Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
The School of Nursing has been at the forefront of diversity, inclusion, and equity issues for nearly two decades and is recognized nationally for its commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Our Commitment
As members of the University of Rochester School of Nursing community, we recognize that there is a complex history and presence of discrimination and exclusion within our profession, institution, greater Rochester community, and beyond. We strive to be ever better. Therefore, we are committed to developing accountability practices and measures. Our missions of teaching, research, and practice aim to restore trust and confidence by addressing the complex health care challenges our region and nation face.
Diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility are catalysts for institutional excellence. Policies and practices must not limit opportunities for people on the basis of race or ethnicity or other protected characteristics, including ability/disability, creed, deafness, gender identity, language, religion, sex, and sexual orientation. We must act to ensure our School of Nursing community has equitable access to and benefits from opportunities across all missions: education, research, and practice.
The University of Rochester School of Nursing is dedicated to holding faculty, administrators, staff, and students accountable for cultivating an equitable, racially, and socially just culture. We have a personal and collective responsibility to create an environment where everyone feels safe, welcome, and supported. Therefore, we work to ensure our teaching, scholarship, and service embody the principles of equity, inclusion, and social justice. We welcome those committed to improving health care and becoming their best and healthiest selves to join us as we shape a brighter, more equitable, and just future for all.
News & Stories
What Sets Us Apart
A Look Back: Recent Diversity Milestones and Initiatives at the School of Nursing
2003
Cultural Sensitivity and Promotion of Diversity,” a 1-credit course developed by Dr. Mary Dombeck, launches and is made available for faculty, staff, and students.
2005
A diversity objective is incorporated into Dean Patricia Chiverton’s Management Plan, to “create a welcoming environment that reflects and values increasing the diversity of faculty and students.” Dean Chiverton also forms the Dean’s Advisory Council for Diversity.
2006
The University institutes a university-wide role for Faculty Diversity Officers to support and improve the recruitment and retention of a diverse faculty within each school.
2006-07
Annual diversity awards, the Mary Dombeck Diversity Enhancement Faculty Award and the Mary Dombeck Diversity Enhancement Staff Award are implemented.
2012
The Dean’s Advisory Council for Diversity restructures to become the Council on Diversity and Inclusion (CoDI). The new council becomes an elected body featuring faculty, staff, and students — a shift that recognizes the Council’s work as essential to the School’s operations.
2012
The Nursing Doctorates on Course (NDOC) program is implemented to develop a pipeline of faculty from underrepresented groups in nursing. The program helped provide mentoring, as well as financial support for six students through doctoral education.
2013
The Spirituality Subcommittee - a subcommittee of the Council on Diversity and Inclusiveness - is implemented to recognize that spiritual, religious, and moral beliefs are related to health, illness, healing, suffering, and dying.
2014
The Harriet Kitzman Endowed Fellowship in Health Disparities supports the recruitment of an early or mid-career faculty member.
2014
LIFT (Leading with Integrity For Tomorrow) is formed as a student-led initiative to provide opportunities for students to engage in learning and discussions related to leadership, advocacy, and diversity.
2009-14
The Robert Wood Johnson New Careers in Nursing Program awards funds to support 91 scholars, including 57 from underrepresented groups. The School was one of only five schools in the country to receive this award for all seven years of funding.
2015
New courses, “Culture, Health and Diversity” and “Religions, Spirituality, and Health” are introduced.
2015
A Staff Diversity Officer position for CODI is instituted to ensure a voice for staff related to diversity and inclusiveness issues. The University of Rochester Medical Center implements the URMC Office of Inclusion and Culture Development.
2015
The Mary Dombeck Diversity Library offers a collection of diversity, equity, and inclusion-related books as a resource for the UR Nursing community.
2016
A Student Diversity Officer position for CODI is created. Safe Space Training is also implemented for faculty and staff.
2017
The East High School Career Transitions Program is developed to introduce high school students from diverse backgrounds to health care professions and enhance awareness of nursing as a viable career.
2018
A holistic admissions process is formalized in consultation with the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN).
2018
Street Outreach – a collaboration between medical and nursing students at the University of Rochester – forms to provide weekly health screenings, first aid, mental and emotional support, and other resources to Rochester’s homeless population.
2019
A new course, “Special Topics: Social Determinants of Health,” is introduced.
2019
Dean Kathy Rideout institutes a Diversity Nursing Scholarship to increase financial support for students in the accelerated program.
2019
The newly-renamed Council on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion implements a Student Diversity Award.
2019
The UR School of Nursing becomes the university sponsor for the Rochester Black Nurses Association.
2020
The Rochester Black Nurses Association implements a peer mentoring program for APNN students and new graduate nurses in early transition to a nursing career.
2020
New courses, “Special Topics: History of HIV” and “Diversity and Equity in Healthcare” are introduced.
Diversity Officers
Peter Bertoldo, MBA
Staff Diversity Officer
Jonathan Wetherbee
Staff Diversity Officer
Maria Quiñones-Cordero, PhD
Faculty Diversity Officer
Learn More
We encourage you to learn more about resources, and share your thoughts or feedback with the Council for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the School of Nursing.