Diversity, Equity and Inclusion programs and events

Engaging in diversity, equity and inclusion programs enriches the cultural humility of our community. The College of Medicine provides many opportunities for students, faculty and staff to get involved in throughout the year.

Student programs and events

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the College of Medicine Curriculum

Framing the Issue: Education, Exploration and Reflection

As part of the College of Medicine's diversity, equity and inclusion framework, “Framing the Issue: Education, Exploration and Reflection”, we have implemented a published series of five Critical Consciousness in Medicine small group workshops that are intended to introduce faculty and students to issues of discrimination and inequity and their effects on health outcomes. 

Critical Consciousness in Medicine workshop sessions

As a part of their medical education, students are required to attend diversity, equity and inclusion workshops organized by the Office of Medical Education. Sessions include discussions of health disparities, disabilities, Native American health and LGBTQ issues in medicine.

Aleda E. Lutz VA Medical Center Elective

Co-curricular programs

The Diversity Health Symposium is our signature spring event. The week-long series is planned by the Student Diversity Committee. Students take on significant leadership in developing and implementing diversity programming, working hand in hand with faculty and staff in developing timely and relevant programs.

The College of Medicine First-Gen Student Retreat occurs each fall for first year medical students who were the first in their family to earn a bachelor’s degree. During the retreat, students celebrate their successes, share their challenges, and hear from a panel of first-gen students and physicians. The retreat is organized by the Office of Student Affairs.

Student interest groups , including Student National Medical Association, Physicians for Human Rights, LGBTQ Equality in Medicine and Muslim Medical Students' Association, play an important role in diversity, equity and inclusion at the College of Medicine.

Faculty and staff programs and events

Women in Scientific Disciplines and Medicine (WISDM)

WISDM is a professional development group in the College of Medicine that meets quarterly to discuss issues that are of importance to women faculty in the scientific disciplines and women physicians as well as address topics related to diversity, equity and inclusion in the healthcare professions.  WISDM meetings have provided insights on facilitating equity in medicine and have explored ways to encourage well-being through networking and shared resources. All genders are welcome to participate in WISDM.

CMU College of Medicine faculty and staff diversity advocate program

The College of Medicine is developing a Faculty and Staff Diversity Advocate Program as a part of its faculty and staff recruitment and retention plan. The program aids our search committees in engaging in inclusive and equitable practices at all states of the recruitment process. The program raises awareness and provides training on drafting inclusive position descriptions and advertising, reducing bias in interviewing, planning an inclusive campus visit and promoting diversity in the selection of the final candidate. The program provides educational opportunities on DEI practices that promote engagement and retention of all employees including those who are underrepresented in academic medicine. Individuals interested in learning more about the College of Medicine Faculty and Staff Diversity Advocate Program please contact any of the following individuals:

Campus programs and events

Offices within the Center for Student Inclusion and Diversity at Central Michigan University hosts monthly campus events in celebration of Asian Pacific American Heritage, Arab American Heritage, Black History, Hispanic Heritage, LGBTQ+ History, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Native American Heritage.

The Office for Institutional Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (OIDEI) at Central Michigan University hosts educational programs throughout the year that cultivate and sustain a supportive and inclusive campus community including the annual Campus Diversity Symposium, Soup and Substance series, and the Cultural Competency Seminar.

The Faculty and Staff of Color Alliance works to advance the interests of faculty and staff of color at Central Michigan University and the surrounding community. OIDEI also advocates for the development of other employee affinity groups. For more information, please contact diversity@cmich.edu.

CMU faculty diversity advocate program

Faculty search committee members are broadly responsible for implementing recruitment practices that promote diversity and work to eliminate bias within the hiring process. The diversity advocate is a volunteer faculty or staff member committed to advancing CMU’s core values of inclusiveness and excellence. The University offers training to become a diversity advocate. Others interested in learning more about the diversity advocate program or in becoming a diversity advocate, please contact Kendra Huckins, Director, CMU Faculty Employment and Compensation, 989-774-4483, bethk1km@cmich.edu.