Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Photos of students

OUR VISION

We value our diversity, which is represented by the myriad ways in which we differ — our intellectual and disciplinary frames, racial and ethnic backgrounds, gender identities and identifications, sexual orientations, socioeconomic backgrounds, disabilities, ages, faiths, cultural and social contexts, learning styles, talents and challenges. 

The diversity of our communities is increasing, and fostering diversity enhances learning and enables our students to succeed in the job market. Employers seek graduates who understand diversity and value their role in a diverse team. Through our research, outreach and education, our students will become an integral part of these communities.

We are committed to:

  • Creating a welcoming college climate that fosters inclusivity for faculty, staff and students through our interactions, scholarship and learning
  • Growing the diversity of our undergraduate and graduate student populations through recruitment and retention
  • Increasing the diversity of our faculty and staff through recruitment and retention
  • Incorporating diversity and inclusion into all organizational aspects of the college
  • Staunchly opposing and speaking out against racism, sexism, ableism, xenophobia, homophobia, transphobia, prejudice and discrimination in all forms

Meet the dean of diversity, equity and inclusion

Korie Little Edwards, professor in the Department of Sociology, was appointed interim associate dean for diversity, equity and inclusion for the College of Arts and Sciences, effective Aug. 1. Edwards, who has been with the Department of Sociology since 2004, is a renowned scholar whose work examines the intersections of race and religion with a particular focus on multiracial churches and the Black Church. She has authored numerous articles and books and also directed or co-directed several funded research projects totaling nearly $1.75 million.  

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Gain the skills you'll need to thrive in the diverse workplace of today

In preparation for 21st century demands for those working across sectors (including government, industry and nonprofit), the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion certificate is ideally positioned to prepare you as a thought leader and sharpen your skills to address emergent issues related to our increasing diversity. 

This program is open to anyone with a bachelor's degree and any current Ohio State undergraduate student.

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Diversity in Action

Students with PASS shirts

Arts and Sciences' Program for Advancing Scholarship and Service (PASS) is a selective first-year academic learning community for arts and sciences students who have a shared interest in the academic, cultural, career and community benefits of diversity. PASS links you with your academic advisor, faculty, community and peers in ways that ensure your academic success and engagement.

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The Office of Undergraduate Recruitment’s Buckeye Opportunities for Leadership & Development (BOLD) is a program that is intended to provide a network of support and leadership development for first-generation students in the College of Arts and Sciences. In addition to providing access to curricular support and opportunities, university and community resources and mentorship, students will be given the opportunity to build a community through weekly roundtable discussions with students who are navigating campus through the lens of a shared experience.

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SAMMS students

The goal of SAMMS is to inspire undergraduate students from underrepresented minorities to pursue graduate studies in STEM fields with an emphasis on graduate education in mathematics. The immersive mini-course program provides students with a “sample” experience similar to what they would have in an established graduate math program at a large state university.

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CASL

CASL connects and engages students from the Appalachian region — many, first-generation students  — with student, faculty and staff mentors from the region while working towards developing students’ academic, professional and leadership skills.

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Humanities and Summer Science students

The Center for Cognitive and Brain Sciences co-sponsors the annual Humanities and Cognitive Sciences High School Summer Institute, placing a great emphasis on ensuring a socioeconomically and culturally diverse class. This camp provides a critical thinking forum for high school students to explore critical questions at the intersection of the humanities and cognitive sciences.

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Black Advertising Strategic Communications Association group photo

BASCA is a partnership between students, faculty and professionals intended to develop and prepare Black students for careers in advertising and strategic communication.

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REU students

This program provides a cohesive framework for undergraduate research, focusing on the use of model organisms and molecular biology techniques to address fundamental questions in biology, while preparing students for successful graduate study in molecular life sciences.

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MS to PhD Bridge Program

The goal of the program is to increase the number of underrepresented minorities in STEM PhD programs. The Bridge Program was one of the first two such programs directly supported by the American Physical Society and the NSF. Since the Bridge Program’s inception, the physics graduate program has increased the diversity of its students to 21%.

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Faculty at STEAM Factory

The Ohio State Faculty Outreach, Recruitment and Collaboration (FORC) Program seeks to provide an essential bridge between Ohio State STEM departments and their counterparts at higher education institutions largely serving populations of underrepresented groups. 

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