The Office of Diversity (OD) was established to initiate and support activities that increase diversity and promote cultural competency among members of the HSPH community.  Specifically, the OD seeks to:

• Enhance faculty, staff and student, recruitment by working with the respective HSPH offices.
• Promote cultural competency within the HSPH community.
• Represent HSPH's diversity agenda within the School, Harvard University, and nationally.
• Report the state of diversity at HSPH on a regular basis.

To accomplish the above objectives the Office of Diversity has established the OD Sponsorship Fund, to afford student, faculty or staff groups and individuals the opportunity to host events that relate to the Office's mission. Individuals are strongly encouraged to apply as well to supplement conference registration fees.  Relevant events include, but are not limited to:

• Diversity in the Academy
• Mentoring
• Networking

The Office of Diversity will provide funding on a case-by-case basis.  The student, faculty, or staff group/individual applying for funds for an event will be responsible for all aspects of the event, including, but not limited to:

• Inviting the speaker and serving as the primary liaison with the speaker
• Deciding the event date, securing a venue, and coordinating event facilities
• Publicizing the event and ensuring an appropriate turnout
• Arranging the speaker's introduction
• Hosting the speaker on campus and arranging travel and accommodations (if appropriate)
• Designing the poster
• Ordering catering (if appropriate)
• Arranging audio-visual support

Each group/individual is eligible for one award per academic year. If a group/individual applies, but is not funded, that group may apply for funding for another event that academic year.

If a group/individual is funded, the OD will follow up with the group's main contact to schedule a meeting to clarify a timeline for event preparation.  Following this initial meeting, the Office will stay in touch to maintain clear communication up to the event date. Every group or individual who receives funding from the Office of Diversity is required to submit a paragraph (150-300 words) synopsis of the event and/or experience.  It should include how the event went, any unexpected outcomes, and ways to improve the event in the future. 

Applications must be submitted at least 30 days prior to when the funding is needed.  A group or individual may be awarded funding only once per academic year.  Applications must be submitted via email to diversity@hsph.harvard.edu at least 30 days prior to event in order to be eligible. 

To download the application, click here.  Questions may be addressed to the Office of Diversity: diversity@hsph.harvard.edu