The University of Iowa is committed to excellence through Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. One of the tangible ways UI implements this vision is through the Staff Diversity Opportunity Program. 

A pool of funds exist through the Staff Diversity Opportunity Program (SDOP) to enhance future efforts to recruit and retain minorities and women in Professional and Scientific (P&S) classifications, thereby increasing diversity within the P&S staff and on the University of Iowa campus overall. SDOP funds are available to areas highly dependent on General Education Funds. In FY 20, the SDOP program has supported four hires of minorities and women in several divisions across campus.

This program provides opportunity hires and the development of talent in the form of apprenticeships, pipeline positions, and other hires that enable us to onboard high potential, diverse candidates who do not fill a specific, immediate need. The funding supports the employee’s development through professional employment for a period of up to two years, increasing the new employee's skills, knowledge, and abilities in such a way as to increase the likelihood of a successful candidacy for future P&S vacancies.

For more information on the program, please visit https://hr.uiowa.edu/careers/talent-acquisition/staff-diversity-opportunity-program.