Thanks to DEI Lead at the Northeastern University School of Clinical & Rehabilitation Sciences Sheri Kiami, PT, DPT, MS and Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Tiffany Adams, PT, DPT, MBA from Duke University Doctor of Physical Therapy Division for providing these resources!
Read the full article of tips to get started with DEI at your academic institution. Below is a recap of the sample resources from that article.
DEI statement that reflects a DEI commitment and conveys your program’s values.
“The University of Houston embraces diversity and recognizes our responsibility to foster an open, welcoming environment where students, faculty and staff of all backgrounds can collaboratively learn, work and serve. We value the academic, social, and broader community benefits that arise from a diverse campus and are committed to equity, inclusion and accountability. Diversity enriches our university community and is a driving force instrumental to our institutional success and fulfillment of the university’s mission. We commit to engaging in an ongoing dialogue to thoughtfully respond to the changing realities of our increasingly interconnected world. We will continually strive to work together to address the challenges of the future in a way that removes barriers to success and promotes a culture of inclusivity, compassion and mutual respect. The competencies gained through diverse experiences across campus prepare all our students, staff and faculty to thrive personally and professionally in a global society.”
Sample annual DEI goals for all faculty and staff as part of merit process:
- Participation in the mentorship of underrepresented faculty and students.
- Scholarship addressing structural inequities and health disparities for historically marginalized populations, inclusive and culturally responsive curricular development.
- Serving on DEI workgroups and committees through ACAPT or your institution.
Inclusive syllabi and classroom practices sample
Basic assumptions & expectations for this course:
Your faculty will make a basic assumption about your involvement in this course. We believe that you are an adult learner, with great motivation to learn and will make every effort to be present, free of distractions and actively engaged in lectures and lab activities. We expect that students will always maintain academic integrity, maintain professionalism and make every effort to learn this material in order to be a physical therapist of the highest caliber.
Your faculty expect you to adopt a growth mindset, one that is based on the belief that your qualities are things you can cultivate through your efforts and that everyone can change and grow through application and experience. In turn, you can expect your faculty to respect you as an adult learner, provide you with multiple opportunities to learn the material presented, and provide additional assistance whenever necessary in order for you to be successful in this course. Your faculty will also assess you fairly, in an unbiased manner with your ongoing growth and professional development in mind at all times.
Our commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion:
We acknowledge that chronic and persistent disparities in education and health due to systemic oppression, based on race, class, and other marginalized identities, have adversely affected individuals and society. We are committed to educating future healthcare leaders who strive to serve marginalized communities and improve the well-being of all members of society through the health span.
Within the college and this course, we strive to create a safe environment for diverse thoughts, perspectives, and experiences to be shared, explored, and embraced. As a community we recognize that disrupting long-standing oppressive practices is a process. Everyone is at a different place on this journey, and we affirm our commitment to support and learn from one another.
Kiami, SR. PT 5209: Neurological Rehabilitation; Bouve College of Health Sciences, Northeastern University; Fall 2021.
DEI courses with/without certification