Diversity

The Kean University student population is diverse with approximately 70% identifying as Hispanic, BIPOC, and Asian. Kean was named as one of the top five most diverse universities in the United States by Diversity, Inc. The university is designated as a Hispanic-Serving Institution by the U.S. Department of Education and is the only Urban Research University in New Jersey. The Kean University Genetic Counseling Graduate Program (GCGP) is therefore in a perfect setting in which to be supported, and to undertake, diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB) efforts.

Our Leadership, instructors and students are regularly educated about DEIB topics via coursework; assigned readings, webinars, and online educational units; Journal Club and Case Conference presentations; guest speakers; discussions with the Kean University Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion staff, Racial Equity and Justice Task Force, and each other. Our open-door policy allows for free communication with students for feedback and suggestions for new DEIB efforts. We believe that education in DEIB topics is a continual process and a lived experience, not confined to the classroom. We therefore participate in activities outside of the curriculum such as our GCGP dinners – family-style dinners honoring various cultures. Hear from the chef about the origin and importance of food in their culture or country while expanding one’s palate!

Diversity via Outreach, Networking and Education (DONE)

The profession of genetic counseling is not diverse being comprised of mostly White, female individuals.  With a goal of increasing diversity in our profession, the Kean University Genetic Counseling Graduate Program (GCGP) created a program focused on outreach to students from underrepresented populations. At the core of this program is education about the profession of genetic counseling as it is only through knowledge of the profession that students can choose this career path. This program is entitled Diversity via Outreach, Networking and Education (DONE). All DONE events are conducted by GCGP students providing them with experience in DEIB and educational endeavors. DONE has three (3) foci: Kean undergraduate students, other diverse colleges/historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), and high school students.  For Kean undergraduates, a Genetic Counseling Student Interest Group was created which holds multiple events each academic year. Regarding colleges/HBCUs, relationships have been established allowing for outreach efforts to be conducted. For high schools, our first outreach event was run by a student in our first cohort. This high school outreach pilot project of DONE was actually this student’s thesis study! The outcomes of this study were presented at the National Society of Genetic Counselors’ Annual Conference, the Human Genetics Association of New Jersey conference, and at Kean University Research Days. These high school outreach efforts are expanding to a network of over 120 local schools. Given the uniqueness of our DEIB program, the Kean University GCGP was awarded a NYMAC Regional Genetics Network grant to support initial efforts. Overall, our DONE program should provide education in, and mentoring to, interested students in the profession of genetic counseling. This, in turn, should increase diversity in our profession.