University at Albany
PA-5: Diversity and Equity Coordination

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. Under the leadership of the Vice President of Diversity and Inclusion and Chief Diversity Officer, the Office of Diversity and Inclusion provides institutional leadership to promote diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and access across the university. The office is responsible for collaborating with human resources to ensure fair and equitable recruitment, hiring, training, and promotion practices; overseeing the climate committees responsible for implementing diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives within each school and college at the university; and working with several campus-wide committees, such as the Diversity and Inclusive Excellence Advisory Committee, which provide guidance to leadership.

The Office of Diversity and Inclusion oversees a variety of activities around cultural competence, anti-oppression, anti-racism, and social inclusion. Training is offered throughout the year (in a areas such as implicit bias and strategic planning for diversity and inclusion), and specialized trainings are also offered upon request from units and departments. The office continues to create new workshops for the campus community, such as workshops on microaggressions, cultural norms, communicating for inclusion, and allyship. For all university searches, search committee members are required to attend a Inclusive Search Workshop prior to engaging in the recruitment and hiring process. In addition, all new incoming freshman and transfer students receive diversity training as part of orientation through the Office of Intercultural Student Engagement. Additionally, specialized workshops, events, and speakers are hosted throughout the year for faculty, staff, and administrators.

The Office of Diversity and Inclusion also annually awards “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. The University also participates in the PRODiG program, which supports the hiring and retention of underrepresented faculty.