Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Policy

Methodist University’s Occupational Therapy Department community strongly believes that our commitment to acceptance, fairness, and broad perspectives extends beyond a single outward-facing statement and is embedded in standard operating procedures that align with institutional and departmental policies.

Methodist University Statement

The Department of Engagement, Community & Belonging at Methodist University is dedicated to the ethical principles of truth, virtue, justice, and love. As such, the University strives to cultivate a climate of respect, dialogue, and collaboration around these aspects of identity. Our office works to position Methodist University to fulfill its mission of fostering representation, fairness, and belonging by developing and sustaining meaningful, collaborative relationships that result in a more welcoming community. We are committed to centering the voices of our community to drive university-wide, culturally responsive initiatives and create just and accessible opportunities for all.

Occupational Therapy Department Statement

Methodist University’s Occupational Therapy Department seeks to embody all aspects of representation, fairness, and belonging 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 while valuing the unique perspectives of all individuals. The personal responsiveness and commitment of faculty, staff, and students to a welcoming and accessible educational community will drive the program’s vision to develop a broadly representative group of graduates who become ethical, critically thinking practitioners.

Standard Operating Procedures

Admissions

Consistent with the University admission policy, admission to the Methodist University Occupational Therapy programs is conducted without regard to or discrimination based on age, race, gender, national or ethnic origin, religion, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, or any other identifying group. However, becoming an occupational therapy practitioner requires completing an education program that is both intellectually and physically rigorous. Candidates should be able to perform in a relatively independent manner, and reasonable accommodation does not exempt students with disabilities from essential tasks inherent to the practice of occupational therapy. Methodist University’s Programs in Occupational Therapy are committed to fair access in recruiting, enrolling, and educating a broadly representative student body.

Methodist University’s Occupational Therapy Department has developed a holistic admissions process that recognizes the presence of unconscious bias and aims to consider applicants’ full range of experiences, perspectives, and unique identities beyond academic metrics such as grades and test scores. Through this admission process, we strive to assemble a representative class of students with the background, qualities, knowledge, and skills needed for success in the profession.

Hiring

Methodist University’s Occupational Therapy Department is committed to fairness and representation in recruiting and retaining faculty and staff. During the hiring process, we value and respect all experiences, perspectives, and identities. We aim for an accepting and welcoming working environment that fosters respectful, meaningful, and collaborative relationships. Applicants are often asked to provide a statement about their teaching or professional experiences, successes, and challenges in working with a varied 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 is committed to challenging biases and fostering awareness 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 representation, access, and belonging in occupational therapy.

Faculty and students are encouraged to integrate the following into their course materials and assignments:

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