annually. Processes will be developed and described to collect and assess the data, and to generate related recommendations.
Responsibilities: The OUCOD Access and Opportunity Committee will monitor, implement, and evaluate access and opportunity initiatives within the College to promote inclusive environment, equal access to educational and professional opportunities, as well as organizational accountability and continuous improvement.
Procedures: Methods will be proposed to address the needs identified through ongoing analyses. A Report on these assessment activities will be made annually to the Dean and to other stakeholder groups designated by the Dean.
By establishing this policy, the OUCOD seeks to:
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Create procedures and processes to systematically evaluate comprehensive strategies to improve the institutional climate for access and opportunity,
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Conduct assessments at least annually to identify strengths and areas for improvement
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Establish clear and measurable goals for progression towards access and opportunity goals
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Attract and retain diverse communities of faculty, staff, students, and patients.
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Foster an inclusive climate through evidence-based training and meaningful celebrations of access and opportunity.
Policy Review: This policy will be reviewed every three years by the Dean’s Advisory Council and revised as needed to reflect advancements and best practices in dental education, research, technology, and patient care.
Effective Date: 11/11/2024
Revised Date:
New Review By Date: 11/11/2027
Additional Resources: Office of University Community, Student Affairs, Multicultural Student Services, Disability Resource Center, Veteran Student Services
The complete Non-Discrimination Policy and compliant procedure is found on the Institutional Equity Office website.
