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Inclusive Excellence

UK's Office for Institutional Diversity (OID) empowers all to be their best selves and strives to create a sustainable climate where all can benefit from the highest quality education, care and work environment. OID's mission is to enhance the diversity and inclusivity of our university community through the recruitment and retention of an increasingly diverse population of faculty, administrators, staff and students, and by implementing initiatives that provide rich diversity-related experiences for all to help ensure their success in an interconnected world.

OID in the News

Application open for Explore First: Careers, Cultures and Connections

Applications are now being accepted for Explore First: Careers, Cultures and Connections, a unique education abroad program designed exclusively for first-gen students at the University of Kentucky.

UK DMA student elevating opportunities for Mexican, Mexican American composers

Juan Saldivar Jr., D.M.A. student in the University of Kentucky School of Music, is elevating opportunities for Mexican and Mexican American composers through a new initiative. 

Annual MLK Day Celebration in Lexington set for Jan. 15, 2024

This year’s MLK Holiday Celebration will be Jan. 15, 2024 beginning with the annual Freedom March at 1 p.m. and concluding with the powerful commemorative program held at the Central Bank Center at 2 p.m. The march begins and ends at the Central Bank Center in downtown Lexington. 

UK named 2023 HEED Award recipient, Diversity Champion by INSIGHT Into Diversity

For the seventh consecutive year, INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine, the oldest and largest diversity-focused publication in higher education, has recognized the University of Kentucky as a Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award recipient.

The HEED Award recognizes colleges and universities that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion. Open to all colleges and universities across the U.S. and Canada, HEED measures an institution’s level of achievement and intensity of commitment in regard to broadening diversity and inclusion on campus through initiatives, programs and outreach; student recruitment, retention and completion; and hiring practices for faculty and staff.

UK Named a 2022 'Best Employer for Diversity' by Forbes for the fourth year in a row

The University of Kentucky has been ranked on the Forbes list of "Best Employers for Diversity" in 2022. Partnering with market research company Statista, Forbes’ annual list recognizes businesses with at least 1,000 employees who demonstrate a strong commitment to inclusive workplace practices. 

“To me, this is the greatest indicator of progress,” said Vice President Katrice Albert. "I am thrilled to have the privilege to work with passionate faculty, staff and students dedicated to ensuring everyone knows they belong at the University of Kentucky. Although the Office for Institutional Diversity helps initiate, develop and implement transformational programming related to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), members of our entire UK family are leaned into advancing ideals, values and norms that expanding cultures of engagement and belonging in their units and areas.” 

Read the UKNow article highlighting this achievement

Black square with white text reading Forbes the Best Employers for Diversity 2022

Bias Incident Reporting

Discrimination, harassment or sexual misconduct report form

You may use this form to make a report of discrimination, harassment, or sexual misconduct but are not required to use this form. You may also make a report by contacting the Office of Institutional Equity and Equal Opportunity at 859-257-8927 to speak with a staff member. 

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