Diversity, Inclusion & Student Engagement
Valuing our Students & Faculty
At Jefferson, we are reimagining diversity and inclusion to promote and cultivate an inclusive environment that celebrates the rich diversity of our students. We believe that a diverse and inclusive environment is fundamental to our mission for the advancement of education.
Diversity Definitions
At Jefferson, we use the following definitions:
- Diversity – the richness of human similarities and differences that make up one Jefferson Family.
- Inclusion – the ability to provide outstanding education to all students and all communities while giving students a voice and the opportunity to be valued, respected and supported.
- Equity – choosing to provide fairness in the way students are treated while matriculating through academic programs and professional development.
Thomas Jefferson University is committed to providing equal educational opportunities for all persons without regard to race, color, national or ethnic origin, marital status, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability or veteran’s status. The consideration of factors unrelated to a student’s ability, qualifications and performance is inconsistent with this policy. Any student having inquiries or complaints concerning Jefferson’s compliance with Title VI, Title IX, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, the Americans with Disabilities Act, or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act is directed to contact their Student Affairs Dean or Human Resources.
“We are committed to respecting the age, gender, political, cultural or religious background or any characteristic or belief that make each one of us unique. By valuing all students, we not only create a respectful and inclusive learning environment, but also a place of healing. We are dedicated to providing an environment that encourages the academic and personal growth, respects the talents, and recognizes the uniqueness of each student. Having a diverse student body and faculty helps our university interact effectively with the community.”
Lisette Martinez, Executive Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer, Office of Diversity, Inclusion and Community Engagement
LGBTQ + Initiatives
Jefferson is committed to enhancing the environment for all sexual orientations and gender identities. Our responsibility to the LGBTQ+ community, particularly when it comes to students, is not just a goal – it is a priority. For the LGBTQ+ community, we know that disparities, both in and out of the classroom, is a major issue. Jefferson’s LGBTQ+ Student Groups have created strategy, initiatives and activities to promote LGBTQ+ both internal and external to Jefferson.
East Falls Campus Office of Student Engagement
The cultural, social, and educational programs supported by The Office of Student Engagement are designed to create a positive learning experience that opens new horizons, ideas, and social outlets. Through programming, involvement in clubs and organizations, leadership, and service, students also have the opportunity to stimulate personal growth and contribute to the campus community.
East Falls Campus Diversity & Social Justice
Honoring the Thomas Jefferson University mission to prepare students for successful career paths in an ever-evolving global marketplace, the Office of Student Engagement acknowledges the importance of Diversity and Social Justice in contributing to that success. The Office of Student Engagement commits to providing programming that empowers students to become inclusive, global citizens. Students will:
- Explore individual differences (e.g. life experiences, learning & working styles, personality types, physical ability, etc.) and social differences (e.g. race, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, religion, culture, political views, etc.).
- Reflect on personal beliefs, the value of differences, and the impact their beliefs and experiences have on and within their local and global communities coupled with a willingness to evolve.
- Act to bring awareness to and/or address issues of social injustice within their local and global communities.
Multicultural Clubs & Organizations:
- Asian Student Association (ASA)
- Black Retail Action Group (BRAG)
- Black Student Activist Committee (BSAC)
- Black Student Union (BSU)
- Black Women's Association
- International Student Association
- Jefferson Hillel
- Latin American Student Organization (LASO)
- Middle Eastern and North African Club
- Muslim Student Association (MSA)
- National Organization of Minority Architecture Students (NOMAS)
- Queer Student Union (QSU)
- South Asian Students Association (SASA)
Step Up Programs
Jefferson is committed to providing enrichment programs for high school and undergraduate students, preparing them to apply to pursue careers in Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, or Medicine. These unique programs are designed for underrepresented students in order to increase the pool of qualified candidates applying to graduate school or careers related to health care.
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Nursing STEP-UP
Nursing STEP-UP is offered to rising high school juniors and seniors and offers them an introduction to the field of nursing and its various disciplines.
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Rehabilitation Sciences STEP-UP
Enrichment programs for undergraduate students, preparing them to apply to graduate school or pursue careers in Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy
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STEP-UP Medicine
STEP-UP Medicine is a highly selective, intensive and comprehensive summer enrichment program for students from groups traditionally underrepresented in medicine and from economically disadvantaged backgrounds intending to apply to medical school.
High School Summer Science
A four week summer science program for High School juniors and seniors to participate in ongoing research projects. Working with Jefferson faculty, partners, postdoctoral scholars, and students, you'll build your proficiency in real-life research practices.
Scholarships
LGBTQ Scholarship: The MarcDavid LGBTQ+ Scholarship
The MarcDavid LGBTQ+ Scholarship provides academic financial support to an undergraduate student at Jefferson who demonstrates active leadership and advocacy for LGBTQ+ causes. Students are eligible to receive the scholarship beginning in their sophomore year. Preference shall be given to students with financial need, but leadership and advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community, inside and/or outside the Jefferson community, is paramount.
Scholarships Jackson-Minton Scholarship
Jefferson is committed to improving the diversity of our student body, faculty, and staff, and we recognize that increasing access to scholarship dollars for African American males, who are underrepresented in medicine, is the single most effective means of accomplishing our goal.
Discrimination Issues
Report Bias, Discrimination or Harassment
The University holds itself accountable, at every level of the organization, to nurture an environment of inclusion and respect, by valuing the uniqueness of every individual, celebrating, and reflecting the rich diversity of its communities, and taking meaningful action to cultivate fairness, belonging and opportunity. Bias, Discrimination and Harassment, as defined below, is prohibited. Retaliation against an individual who has made a good faith complaint is prohibited.
Sex & Gender Based Miscount Policy
Thomas Jefferson University is committed to providing an environment free of discrimination on the basis of sex, including, but not limited to, sex-based disparate treatment, sexual misconduct and sexual harassment. Instances of Sexual Misconduct include, but are not necessarily limited to, sexual harassment, unwanted sexual acts which are committed by coercion, force, intimidation, and manipulation or otherwise without consent.
Sexual Assault Response
A student who is a victim of sexual assault should call 811 (Campus Security) or 911 (Philadelphia Police Department). When a report of a sexual assault is made to University personnel on an emergency basis, Campus Security or other University personnel will escort the victim to a place of safety.