Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

“Let’s stop believing that our differences make us superior or inferior to one another."

— Don Miguel Ruiz

A diverse group of HPAO students dressed in formal business attire, in a conference room.The Reed-Yorke Health Professions Advising Office is committed to the development of the next generation of healthcare providers. Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are building blocks to creating a welcoming, representative, and fair healthcare environment for providers and patients, and are being recognized as critical initiatives in the recruitment, education, and success of healthcare professionals. We designed this page as a resource and information-sharing platform for students as they navigate the road toward professional school. 

Diversity is the representation of all of our varied identities and differences (race, ethnicity, gender, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, socio-economic status, etc.), collectively and as individuals. We seek to proactively recruit, engage, and understand a variety of perspectives and embrace diversity as a pillar in the development of the 21st-century healthcare workforce. 

Equity seeks to ensure fair treatment, equality of opportunity, and fairness in access to information and resources for all. We seek to engage our students with a culture of respect and dignity while acknowledging that not everyone has been equipped with the same set of tools.

Inclusion builds a culture of belonging by actively inviting the contribution and participation of all people. We believe that every person’s voice adds value and we strive to create balance in the face of power differences. HPAO is a space for everyone. We value who you are, your ideas, and your feedback.

University of Maryland's Commitment

A group of four HPAO students at a UMD sporting event.On his first day as our 34th President, Dr. Darryll Pines announced 12 initiatives and recommendations to reaffirm the University’s commitment to our core mission and values. Some diversity recommendations included:

  • Hire a coordinator for immigrant and undocumented student life
  • Affirm our culture and values through the TerrapinStrong Onboarding Program
  • Enhance diversity, equity, and inclusion in the curriculum
  • Advance student, faculty, and staff diversity
  • Propose naming of new residence halls

 

The University of Maryland’s commitment to DEI is evident in the resources and opportunities available to faculty, staff, and students. Here is a robust list of offices, groups and student organizations that are DEI-centered and can be positive and reaffirming spaces for you as you navigate your UMD experience.

Campus Resources