Department of Epidemiology:
Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

The Department of Epidemiology at UCLA Fielding is committed to a collaborative and inclusive environment.

UCLA and the Fielding School value diversity and inclusivity because it enriches the school and university’s work, fosters community, and promotes excellence. The Department of Epidemiology at UCLA Fielding is committed to a collaborative and inclusive environment where students from diverse backgrounds are trained to thrive as leaders in epidemiology and public health, and where students, staff, postdocs, and faculty are cherished regardless of race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, status as a first-generation college student, immigration status, gender, sexual orientation, or disability. The department’s programs celebrate the richness of individuals’ differences and commonalities, and provide opportunities and resources that encourage each person to reach their fullest potential.

The Department of Epidemiology is committed to recruiting and training a community of diverse scholars from minoritized groups and fostering a welcoming, inclusive, and intellectually enriching environment. Furthermore, the department is dedicated to prioritizing the reach and understanding of diverse populations and communities in its research, scholarship, and academic programs, and advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the field of epidemiology.

  • Student Life
    • The UCLA Community Programs Office serves as an umbrella department for the Student Initiated Outreach Center, Student Retention Center, and 25 student-initiated community service projects. The office strives to increase students from underserved communities' access to higher education, retention in the university, and graduation rates while working toward the empowerment of all people.
    • Student UCLA Student Health Education & Promotion (SHEP) is an office of Student Affairs that focuses on health education and health promotion. 
    • The UCLA Office of Student Affairs is a network of more than 25 programs, services, and experiences that will connect with the life of every UCLA student.
    • The UCLA Clubs, Organizations and Recreation Office provides a mosaic of culture and activity. For every interest, there is an outlet at UCLA.
  • Campus-Wide Student Support
    • The UCLA Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion leads and advances campus strategies for enhancing equity, diversity and inclusion, combatting discrimination and achieving our shared values of upholding dignity for all. The Office offers a wide-range of student resources and services related to issues of equity, diversity, and inclusion.
    • The UCLA Graduate Student Resource Center provides students with advice and assistance in dealing with the challenges of graduate school, as well as a number of workshops, programs and activities, including the Equity, Inclusion and Diversity Graduate Welcome Day.
    • The UCLA LGBTQ Campus Resource Center has proudly served the UCLA community for 20 years and provides a comprehensive range of education and advocacy services supporting intersectional identity development as well as fostering unity, wellness, and an open, safe, and inclusive environment for UCLA’s LGBTQ community.
    • UCLA is home to more than 12,000 international students and scholars. The UCLA Dashew International Center serves the international community at UCLA as is the central hub for resources, support and advocacy for international students and scholars.
    • The UCLA Center for Accessible Education is responsible for and commited to ensuring access and participation for all students with qualifying disabilities or medical conditions.
    • Through the UCLA Counseling and Psychological Services, all registered UCLA students are eligible for same-day clinical consultation and help with referrals, linkage, treatment recommendations, and coordination of mental health care and support regardless of insurance plan or current residence. 

Students from minoritized groups may originate from low-income families, whose socioeconomic challenges impede their access to well-resourced colleges and universities, or identify as a sexual or gender minority. Others identify with racial and ethnic groups traditionally underrepresented in higher education, including those who identify as African American or Black; Asian (Filipino, Hmong, or Vietnamese); Hispanic or Latinx; Native American or Alaskan Native; Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander; and two or more races, when one or more are from the preceding racial and ethnic categories.

Promoting teaching excellence and addressing diversity in the classroom setting is integral to the department’s initiatives. It broadens and deepens the educational experience and scholarly environment for students and faculty alike. The department’s primary commitment to its students is to provide an all-encompassing educational experience that is based on the principles of equity and inclusion of all students; within the classroom environment, differences are acknowledged as contributions and individuals are respected for their beliefs and cultural practices. Below is a list of UCLA resources and services pertaining to student life and support, both across campus and within UCLA Fielding.  

Centers

UCLA Center for LGBTQ Advocacy, Research & Health (C-LARAH)
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Biobehavioral Assessment and Research Center (BARC)
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Statement on Zero Tolerance

The Department of Epidemiology at the UCLA Fielding School of Public Health is committed to maintaining an equal learning and working environment for all. University policy prohibits discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender, gender expression, gender identity, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, medical condition (cancer-related or genetic characteristics), genetic information (including family medical history), ancestry, marital status, age, sexual orientation, citizenship, service in the uniformed services, or the intersection of any of these factors.

Discrimination, harassment, threats, assaults, vandalism, and destruction of property, as defined by University policy, will not be tolerated within the UCLA Fielding School community. Any incidents you may witness or experience on campus can be reported to the Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.