To support the mission, vision and core values of The Ohio State University College of Nursing, leadership, faculty and staff will ensure that diversity and inclusion is threaded throughout the work of the CON; as opposed to it being a “stand alone” goal/mission.
Mission
To be the world leader in inspiring solutions to address health and education disparities and inequities across the lifespan.
Vision
We remove barriers and change lives through the practice of excellence in authentic and sustained diversity and inclusion for all.
The College of Nursing defines diversity as the variety of differences and similarities/dimensions among people, which can be along the lines of gender, race/ethnicity, tribal/indigenous origins, age, culture, generation, religion, class/caste, language, education, geography, nationality, different abilities, sexual orientation, work style, work experience, job role and function, military involvement, thinking style, personality type, and other ideologies.
The changing population demographics and a multigenerational workforce requires that diversity and inclusion be in the forefront of what we do. Demographic trends predict a rapid growth in racial/ethnic minority populations (U.S. Census Bureau, 2015). Diversity and inclusion cultivates innovation and our workforce must be reflective of the patients and families that we care for. It is the responsibility of each of us are responsible to lead change. In line with the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, the core facets of our work are to “improve the quality of education, address pervasive inequities in health care and enhance the civic readiness and engagement potential of our nursing students.” (AACN, 2015). Welcoming diversity requires moving beyond simple tolerance to respecting and embracing differences in a safe, positive, and nurturing environment. In the pursuit of equity, The College of Nursing promotes fairness and distribution of supportive processes to create equal outcomes among diverse populations. Inclusion, as a vital part of authentic diversity, ensures the full extension of decision-making participation to diverse members of the College. The Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is therefore committed to the recruitment, retention and creation of a learning community that equips staff, faculty, and students to function in an authentically diverse and inclusive environment.
Diversity Committee
Ohio State’s College of Nursing Diversity Committee is comprised of faculty, staff, and students who meet monthly to develop opportunities that enrich student, faculty, and staff cultural experiences and to create an environment that values and supports diversity. Faculty members, staff, and students are elected to the Diversity committee. Committee members vote on the nominees. The call for student members will be announced in The Beat in the spring. The Diversity Committee will vote on the nominees. The one-year term begins in the fall.
Campus Resources
The Ohio State Office of Diversity and Inclusion: https://odi.osu.edu/
Bias Assessment and Response Team: https://studentlife.osu.edu/bias/
Multicultural Center: http://mcc.osu.edu/