About Us
ODI Vision
At the UIC School of Public Health (SPH), our vision is to create an inclusive, equitable,
welcoming, and stimulating climate shared by all members of this community. Our students,
faculty, staff and community partners represent different geographic locations, religious
backgrounds, political viewpoints, gender identities, abilities, and social/cultural perspectives,
resulting in a truly rich learning environment. Our diversity serves as a source for provocative,
robust, and respectful discourse and debate that allows for us to create a pathway to equity.
The SPH Office of Diversity and Inclusion (ODI) contributes to this vision of an inclusive
community by promoting justice, respect, wellness, and positive social impact. Working with
campus partners, including the Urban Health Program, we support the recruitment, retention,
and academic success of students from historically marginalized backgrounds, especially,
Latino/a/x, Black/African American, and Native American/American Indian communities. We
also promote and serve as a resource for diverse, equitable and inclusive practices in the
recruitment and hiring of faculty and staff and other SPH initiatives.
Our Efforts Heading link
- A four- and six-week summer Pre-Matriculation programs for admitted incoming
graduate students - Events and programs around diversity and inclusion for the UIC SPH community
- Oversight of the SPH Diversity Leadership Committee and Diversity Advocates
- The planning of a yearly Minority Health Conference
- The advising of the Minority Students for the Advancement of Public Health (MSAPH)
- Participation in recruitment activities among high school, postsecondary and post-
traditional populations - Retention, leadership development, and academic success initiatives including our Peer
Support Team and Public Health Leadership Program - Collaboration with SPH alumni and community members
- Strong partnership and support of the Urban Health Program initiatives