The DDEI Office of Intercultural Education is committed to providing UAMS employees with the knowledge and skills to help the University foster inclusive excellence and reach its important goals regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion as set forth in our 2029 Strategic Plan. Our learning experiences address both individual behaviors and university policies that can affect and influence an environment of opportunity and success for all community members. Learners will exit these experiences with an increased awareness of the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and its impact on academic and workplace success.
We believe and practice the philosophies of cultural humility and cultural responsiveness. The combination of these philosophies advocates the practice of acceptance and affirmation. They empower everyone to be the owner of their own experience. They incorporate open-mindedness, willingness to continually self- assess, and a commitment to lifelong learning. Using these as our framework, and inclusive excellence as our guiding principle, we intentionally craft learning experiences designed to engage, enlighten, and edify the UAMS experience for our internal and external customers. Intercultural education marries two existing philosophies, inclusive excellence, and equity rather than equality. Our strategic and creative approach
to these subjects provides diverse, equitable and inclusive solutions to maximize individual potential and build a more inclusive UAMS community. A culturally proficient workforce is fundamental to providing progressive outcomes in the areas of health care, academics, and research.
OIE provides numerous resources, such as the Academy for Inclusive Excellence, DDEI Digital Library, departmental consulting, micro-learnings exercises, and more.
Academy for Inclusive Excellence
DDEI Academy for Inclusive Excellence is a formalized cadre of learning experiences on topics relevant to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We intentionally construct learning experiences designed to engage, enlighten, and edify the UAMS experience for our internal and external customers.
The aim of the Academy of Inclusive Excellence is to assist the institution in creating a culturally humble, proficient, and responsive workforce. Additionally, the academy builds capacity regarding cultivating leaders in the space of inclusive excellence to fortify the UAMS Vision 2029 plan. Learners will exit these experiences with an increased awareness of the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and its impact on academic and workplace success. Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Office of Intercultural Education
DDEI staff, DDEI Strategy/Training Council, and external guest speakers facilitate the learning experiences. The Strategy/Training Council consists of UAMS employees from various departments and institutions who are invested in the mission of DDEI and equipped with relevant expertise or experience in subject matter training/education/leadership.