^{Posted on: October 22, 2020}

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The College of Pharmacy continues to expand its diversity initiatives. As part of diversity training, first- through third-year students will now complete a Diversity, Equity & Inclusion requirement for their E-Portfolios. Students must obtain a minimum of two credit hours of DEI activities to satisfy each academic year. 

I am proud that our student body has shown interest and appreciation of these organized activities.

Amy Grant, Pharm.D., MBA  Associate Dean for Student Affairs and Diversity

As part of this initiative, student organizations are stepping up to develop and organize lectures, workshops, and activities that may be approved to satisfy the DEI requirement. Associate Dean for Student Affairs and Diversity Amy Grant, Pharm.D., MBA, says the college’s chapter of Student National Pharmaceutical Association has led the effort in this area by developing programming initiatives. SNPhA has already coordinated multiple events that focused on gender diverse patients, hearing impaired patients, hormone replacement therapy in the transgender population, and mental health in the LGBTQIA+ community.

“I expect these efforts to grow as the students really begin participating. The more the students can be creative and hold events, the more they will take ownership,” says Grant. “I am proud that our student body has shown interest and appreciation of these organized activities,” she adds.

Grant also encourages faculty and staff to take part in these training events. “As faculty and staff who teach and guide these students, we should each strive to develop and grow in the areas of DEI so that we may support our diverse group of Pharm.D. and graduate students,” she says.

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