Diversity Resources for Faculty and Staff » Department of Physical Therapy » College of Public Health and Health Professions

What resources are available to support faculty and staff from diverse backgrounds?

There are many UF and college resources available to support faculty from diverse backgrounds, but a good starting point would be the UF Human Resource Services page on Equal Opportunity & Diversity.

Faculty can also connect with other UF faculty conducting research in their cultural areas through the Office for Global Research Engagement.

How can I support students from diverse backgrounds?

Faculty can support students from diverse backgrounds by visiting the UF Multicultural & Diversity Affairs website, which provides information on inclusive organizations and support resources across campus and within the Gainesville community.

International Center

Institute of Black Culture

Institute of Hispanic Latino Cultures (La Casita)

LGBT Affairs

Asian Pacific Islander American Affairs

Graduate minority program information

International Student Services information

Office of the Chief Diversity Officer

Tips for communicating with people with disabilities

If a faculty member feels that a student is in distress, they should contact UF’s U Matter We Care program. The program also coordinates connection to a wide variety of appropriate resources. Faculty can also connect students with the UF Counseling and Wellness Center.

Teaching faculty are encouraged to add the following excerpt into their syllabi:

Inclusive Learning Environment Statement for Syllabi

“We embrace The University of Florida’s Non-Discrimination Policy, which reads, “The University shall actively promote equal opportunity policies and practices conforming to laws against discrimination. The University is committed to non-discrimination with respect to race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital status, national origin, political opinion or affiliations, genetic information and veteran status as protected under the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act.” We are committed to fostering an open and inclusive classroom and laboratory environment in our College, where every student, guest instructor and contributor feels valued. If you have questions or concerns about your rights and responsibilities for inclusive learning environment, please see your instructor or refer to the Office on Multicultural & Diversity Affairs Website: http://www.multicultural.ufl.edu/”

How can I improve my cultural competence?

The College of Public Health and Health Professions and UF as a whole encourages faculty and staff to improve their cultural competence through trainings, organizations and events.

The PHHP Diversity and Inclusion Committee sponsors a Cultural Competence Workshop that is open to all PHHP faculty, staff, and students. The workshop is announced through the college listserv, but you can also contact your department’s representative to the Diversity Committee for more information.

The UF Office of Training and Organizational Development also offers courses aimed at creating an inclusive environment on campus. Examples of relevant courses include Gator Allies and Diversity at Work. Check the course schedule for current offerings.

Faculty can also improve their cultural competence by participating in events and programs around campus that pertain to cultural competence and diversity. For example, faculty may attend the annual Equity & Diversity Conference held by UF Human Resource Services, which focuses on equity in employment with a special interest toward ethnic minorities, women, and the workplace.

The UF Multicultural & Diversity Affairs office provides a BEAD (Become Educated About Diversity) presentation by request which is designed to celebrate and raise awareness about the multiple identities that comprise each of us and make up the University of Florida. The goal of the workshop is to help attendees think about their various identities and that BEAD can help them become more aware and understanding of the differing perspectives and experiences of those around them.

The UF Multicultural & Diversity Affairs office also provides Gator Allies Training workshops to provide faculty with tools to support LGBT faculty, staff and students. UF MCDA also organizes the University Minority Mentor Program, which allows faculty and staff to support and mentor first-year incoming undergraduate students to enhance their collegiate experience at the University of Florida. More information on these programs can be found on the UF MCDA website.

How can I support a student who is facing discrimination?

A student who believes that he or she is a victim of discrimination or harassment may contact faculty for support and guidance on next steps. Faculty and staff should direct students to UF’s policy addressing discrimination on campus, which can be found here:

Who do I contact if I am facing discrimination?

Review UF’s policy addressing discrimination on campus.

Faculty and staff who have faced discrimination and/or harassment can review UF Human Resource Services’ procedures on preventing and reporting harassment.

Another resource for members of the UF community who have encountered discrimination is the RESPECT Team.

RESPECT Team provides impacted parties of bias incidents opportunities to be heard and supported; understand and respond to situations that affect the University of Florida; educate and inform the community; and create awareness of ignorance and intolerance. The RESPECT Team provides services to witness(es), bystander(s), targeted individual(s), offender(s), or a member(s) of the community. The RESPECT Team does not investigate, adjudicate, or take the place of other UF processes or services. Rather, the RESPECT team complements and works with campus entities to connect impacted parties and communities with appropriate support and resources.

Additional Resources