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Academic Advising Center

Diversity Resources

UF Department of Occupational Therapy Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Resources:


Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: https://ot.phhp.ufl.edu/about/dei/


UF OT Student Organizations

  • UF COTAD Coalition of Occupational Therapy Advocates for Diversity. Gator COTAD is a local chapter under the Coalition of Occupational Therapy Advocates for Diversity (COTAD). Gator COTAD seeks to address issues surrounding diversity and inclusion within the field of occupational therapy at the local level. Link: https://www.facebook.com/gator.cotad/

National COTAD: https://www.cotad.org/

AOTA (American Occupational Therapy Association): Improving Diversity and Inclusion among OT Practitioners: https://www.aota.org/Education-Careers/Students/Pulse/Archive/student-leadership-advocacy/Diversity-Inclusion.aspx

Anti-Racism Resource List: http://phhp-ot-a2.sites.medinfo.ufl.edu/2021/01/16/anti-racism-resource-list/

Physician Assistant Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Resources

PAEA’s (Physician Assistant Education Association) Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives: https://paeaonline.org/resources/public-resources/paea-news/paeas-diversity-and-inclusion-initiatives-a-status-report

University of Florida Summer Health Professions Education Program (UF SHPEP)

The University of Florida Summer Health Professions Education Program (UF SHPEP) is a six-week academic enrichment program for freshman and sophomore college students from across the country who have an interest in pursuing a career in the health professions. In addition to academic enrichment in science and quantitative subjects, students will also gain clinical exposure, development of learning and study skills, and knowledge and insight into the health-related professional school admissions process. UF SHPEP is geared towards students with racial and/or ethnic identities that are underrepresented in the health professions as well as those from financially and/or educationally disadvantaged backgrounds.

UF SHPEP is free for students accepted to the program and are provided with housing, a meal plan, and a $600 stipend. SHPEP is a national program funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

University of Florida Resources

  • Undergraduate Diversity Caucus: https://undergrad.phhp.ufl.edu/phhp-undergraduate-diversity-caucus/
  • College of Public Health & Health Professions DEI: https://phhp.ufl.edu/about-phhp/diversity-and-inclusion/
  • Keys to Success: Contact email: uf-keys@ufl.edu. New to UF Health is the Keys to Success program. This year long interprofessional program, is a UF Health-wide program that was launched in March of 2021 and is funded by a grant through the UF Racial Justice Fund, which was established in 2020 by the UF Office of Research and the chief diversity officer. The fund supports research and scholarship that will inform understanding of the Black experience, racial justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion on campus and beyond. The inaugural cohort currently includes 22 students, referred to as “scholars.” These scholars meet once a month and are exposed to programming prepared by one of UF’s six health profession colleges. Our second cohort will begin Fall of 2022 with the intent to begin gathering in person. The Keys to Success Program is for students that identify as Black and pursuing a career in the pre-health field. The primary program goal is for our first-year Black students to develop meaningful relationships with UF Health Science Center (HSC) faculty and students, thus creating a community that encourages academic and personal growth, wellness, and a sense of belonging. This interprofessional program will provide academic preparation, social support, mentoring, and career exploration.
  • Multicultural and Diversity Affairs: https://multicultural.ufl.edu/
  • Diversity Admissions: https://admissions.ufl.edu/live/diversity
  • Stronger Together: https://learn-and-grow.hr.ufl.edu/courses-registration/stronger-together/