Office of Inclusive Excellence
Inclusion
Innovation
Belonging
Inclusive Excellence at Milken
The Office of Inclusive Excellence (OIE) at the Milken Institute School of Public Health leads the charge in fostering a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and accessible community for students, faculty, and staff. At GWSPH, inclusion means creating a working and learning environment where each person can participate fully to achieve success and is valued for their distinctive skills and capabilities. We aim to create and nurture an environment in which all members of the school community are treated equitably, contribute fully to the mission, and embrace and model the school’s values.
Grounded in a commitment to addressing health disparities and systemic inequities, we strive to create a culture of belonging where all voices are heard, respected, and valued. Building and sustaining healthier communities through a diverse public health workforce is a priority, and rigorous research in diverse communities helps push forward the next generation of public health leaders. Through education, advocacy, and innovation, GWSPH empowers individuals to thrive and equips public health leaders to advance equity on a global scale.
Our Goals
- Integrate Inclusive Excellence into Every Aspect of Public Health
- Embed diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) principles into curriculum, research, and public health practice.
- Equip students and faculty to address health inequities with innovation and cultural competency.
- Foster a Culture of Accessibility and Belonging
- Address barriers to accessibility in school spaces, communications, and programs.
- Create spaces and initiatives that promote a sense of belonging for underrepresented groups.
- Recruit and Retain a Diverse Community
- Develop targeted recruitment and retention strategies for underrepresented and international students, faculty, and staff.
- Increase access to scholarships, mentorship programs, and professional opportunities.
- Empower the Community Through Education and Leadership
- Provide training on accessibility, inclusive leadership, and anti-racism for all members of the community.
- Support professional development through initiatives like "Train the Trainer" and mentorship networks.
- Lead with Transparency and Accountability
- Assess and share progress on DEIA goals regularly.
- Serve as a central resource for DEIA information and advocacy at GWSPH.
Where Are We Now?
Check out the DEIA Section from our 2024 CEPH Accreditation to see some of our past and current projects!
GWSPH Community Resources
Student Resources
- Student Support and Family Engagement
- Center for Student Engagement
- The Office of Sustainability
- Enrollment and the Student Experience (ESE)
- GWU Student Experience
- The Office of Student Professional Enrichment (OSPE)
- Colonial Health Center
- Career Services
- Military Support
- Disability Support
- Undocumented Support
- The Store
- Writing Center
- Office of Student Financial Assistance
- GW Police Department
Staff Resources
A Message from the Director
“The Office of Inclusive Excellence is our way of ensuring that we are capturing everyone’s lived experiences, incorporating them into the cutting edge research and policy making decisions. There is no solution in public health where we do not include all communities, as well as recognize the unique struggles that different areas of our society face within public health.”
Rachel Thomas, MA
Director, Diversity & Inclusion
Past Events
Inclusive Excellence Day
Beyond the Ribbon: Health Equity in Breast Cancer Awareness
October 15th, 2024
Inclusive Excellence Day
March 5, 2024
OIE and MSSC- Queer Magic, Histories, and Protection
June 5, 2024