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Diversity

Our Mission

Creating and sustaining a diverse and equitable place to work and learn

Our vision is for a more diverse workforce and student body with opportunities for everyone to achieve their full potential in an inclusive environment with a strong sense of belonging.  

Diversity, Equity & Belonging 

Penn State College of Medicine is committed to advancing diversity, equity and belonging in all its forms consistent with Penn State's statement on belonging.

We foster a culture of respect by emphasizing the importance of understanding and thriving in a multicultural world, essential for driving innovation in an evolving academic and professional environment. 

We are dedicated to upholding the highest standards of respect for our students, staff, faculty, and community members, cultivating a diverse and inclusive environment.  

Diversifying Student Population 

Penn State College of Medicine aims to recruit, retain, and advance a diverse student population. We plan to enhance the diversity of our students by evaluating recruitment and retention methods, implementing outreach programs, and fostering an inclusive environment for individuals from various backgrounds. 

We know how important it is to address gaps in representation, engagement, academic outcomes, graduation rates, and professional development opportunities for underrepresented groups. Factors such as socioeconomic status, religion, race/ethnicity, language, gender identity, disability, and veteran status, to name a few, all influence student belonging and educational success.   

Our aim is to train future physicians, scientists, and public health experts to thrive in a variety of communities. Ensuring that our student body reflects the diversity of our patient population and research communities is essential for providing comprehensive, culturally sensitive care and advancing scientific knowledge.    

Diversifying Workforce 

The demographic structure of the nation is rapidly changing, and by 2050, there will be no majority racial or ethnic group. We must keep pace.  

A diverse workforce brings various perspectives, stimulates creativity, increases productivity, and improves problem-solving capabilities. Preparing a diverse workforce can bolster unexplored research and inform discoveries relevant to underserved or under-resourced populations. 

We are committed to attracting and retaining a talented workforce, including senior leaders, who reflect the growing diversity of our nation. Expanding the diversity of our leadership team enhances the breadth of experience, expertise, and innovation, promoting inclusive decision-making and organizational growth. 

 Diversity includes characteristics such as gender, age, race/ethnicity, culture, sexual, generational, military service, income, and those living with disabilities to name a few, brings different perspectives to the table. It fosters deeper insights, understanding, and engagement. Diversifying our workforce can lead to rich academic and organizational success across all levels of the institution.