University at Albany
PA-4: Diversity and Equity Coordination

The Office of Diversity and Inclusion assists in the recruitment, hiring, training, and promotion into all job levels the most qualified persons without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, marital status, ancestry, sexual orientation, disability, status as a Vietnam-era veteran, age, or citizenship. The University at Albany has a demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion that is deeply rooted in its historical mission as a public research institution, and has set forth Diversity and Inclusion among five core priorities in the Universities Strategic Plan. The President’s Council on Diversity and Inclusion serves in an advisory capacity to the President, helping to guide institutional strategy and planning and make recommendations on raising the visibility of the University’s diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.

The Office of Diversity and Inclusion oversees a variety of activities around cultural competence. Diversity training takes place throughout the year and also as requested by units and departments. All new incoming freshman and transfer students receive diversity training. Additionally, specialized workshops, events, and speakers are hosted throughout the year for faculty, staff, and administrators. The Office of Diversity and Inclusion annually awards a number of “Diversity Transformation Award” grants. These awards support the University at Albany’s Inclusive Excellence Initiative, UACCESS (UAlbany Collaboratively Creating Excellence, Scholarship, and Success), by providing funding to faculty, staff and graduate students to support new and innovative activities and initiatives that model and indicate inclusiveness as a major goal, and impact the campus community by stimulating creativity and promoting the exchange of ideas, while enriching campus life. ODI also invites faculty and staff to participate in the “Dialogue in Action” series. This series of conversations, launched in 2013, is a series of dialogues designed to foster a work environment in which people from diverse backgrounds and different societal contexts can identify and share strategies for communicating effectively with one another to create an inclusive campus environment. The Conversations for Change series also presents regular events for students, faculty, and staff focused on building a more inclusive community, providing an opportunity for campus dialogue, encouraging understanding, and providing education and training.