The University of Cincinnati College of Allied Health Sciences (CAHS) has achieved a significant milestone by receiving the 2024 Health Professions Higher Education Excellence in Diversity Award (HEED) from Insight Into Diversity magazine.
This prestigious honor recognizes the university’s dedication to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the academic environment and its commitment to developing an inclusive healthcare workforce of the future. This is the sixth consecutive year that the university has received this award.
The Health Professions HEED Award is presented annually by Insight Into Diversity, the oldest and largest publication focused on diversity in higher education. Recognizes universities that demonstrate a sustained and inclusive commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. The award is a highly competitive process, and each institution must submit a thorough application detailing its DEI efforts. The application includes questions regarding the recruitment and retention of diverse students and employees, leadership involvement in promoting diversity, and innovative practices that support an inclusive campus culture.
For the university, winning this award in 2024 highlights the impact of its efforts over the past year.
“We are truly honored to be one of only 71 institutions to receive the Health Professions HEED Award,” said Larissa Wright, assistant director of diversity, equity and inclusion at CAHS. “We strive for excellence in everything we do while continually improving our strategic direction, which provides a sense of belonging for all members of the CAHS community.”
Some notable success stories that helped CAHS achieve this honor include:
CAHS reaches historic freshman class thanks to community partnerships and pipeline programs
CAHS has developed strong partnerships with community organizations and local schools to increase access to higher education for students from underrepresented backgrounds. The CPS Strong Initiative is a collaboration between the University of California and Cincinnati Public Schools (CPS) focused on the preparation, access, and success of CPS students. CAHS also received a grant to support Pathways efforts to place CPS students into allied health professions, helping to create a pipeline for diverse students to careers in health care. As a result of these focused efforts, CAHS has increased the number of CPS students in the first-grade class by 25% over the past year.
CAHS has established partnerships with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), including Central State University and Wilberforce University, to create a seamless pathway for students to enroll in graduate programs at the University of California. The project also provided intercultural competency training for faculty and established a mentoring program to support students throughout their academic journey.
CAHS’ fall 2024 freshman class was the second largest in the university’s history. The number of undergraduate students enrolled reached 504, an increase of 10% from last year, and the number of graduate students increased 18% to 220. The diversity of this population reflects the university’s focus on inclusive recruitment strategies. 26.8% of the entering undergraduate class identifies as underrepresented by race or ethnicity, an increase of 3.4% from fall 2023. Additionally, 26.3% of students are first-generation college students, representing a 2.1% increase from the previous year. . Students from 11 countries outside the United States also participate in the freshman class, demonstrating the global reach of the university’s programs.
University of Allied Health Sciences students pose on the lawn during University Day 2024, August 23.
The diversity of this class is a testament to CAHS’ continued efforts and the strength of our partnerships to increase access to higher education for underrepresented populations. This effort aligns with the city’s future and community health priorities in UC’s Next Lives Here strategic direction.
“As we diversify our student population and support their success, we are expanding our medical workforce and developing allied health professionals who reflect our communities and patients.” Charity of the Faculty of Allied Health Sciences Dr. Acaso says: It is important in addressing the health disparities that exist in different communities. ”
Underrepresented student retention and support efforts
Beyond recruitment, CAHS is deeply invested in the retention and success of our students, especially students from underrepresented groups in allied health professions. One of the most significant efforts in this area is a $1 million grant from UC’s Office of Equity. This grant is awarded to universities that demonstrate evidence-based programs to increase retention and graduation rates for underrepresented minorities (URM), first-generation and Pell-eligible students. CAHS was thrilled to receive this grant for the 2023-24 academic year, which will support students during their first two years of college. This initiative surrounds students with a network of support that includes success coaching, academic advising, counseling, adjunct instructors, peer leaders, program faculty, and university leadership.
These targeted support systems are proven to make meaningful changes in students’ academic careers, helping them overcome barriers and ensuring they have the tools to succeed in their chosen fields. The impact of this increased support is seen through increased student feedback and participation in support events.
Faculty and students attended the October 2nd Prepare Study event.
At CAHS, the retention rate for underrepresented minority students increased from 61.6% to 70.2%, a significant improvement and outpacing the university’s overall retention rate improvement. This increase reflects the strong impact of targeted efforts supported by the Equity and Inclusion Grant and affirms the university’s dedication to supporting URM student success.
This fall, CAHS launched a re-envisioned mentoring program titled CAHS Connects aimed at connecting students with diverse professionals in health-related careers. This effort includes networking events with the Mentoring Directory and Directory Mentors throughout the school year. Through these connections, students have the opportunity to gain valuable insight and guidance from experts who support their career readiness.
Supporting diverse student organizations and initiatives
CAHS actively supports two diverse student organizations: the UC Association of Black Social Workers (UCABSW) and Multicultural Issues in Communication Sciences and Disorders (MC2). These organizations provide students with opportunities to interact with peers and professionals who share their experiences and goals, while promoting culturally conscious practices in their respective fields.
The university also prioritizes student involvement in DEI efforts through its DEI Committee, which is comprised of more than 50 faculty, staff, and students. This ensures that students have a voice in shaping the university’s DEI initiatives and that their perspectives are considered in the development of programs and policies. The DEI Committee also supports a variety of DEI projects for students and faculty through annual grants.
The Culture Corner, a new space in the Health Sciences Building, is an example of the power of student perspectives. Three students from the College of Allied Health Sciences, Taryn Booker, Jasmine Robinson, and Lauren Prather, received a CAHS DEI grant last year that will allow them to transform an empty corner into a vibrant, safe space for all students. I did.
From left to right, Lauren Prather, Jasmine Robinson, Taryn Booker, and Amy Hobeck sit in the cultural corner of the Health Sciences Building.
Faculty development in DEI
In addition to our student-centered efforts, CAHS is also committed to developing a diverse and inclusive faculty and staff. The University is increasing the hiring of diverse faculty and continuing professional development to ensure that all faculty are culturally humble and prepared to work with diverse populations. We are carrying out development. The University’s involvement in the University of California’s Equal Opportunity Academy (EOA) has helped strengthen recruitment efforts to attract more representative candidates.
As CAHS continues to advance its DEI efforts, winning the HEED award not only reflects past successes, but also serves as motivation to continue striving for excellence in diversity and inclusion. The recognition from Insight Into Diversity confirms the university’s commitment to creating an academic environment where all students, faculty and staff feel valued and supported.
This award is also an important step toward achieving CAHS’ long-term goal of building a more diverse and culturally competent health care workforce. In a world where health disparities persist, CAHS’ dedication to DEI initiatives prepares graduates to meet the needs of diverse populations and contribute to more equitable health outcomes.
Featured image at top: CAHS Success Coach Ronay Lyons poses with the Bearcats on the Health Sciences Building lawn during Gen 1 Week.
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