Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Policy

The work to create diverse, inclusive, and equitable occupational therapy education programs began with the development of the OTD program in 2017.  During the 2020-21 academic year, the newly established MU Chapter of the Coalition of Occupational Therapy Advocates for Diversity (COTAD) had the opportunity to draft a statement to reflect our work and values.  All students, faculty (core and adjunct), advisory board members, and staff were given the opportunity to review the statement and offer feedback.  Revisions based on feedback were made and the statement was reviewed by Methodist University’s Chief Diversity Officer for alignment with institutional goals.  Faculty completed a final review and update in January 2022. Our community feels strongly that our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion does not stop at a single outward facing statement but includes standard operating procedures that are established in line with institutional and departmental policy.

Methodist University Statement

The Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Office at Methodist University is dedicated to the ethical principles of truth, virtue, justice, and love; thus, the University strives to cultivate a climate of respect, dialogue, and collaboration around these aspects of identity. Our office strives to position Methodist University to fulfill its mission to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion by developing and sustaining meaningful and collaborative relationships that result in a more diverse and inclusive community and centering the voices of our community to drive university-wide culturally sustaining initiatives and equitable opportunities.

Occupational Therapy Department Statement

Methodist University’s Occupational Therapy Department seeks to embody all aspects of diversity, equity, and inclusion by fostering the university’s missional principles of truth, virtue, justice, and love in all program experiences. We work together to create respectful dialogue and meaningful relationships and by valuing all individuals.  The personal responsiveness and commitment of faculty, staff, and students to an inclusive educational community will drive the program’s vision to develop a diverse group of graduates to become ethical and critically thinking practitioners.

Standard Operating Procedures

Admissions

Consistent with the University admission policy, admission to the Methodist University Occupational Therapy programs is without regard or discrimination based on age, race, gender, national or ethnic origin, religion, sexual orientation or disability, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, or any other identification group. However, becoming an occupational therapy practitioner requires the completion of an education program which is intellectually as well as physically challenging, that the candidate should be able to perform in a relatively independent manner, and reasonable accommodation does not mean that students with disabilities are exempt from certain tasks inherent to the practice of occupational therapy. Methodist University’s Programs in Occupational Therapy are committed to equity in recruiting, enrolling, and educating a diverse student body.

The MU OTA program has designed a holistic admissions process by recognizing the presence of unconscious bias and aiming to consider all experiences, perspectives, and unique identities of applicants beyond quantitative academic data such as grades and test scores. Through this admission process we strive to assemble a diverse class of students with the background, qualities, knowledge, and skills needed for success in the profession.

Hiring

Methodist University OT Department is committed to equity in recruiting and retaining diverse faculty and staff. During the hiring process, we consider and honor all experiences, perspectives, and unique identities. We aim for a diverse and inclusive working environment that fosters respectful, meaningful, and collaborative relationships. Applicants are often asked to provide a concise equity and diversity statement about teaching or other experiences, successes, and challenges in working with a diverse student population.

MU further adheres to the Title IX Non-discrimination policy: Methodist University does not discriminate on the basis of sex and is prohibited from doing so by Title IX.

MU is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Methodist University does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, gender, national or ethnic origin, religion, sexual orientation or disabilities in its programs and activities.

Curriculum

Methodist University’s Occupational Therapy Department works together to change stereotypes and biases by promoting respectful dialogue and meaningful, collaborative relationships. Throughout the program, we expect students, staff, and faculty to engage in self-reflection and bring conscious awareness to biases as they relate to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Faculty and students are encouraged to consider the following in their course materials and
assignments:

  • The use of authentic client and practitioner names and pronouns
  • Awareness of gender stereotypes within disciplines, settings, and leadership scenarios
  • Consideration of diverse religious practices
  • Consideration of diverse family structures
  • Use of case-based learning that reflect program, local, national, and international demographics
  • Highlight voices underrepresented in our profession’s history, research, and literature
  • Acknowledgement and dialogue around health disparities
  • Discussion of the impact of social-political environments on function and participation