The Office of Diversity and Inclusion has expanded to include a second location on The University of Toledo’s Health Science Campus.
The new office is located in Mulford Library Room 128. Currently, the office is staffed three days a week — Monday, Thursday and Friday.
“We are excited to be able to support faculty, staff, students and community members who work and utilize services on the Health Science Campus,” said Jennifer Pizio, director of the Office of Diversity and Inclusion. “It’s part of our mission to make sure we reach all of our UT constituents and partners. In the coming months, we’ll be developing new programming specific to the needs of the Health Science Campus.”
The Office of Diversity and Inclusion was established in 2016 following the development of UT’s Strategic Diversity Plan. The mission of the office is to ensure every member of the UT community feels included, respected and free from discrimination. It also works to promote a diverse and culturally aware environment that prepares students for success in today’s global world.
Pizio said it was important that the office establish a physical presence at Health Science Campus for those studying and working there. A new Health Science Campus Diversity and Inclusion Committee also meets monthly to discuss specific needs and programming for faculty, many of whom have dual roles as both instructors and clinicians, and students who are juggling classes and clinical practicums.
“The Health Science Campus has a unique set of challenges and exciting opportunities housing both a health-care and higher education institution under the UT umbrella,” she said.
The Office of Diversity and Inclusion also will bring some of its regular programing over from Main Campus, such as “Constructive Dialogue: Navigating Difficult Conversations in the Classroom.”
The hourlong discussion series helps guide faculty through conversations about challenging topics such as race, gender and sexual orientation. Upcoming sessions will take place Tuesday, Oct. 2 and Nov. 6, on Main Campus in Carlson Library Room 1109 and Thursday, Oct. 4 and Nov. 8, on Health Science Campus in Mulford Library Room 520. All sessions are from 1 to 2 p.m.
To RSVP for any of these sessions, email diversity@utoledo.edu. Both the Main Campus and Health Science Campus locations also can be reached at 419.530.2260.
