Frequently Asked Questions
The USC Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy is committed to increasing diversity and understands that its excellence depends on having a diverse and inclusive environment.
USC Chan has one of the most diverse student populations among the universities that provided data to the American Occupational Therapy Association for its Academic Programs Annual Data Report. Across the board for all academic programs at USC Chan, the division has maintained or improved diversity for the past few years.
In 2022, USC Chan changed its entry-level occupational therapy master’s program to an entry-level occupational therapy doctorate — shifting a two-year degree to a three-year degree to strengthen leadership within the field. Although the two degrees differ from one another, the enrollment data from both programs indicates that the division is maintaining the diversity strides made in prior years.
- Demographics for students enrolled in the entry-level master’s program in summer 2019, before the division’s adoption of a holistic admissions review process in 2020, were 36% Asian, 3% Black/African-American, 22% Hispanic/Latinx, 52% White, and less than 1% Native American/American Indian; there were no Hawaiian/Pacific Islander students. (Note that some students self-identified in more than one category, so the total exceeds 100%.)
- The entry-level master’s class enrolled in summer 2020 was 43% Asian, 8% Black/African-American, 29% White, 39% Hispanic/Latinx, and 1% Native American/American Indian; there were no Hawaiian/Pacific Islander students.
- The entry-level master’s class enrolled in summer 2021, was 26% Asian, 17% Black/African-American, 37% Hispanic/Latinx, 45% White and 2% Native American/American Indian; there were no Hawaiian/Pacific Islander students.
- For students enrolled in fall 2022 for the entry-level doctorate program, the class was 31% Asian, 10% Black/African-American, 45% Hispanic/Latinx, 42% White, 1% Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, and 1% Native American/American Indian.
- For students enrolled in fall 2023 for the entry-level doctorate program, the class was 33% Asian, 14% Black/African-American, 37% Hispanic/Latinx, 42% White, 3% Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, and 2% Native American/American Indian.
What is Chan’s commitment to diversity?
The USC Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy is committed to preparing diverse leaders with a strong identity and understanding of occupation and its power to transform people and society. Increasing diversity in the occupational science discipline and the occupational therapy profession is a division priority because we believe in preparing a workforce that reflects the diversity of the clients and communities that we serve.
USC Chan is committed to increasing diversity in its faculty and staff as well and understands that its excellence depends on having a diverse and inclusive environment.
We have implemented programs to continue improving diversity at Chan, including pathways programs that support the recruitment and retention of faculty from underrepresented groups in alignment with the university’s mission and Unifying Values.
What meaningful actions is the division taking to promote inclusion?
USC Chan has a Diversity, Access, and Equity (DAE) committee, a group of faculty, staff and students who work collaboratively to support the diversity efforts in the Chan Division. The DAE committee strives to ensure all faculty, staff and students feel valued and supported, and are prepared to meet the diverse needs of individuals, populations and the profession.
USC Chan and the DAE committee programs, while targeted at promoting a diverse and inclusive community, are benefits available to all. They include diversity mentorship programs, antiracism communities of practice, affinity spaces, restorative spaces and practices, the USC OT/PT Summer Institute and more.
Is there representation of BIPOC people in the student body?
Our demographic data shows that the BIPOC community comprises a significant portion of the USC Chan student body.
- Demographics for students enrolled in the entry-level master’s program in summer 2019, before the division’s adoption of a holistic admissions review process in 2020, were 36% Asian, 3% Black/African-American, 22% Hispanic/Latinx, 52% White, and less than 1% Native American/American Indian; there were no Hawaiian/Pacific Islander students. (Note that some students self-identified in more than one category, so the total exceeds 100%.)
- The entry-level master’s class enrolled in summer 2020 was 43% Asian, 8% Black/African-American, 29% White, 39% Hispanic/Latinx, and 1% Native American/American Indian; there were no Hawaiian/Pacific Islander students.
- The entry-level master’s class enrolled in summer 2021, was 26% Asian, 17% Black/African-American, 37% Hispanic/Latinx, 45% White and 2% Native American/American Indian; there were no Hawaiian/Pacific Islander students.
- For students enrolled in fall 2022 for the entry-level doctorate program, the class was 31% Asian, 10% Black/African-American, 45% Hispanic/Latinx, 42% White, 1% Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, and 1% Native American/American Indian.
- For students enrolled in fall 2023 for the entry-level doctorate program, the class was 33% Asian, 14% Black/African-American, 37% Hispanic/Latinx, 42% White, 3% Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, and 2% Native American/American Indian.
Are you still using a holistic admissions process?
Yes, USC Chan believes that the holistic admissions review process, which evaluates applicants based on cognitive and non-cognitive traits, ensures that more than one factor contributes to admission decisions. It also ensures that cognitive metrics such grade point average (GPA) do not outweigh other important characteristics that contribute to success in the program and in the profession.
USC Chan’s holistic review for the entry-level occupational therapy doctorate includes evaluating letters of recommendation, personal statement, statements related to Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion from the Occupational Therapy Centralized Application System, as well as GPA.
The holistic admissions process was adopted consistent with prevailing law and best practice in higher education.
What are Chan’s core values?
USC Chan’s six core values — integrity, collaboration, inclusion, distinction, innovation and compassion — guide our individual and organizational behavior while shaping our climate and culture. These values, which align with the USC Unifying Values, also direct our strategic goals and priorities. Altogether, our mission, vision, core values and goals represent the fullest potential of every member of the Trojan Family, and the promise that what we do is only as good as how and why we do so.
Why was there a recent change in the Director of Admissions position?
The university cannot discuss individual personnel matters.
Who is leading Chan’s admissions team?
The current team is led by Dr. Amber Bennett, Director of Admissions and Associate Professor of Clinical Occupational Therapy.
How does the program’s racial and ethnic composition compare to occupational therapy student demographic data nationally?
USC Chan has one of the most diverse student populations among the universities that provided data to the American Occupational Therapy Association for its Academic Programs Annual Data Report. The school has maintained or improved diversity for the past few years across the board for all academic programs.
What support are you giving to students, faculty, and staff to ensure that their mental health is protected?
How does the leadership at USC Chan consider student input on important issues?
Students at USC Chan have a variety of ways to share input with leadership, including through listening sessions, surveys, participation in strategic planning committees and the USC Chan Occupational Therapy and Science Council. The division’s leadership values input from students and considers their feedback when making decisions, and we strive continually to improve our programs and community.
We understand that there are passionate views in our division regarding the change in admissions leadership and support our students in expressing their opinions. We also believe that controversial issues should be debated in a respectful fashion consistent with our Unifying Values. The university does not condone or tolerate harassing or threatening conduct directed at others. We expect students to be mindful of the USC Student Commitment and to share their perspectives in a way that is respectful of those with different points of view.
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