Inclusion is Central
Inclusion is Vital to Our Mission
Starting at orientation with the introduction of the Rollins Citizen Framework, we work to build an inclusive, welcoming culture that helps us move public health forward.
Our Commitment
The Rollins School of Public Health is committed to fostering a community of inclusion and promoting a culture of engagement among the student body, staff, and faculty. Starting at New Student Orientation, we learn from one another's experiences and strive to create an inclusive culture, which is the foundation of public health.
Rollins School of Public Health Student Organizations host events year round to promote a sense of community and belonging.
Community Resources
The Department of Equity and Civil Rights Compliance ensures Emory University's compliance with laws pertaining to equal opportunity, affirmative action, Title IX, the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Act.
The Department of Accessibility Services (DAS), part of the Office of Institutional Equity and Compliance, assists qualified students, faculty, and staff with obtaining a variety of services and ensures that all matters of equal access, reasonable accommodation, and compliance are properly addressed. Qualified students, faculty, and staff can register with their office and make a request for services.
The Department of Title IX supports the university’s commitment by fairly and equitably responding to reports of sexual harassment, sexual assault, domestic violence, intimate partner violence, stalking, and gender-based harassment. They also provide prevention and response programming for the university community that aims to educate the community on how to create safe, respectful, and inclusive education and workplace environments.
The RSPH Deputy Title IX Coordinator is Joanne Williams, executive director of the RSPH Professional Advancement and Student Experience Center.
International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) serves Emory’s global community which includes international students, scholars, and hosting departments through immigration advisement, intercultural competency and leadership training, programming and support, and educational and social events.
The Emory University Office of Spiritual and Religious Life supports the university's religious and philosophical diversity by providing opportunities to engage with spiritual life on campus through worship, meditation, education, service, social justice, and interfaith engagement.
The Respect for Open Expression Policy 8.14 affirms Emory’s unwavering commitment to a community that inspires and supports courageous inquiry through open expression, dissent, and protest, while acknowledging the challenges of the creative tensions associated with courageous inquiry in an ever-changing community. Open expression programs work to enhance education and engagement around the Respect for Open Expression Policy for the campus community through open expression observers.
“One of the first things that students do before they arrive at Rollins for orientation week is our DEI modules. That's the first opportunity we have to start building a culture of inclusive dialogue—whatever conversations they’re having, we want them to think about making space for others, embracing imperfection, and creating a brave space for conversation.”
Joanne McGriff, MD, associate dean of diversity, equity, and inclusion
Student Resources
At Rollins, our community and belonging student organizations consist of affinity groups that offer supportive spaces for students who share an identity and their allies. Executive board members of these organizations participate as thought partners and contributors in school-wide diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.
Belonging and Community Justice helps students find the place where they belong and support them in making connections in community. We encourage students to visit their community centers:
At Emory University, we are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and respectful environment for all members of our community. To that end, Campus Life created Bias Support Services for students to report and to be connected to University resources when they have experienced some form of bias.
The mission of the Office of Respect is to work with key stakeholders to eradicate sexual assault, sexual harassment, stalking, and intimate partner violence to create a safer, healthier campus where all students can learn, grow, and thrive. This occurs through education, bystander intervention training, crisis intervention, advocacy, policy development, and supportive peer networks. In support of this mission, they offer 24-hour support resources for Emory students impacted by interpersonal violence.
Emory University maintains the academic record for currently enrolled students as well as alumni. To maintain accurate student records and to provide truthful verification of attendance and degrees earned, it is necessary to maintain consistent student naming conventions across all student records.
The University will use a student’s legal name where there is a legal or business need and for all external reporting. The University will allow the use of a designated student name and pronoun to provide a consistent experience across university systems and where use of one's legal name is not absolutely necessary. For more information about the Student Designated Name and Pronoun Policy, click here.