Diversity and Inclusion

• Office of Diversity and Inclusion
• Inspiring First-Gen Healers Scholarship
• Fostering Intercultural Understanding

The mission of the Mercy College of Ohio Office of Diversity and Inclusion is to promote the academic and personal growth of all students regardless of variations in thoughts, experiences, values and traditions.

To fulfill this mission, programs and services are offered that promote, enhance and strengthen diversity awareness, inclusion, high student retention, persistence, and graduation.

The Office of Diversity and Inclusion collaborates with other campus constituencies to encourage the recruitment and retention of faculty, staff, and students from underrepresented groups, incorporation of diversity in the curriculum and identify and remove barriers to student success.

Mercy College Diversity Statement

Mercy College of Ohio strives to be an inclusive environment in which faculty, staff, students and the greater community are respected and embraced regardless of variations in thoughts, experiences, values, and traditions.

Multicultural Center

The Mercy College of Ohio Multicultural Center, located in Madison 5617, was created to provide a welcoming and inclusive space for students, faculty, and staff to gather, celebrate and support all persons regardless of variations in thoughts, experiences, values, and traditions. The Multicultural Center offers programs and services that promote and enhance multicultural awareness, respect, and appreciation.

Civil Rights/Nondiscrimination Statement

Mercy College of Ohio is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination on the bases of race, color, national and ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, religion, pregnancy, genetic information, and any other legally-protected class in admissions and educational programs, services and activities, in accord with applicable federal and state law.

Inspiring First-Gen Healers

The Inspiring First-Gen Healers Scholarship Program aims to engage, educate, and empower first-generation students who have a passion and commitment for healthcare and service to others.

Through direct engagement with the Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and other campus partners, participants will partake in the following:

• Social Justice Education
• Identity Development
• Leadership Development
• Monthly Readings & Discussions

Who is eligible?

The Inspiring First-Gen Healers scholarship program is designed for students who meet the following criteria:

• First-generation College Student
• Minimum GPA of 2.5 or GED Score of 530
• Expected Family Contribution (EFC) of $7,000 or less

With a plan to pursue a land-based Associate or Baccalaureate Degree in the following:

• Nursing (AAS, BSN)
• Health Sciences (AS)
• Biology (BS)
• Radiologic Technology (AAS)

Application Requirements:

• Completed Application - Application closed for the Fall 23 – Winter 24 academic semester. Application opens Summer 2024.
• Completed FAFSA
• Written Essay – Part of the Application

The application is currently closed and will reopen in 2024.

Fostering Intercultural Understanding (FIU)

The Fostering Intercultural Understanding (FIU) program is an intercultural competency program designed specifically for staff and faculty members at Mercy College of Ohio. Participants engage in four monthly sessions throughout the academic semester. In collaboration with Tiffin University, Change Leaders and the Director of Diversity and Inclusion at Mercy College lead the program sessions.

Program Goal

The goal of the FIU program is to support participants in their awareness and commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion with efforts to create a culture that celebrates, respects, and welcomes differences. Specifically, participants will reflect on their respective biases and begin practicing commitment toward minimizing those biases. Through a cultural lens, participants will build understanding and skills to maximize the effectiveness of working with those who are different than themselves.

Program Learning Outcomes

The Fostering Intercultural Understanding program will provide the knowledge, skills, tools, and perspectives to build competencies that will allow faculty and staff participants to reach the following outcomes:

• One: Demonstrate an understanding to hold oneself accountable with respect to recognition of unconscious/ implicit bias and microaggressions
• Two: Name one’s own social identities and consider power, privilege, and oppression through the lens of social identities
• Three: Understand how to work constructively and respectfully with people of diverse backgrounds and beliefs
• Four: Practice and recognize the importance of listening (generative, empathetic, active, etc.)

Program Delivery

Participants of the Fostering Intercultural Understanding program engage in four monthly sessions throughout the academic semester. Each interactive session is 5 hours in length. Sessions will be held on Mercy College of Ohio’s campus and/or other BSMH locations.

Change Leaders at Mercy College

At Mercy College of Ohio, Change Leaders are pivotal drivers of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. Change Leaders are dedicated to implementing and enhancing the Fostering Intercultural Understanding (FIU) program. Change Leaders are passionate advocates for creating a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive community through purposeful and impactful actions. Change Leaders work in close collaboration with the Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, with a clear intention to cultivate a college culture of empathy, respect, and belonging. In essence, Change Leaders serve as catalysts for positive transformation in the institution's culture and practices.

Active Change Leaders

• Javier Solorzano, Director of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
• Jessica Coombs, Associate Director of Admissions