Diversity

The College of Optometry values and supports diversity among its faculty, students, and staff. We promote an atmosphere of mutual respect and inclusion within our classrooms, laboratories, and clinics. These efforts were recognized by the National Optometric Association (NOA) which named The Ohio State University College of Optometry 'School of the Year' for 2004.

Diversity Highlight

This summer our college will conduct a program targeted toward students from ethnically diverse backgrounds. The I-DOC Program will introduce these students to the profession of optometry and impress upon them the importance of diversity in health care professionals.

The goal of this program is to increase the diversity of our student body and ultimately provide comprehensive eye care to underserved patient population in the United States.

Learn more

College Resources

There are many resources available at the college, including mentoring, student organization involvement, individualized assistance programs and financial aid for minority students.

Improving Diversity of Optometric Careers
(I-DOC)

I-DOC is a three-day program conducted by the Diversity Enhancement Committee of the OSU College of Optometry to educate ethnically under-represented minority students (college and high school) about a career in optometry. During the program, participants shadow optometry students and local doctors, learn the fundamentals of the eye and vision, and gain a better understanding of the importance of diversity in health care. Past sponsors have included the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry, I Know I Can, Optometric Educators Incorporated, and Essilor.

National Optometric Student Association (NOSA)

NOSA is open to all students in the college. This organization promotes the recruitment and retention of minority students in optometry. Students in NOSA also have opportunities to participate in guest lecture series, volunteer events and in mentoring pre-optometry students.

Mentoring

Our Big Sib/Little Sib program matches incoming students with current second year students in the college. Through formal and informal interactions students have the opportunity to gain valuable information, advice, and moral support from their more experienced peers.

Diversity Enhancement Committee (DEC)

The Diversity Enhancement Committee is a collaboration of faculty, staff and students seeking to find ways to increase diversity in the college and in our clinics. Students can serve on this committee, attend the Diversity Lecture Series, suggest guest lecturers and topics, and assist in specialized recruitment events.

Financial Aid

A variety of financial aid options are available to students, including scholarships endowed for minority students admitted to the program.

The Welton Scholarship is an endowment established by Dr. and Mrs. H.E. Welton, of Cleveland to provide loans and scholarships for black and Hispanic students in the College of Optometry. Dr. Welton, in 1938, was the first African American person to receive a degree in optometry from Ohio State.

University Resources

Resources are also available through campus-wide efforts made at The Ohio State University. These resources and opportunities can connect students to networks that cross college boundaries and introduce students to leaders across campus and in the Columbus community.

Office of Minority Affairs (OMA)

The Office of Minority Affairs provides services in the areas of academic advancement, specialized programs and lectures, and mentoring. In addition, OMA assists with campus and community-wide cultural events, orientation programs for minority students and with the Frank W. Hale Cultural Center. The Hale Center, located just a few blocks from the College of Optometry, provides meeting space, computer labs, classrooms and lounge areas for students in addition to an extensive art gallery which includes works from nationally recognized artists and minority alumnus of The Ohio State University.

Multicultural Center (MCC)

The MCC houses a wealth of offices to support and celebrate the many cultures, lifestyles and interests of the diverse population at Ohio State. The center provides assistance to student organizations, student services, advocacy, and outreach programs for the campus and Columbus communities. In addition to offices focused on each gender and a New Diversity Initiatives area, the center houses the following offices:

• African American
• American Indian
• Asian American
• Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender
• Hispanic Student Services

Office of International Education (OIE)

OIE provides programs, services and written materials for international students and scholars to assist them in achieving their educational and personal goals and serves as the focal point on campus to organize, coordinate, and integrate diversified areas of responsibility on the campus and in the community to respond to the needs of international students, scholars, and their families.