(392) Building an Inclusive Community: Creating a Council for Staff and Post-doctoral Scholars

Objective: To describe how the University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy created an infrastructure to improve communication, a sense of community, personal and professional development, and recognition for staff and post-doctoral scholars.

Methods: The Dean appointed a committee to create goals for the college's five-year strategic plan (2021-2026). The committee was charged with assisting in building a stronger community within the college. One committee recommendation was to establish a council for staff and post-doctoral scholars. The council would serve as an advisory committee to the college’s executive council.

Results: A focus group was established in the spring of 2021 to develop by-laws, a mission statement, and the committee's goals. The first council was installed in fall 2021. The council is composed of seven elected staff members, two post-doctoral scholars, and two ex officio members, the Director of Human Resources and the Coordinator for Diversity and Inclusion. An intranet site was created to promote upcoming COP and University events, meetings, elections, provide contact information and bios for elected members, and the meeting minutes. A budget was established for professional development, social events, new staff and post-doctoral scholar orientation, and gifts of appreciation costs.

Conclusions: Creating a council that includes staff and post-doctoral scholars impacts bilateral communication, builds community, and creates opportunities for professional development and recognition for Colleges of Pharmacy. Building an inclusive community ensures that all constituents are represented and provides organizational benefits to colleges.