Photo: Phil Smith
The UMass Chan Medical School Diversity and Inclusion Office is inviting members of the UMass Chan community to put in action the commitments they made to further diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging at the 2024 Diversity Summit by joining the Committee on Equal Opportunity and Diversity (CEOD).
“Increasing diversity of perspectives from the entire campus is essential to help UMass Chan achieve goals for diversity, equity, inclusion and belongingness in these targeted areas. Membership in the CEOD will bring your voice to this work,” said Kenneth Peterson, PhD, the Marcellette G. Williams Scholar, assistant professor of nursing and faculty co-chair of the CEOD.
The CEOD is a standing committee that makes recommendations for a diverse, equitable, inclusive and just organization. It serves in an advisory capacity to Chancellor Michael F. Collins, as well as to the Diversity and Inclusion Office. Through three subcommittees—service, education and advocacy—the committee identifies, elevates and implements signature organizational policy and procedural, educational, and community engagement opportunities to maximize equity, access and inclusivity across all diversity domains. The subcommittees are co-chaired by a member of the Diversity and Inclusion Office and a nominated member of the committee.
The service subcommittee provides opportunities for the UMass Chan community to serve and engage with the surrounding community and to collaborate with community partners in meaningful and mutually beneficial ways. The education subcommittee provides educational and professional development opportunities for the UMass Chan community to help enhance awareness, education and current understanding of diversity, equity, inclusion and justice. The advocacy subcommittee advocates for the needs of those with marginalized and minoritized identities and works toward an institutional culture where all members are welcomed, respected and have a pathway to success.
The 2024 Diversity Summit challenged attendees to remember that each letter in the acronym DEIB means different things but are all needed to make meaningful strides. As the Diversity and Inclusion Office intends to ground its work this year in expanding external community relationships and in addressing the challenges that global crises and policies will bring, the CEOD will serve as a body that will amplify the department and, ultimately, the Medical School’s work.
The committee works to ensure, as articulated through its charter, improved protective policies and procedures; organization-wide advanced educational and professional development programs; and the establishment and improvement of strategic community partners and community engagement. Subcommittees meet regularly to accomplish their tasks, and the full committee meets twice a year to set goals and share the collective progress of their work.
“In the wake of the recent Diversity Summit, it’s clear that fostering diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging is more critical than ever. Let’s seize this moment to translate our collective energy and commitment into actionable steps,” said Jorge Sanchez, MEd, program director for diversity and inclusion at ForHealth Consulting of UMass Chan Medical School.
All UMass Chan community members are invited to join the CEOD by emailing CEOD@umassmed.edu.
