Inclusive Excellence at UCLA Fielding

students and faculty smiling standing together outside

Acknowledgment

UCLA acknowledges the Tongva peoples as the traditional land caretakers of the Los Angeles basin. As a land grant institution, we pay our respects to the ancestors, elders and relations of the past, present and emerging.

The pursuit of inclusive excellence is a cornerstone of public health and at the core of the UCLA Fielding School of Public Health's identity. It is woven into the fabric of all the school's priorities — from recruitment, teaching, and training to research, community collaboration, and everyday interactions within the confines of the school and outside of it. UCLA Fielding recognizes that excellence emerges when talented individuals could contribute their unique skills and perspectives. The school is committed to transformational change that builds a more effective system where everyone can reach their full potential.

At UCLA Fielding, the goal is to foster a community of excellence in which all students, staff, and faculty are represented, respected, and in positions to contribute meaningfully. The school has resolved to create an environment in which all community members feel a true sense of belonging; that their work is valued; that the school's curriculum and culture reflect quality scholarship; and that they are supported toward maximum growth. This work at UCLA Fielding prepares graduates to address complex health challenges and serve communities effectively in our society.

The school's inclusive excellence efforts are impact-driven. They fall broadly into these categories:

  • Pathways and Recruitment 

    UCLA Fielding strives to strengthen the school community at all levels by improving outreach, recruitment, and retention of talented students, faculty, and staff. This includes building robust pathways to public health and UCLA Fielding at the high school, undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate levels.

  • Community and Excellence

    UCLA Fielding seeks to promote community by enhancing faculty, student, and staff ability to work effectively together and learn from different experiences and perspectives. This is accomplished by creating welcoming spaces where all community members are seen, heard, and respected. The school also strives to build a culture of belonging for faculty, students, and staff, with a focus on supporting every individual's growth and recognizing their contributions.

  • Teaching and Development

    Through programming for all community members, the school aims to establish effective practices for working in varied environments and serving different populations. Workshops and tools assist faculty in improving pedagogy and mentorship, as well as creating engaging classrooms. It is critical to ensure that UCLA Fielding teaching and scholarship reflects excellence in preparing public health professionals, and so the school has instituted an ongoing process of curricular review to incorporate best practices and perspectives from scholars, researchers, and faculty.

  • Infrastructure and Support

    The school is also focused on building sustainable systems equipped with resources and support to implement and maintain positive change. Establishing clear processes and obtaining community input on effective programs will help provide a foundation to maintain this work.

    In all the school's inclusive excellence initiatives and activities, there is ample opportunity for students, staff, and faculty to get involved through school-wide and departmental committees, as well as professional development and networking groups. Through various programs, students at UCLA Fielding engage with real-world public health challenges in community-based efforts. In addition, the school brings in external advisers consisting of graduates, community leaders, campus partners, and national experts.

    Meeting these important goals requires broad-reaching and continuous efforts. Although immediate improvements can make an impact, transforming culture requires developing new approaches and innovative solutions. UCLA Fielding will continue its determination to create a community that serves Los Angeles — one that supports all its members while they are at the school, and long after they leave. The work ahead is important, and a truly excellent and inclusive community is both achievable and foundational to the school's mission of advancing public health for all.

  • Meet the Team
    Janae Hubbard

    Assistant Dean 
    jhubbard@ph.ucla.edu
    310.794.3530
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    Courtney S. Thomas Tobin

    Associate Dean
    courtneysthomas@ucla.edu
    310.325.3738
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