UIC faculty advance conversations on equitable admissions in occupational therapy education
Introduction
Faculty from the Department of Occupational Therapy presented Supporting Student Success: Holistic Admission Process, Outcomes, and Implications at the American Occupational Therapy Association’s Academic Leadership Council (ALC) meeting on October 21, 2026. Presenters included Ashley Stoffel, Dalmina Arias and Gail Fisher.
The OT department faculty shared their expertise with more than 400 leaders in occupational therapy education, examining the benefits of holistic admissions, application review criteria associated with student success, and strategies to promote equitable access for a diverse student population. The presentation generated strong interest, prompting thoughtful questions and discussion about opportunities to enhance admissions practices across occupational therapy programs nationwide. This exchange highlighted UIC’s contribution to national conversations on advancing outreach, equitable admissions practices, fostering student success, and strengthening the future of the occupational therapy profession.