Belonging & Inclusion

The University of Oklahoma serves to be a place of belonging and emotional growth for all students, faculty, staff, alumni, and patients. Each member of our campus communities is responsible for creating a culture that welcomes all, celebrates experiences, and ensures voices are valued.

Belonging and Inclusivity Committee

The Belonging and Inclusivity Committee (BIC) is charged with coordinating and advancing HSC Belonging and Inclusivity (BI) programs, coordinating related efforts with the University’s DEI Division, and implementing efforts toward Pillar 4 of the HSC Lead On Strategic Plan. 

2023-2024 OU Health Sciences Belonging & Inclusion Committee:

Amy Tucker
Associate Dean, Graduate College
Darcy Maelzer
Director, Accessibility and Disability Resource Center
Dee Terrell
Faculty Liason for Sovereignty, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
Donna Wood
Program Director, Dental Hygiene
Gage Paine
Associate Dean, College of Nursing
Gary Perez
PA Program Director, College of Medicine
Jennifer Richardson
Director for Recruitment, College of Pharmacy
Kate Stanton
Associate Vice President, HSC & OU-Tulsa Student Affairs
Kathy Agnew
Deputy Chief Human Resources Officer
Lancer Stephens
Associate Dean for Sovereignty, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
Maria Esparza
Coordinator, Multicultural Student Services
Maria Mendez
Director of Community Outreach, Provost Office
Mark Britton
Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, College of Allied Health
Marsha Beatty
Faculty Chair, College of Dentistry Diversity and Inclusion
Melissa Medina
Interim Dean, College of Pharmacy
Monty Cavanagh
School of Community Medicine
Robert Salinas
Assistant Dean, Office of Diversity, Inclusion and Community Engagement
Shannon Ijams
PA Program Director, School of Community Medicine
Valerie Williams
Vice Provost for Academic Affairs and Faculty Development
Vince Lepak
Associate Professor, Tulsa, DEI Chair for Department of Rehabilitation Science

Multicultural Student Services

The OU Health Sciences Center is home to many Student Government Association (SGA) recognized interdisciplinary groups focused on the celebration and advocacy of underrepresented communities in Oklahoma. These organizations are supported by HSC & OU-Tulsa Student Affairs, Admissions & Records, and International Support Services, as well as each college.

Multicultural Student Organizations

International Student Services

LGBTQ+ Resources

Veteran Student Services

Faculty Development | I-LEAD

Leadership, Education, and Advocacy for Diversity (I-LEAD) is a learning community and community-of-practice established to offer faculty, staff, and students a resource for learning and discovery about what inclusive leadership, education, and advocacy for diversity means in our professional and personal roles. I-LEAD is sponsored by Academic Affairs and Faculty Development. 

Leadership, Education, and Advocacy for Diversity (I-LEAD)

Community Outreach Program Office

The Community Outreach Program Office was established to identify and, in coordination with other campus resources, fill existing gaps in outreach and recruitment of underrepresented communities into Science, Technology, Engineering, Medicine and Math (STEMM) careers in higher education. The initiatives of this office are focused on strengthening the congruency between the University’s values of belonging and inclusivity and the campus culture to ensure the success of minority students on the Health Sciences campus. Faculty, staff, and students are encouraged to utilize this office as a resource for needs relating to STEMM education, community outreach and engagement. 

For assistance with STEMM education project proposals, grants, research, and campus initiatives, please contact Maria Mendez Garcia at (405) 271-3223.

Trainings

All University members are encouraged to participate in campus trainings to increase self-awareness, enhance understanding of others, and support a positive, engaging campus community culture. Some training opportunities include:

Division of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Trainings

Gender Equality Center Trainings

Human Resources Trainings

Campus Events & Programs

Connections are an integral piece in feeling a sense of belonging and inclusion within a campus culture. Check out the various calendars for connection opportunities, holidays, and special events.

Student Calendar

Faculty Calendar

Staff Senate Events

Accommodation Resources

Students requesting academic accommodations should visit the Accessibility & Disability Resource Center.

Employees requesting accommodations should visit Human Resources.

Reporting Pathways

The Institutional Equity Office reports to the President and Board of Regents and handles discrimination claims, affirmative action plans, claims involving the Sexual Misconduct, Discrimination and Harassment Policy and gender equity issues related to athletics. https://www.ou.edu/eoo

Students interested in additional reporting pathways, please visit here.

Employees interested in additional reporting pathways, please visit here.

 

Add a Resource

Everyone has a role to play in creating an inclusive campus community, and these resources are here to support and empower you on your journey. Join us in building a culture that celebrates diversity, fosters meaningful connections, and cultivates a true sense of belonging for all members of the OUHSC family. Please click the button below to request the addition of new resources and initatives to this page.