Our Commitment
Our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging goes far beyond any one office. These ideals and aspirations are deeply embedded into the core of UMass Amherst. We envision being a leader in promoting and maintaining an inclusive university community that fully reflects the diversity of the region and world, in which all community members can feel included, connected, and valued, and that fully embeds and fosters well-being for people, places, and planet. Please explore how our university serves and supports our community members.
UMass Week of Wellbeing Begins Feb. 7
The UMass Week of Wellbeing (WoW) kicks off February 7, 2026 with a wide range of opportunities for students, faculty, and staff to relax, connect, and recharge as we return to campus. Highlights include Chapel Unplugged, a lunchtime symposium with author and sociologist Allison Pugh, the enchanting Pondfire by the campus pond, and much more.
Black History Month
Black History Month is a vital reminder of the contributions, resilience, and excellence of Black communities, but its spirit deserves recognition year-round. Honoring Black history daily deepens our understanding of the past and inspires action for equity in the present. Celebrating these stories consistently helps foster a more inclusive, informed, and just society.
This year marks the 100th national commemoration of Black History Month, with the 2026 theme of "A Century of Black History Commemoration".
NEW! Dialogic Skills & Practices Toolkit
So You Want to Have a Challenging Conversation?
This toolkit was developed by the Office of Equity & Inclusion in collaboration with campus partners to provide the UMass Amherst community with an opportunity to learn and practice dialogic skills.
It is our sincere hope that this toolkit can function as an invitation and a trailhead for anyone seeking paths to deepen into right relationship with themselves and others.
UMass Week of Wellbeing Symposium with Allison Pugh
Working Toward Connection: Finding Our Way to Each Other and Why It Matters
The UMass Week of Wellbeing (WoW) will take place in February for a celebration in a cross-campus collaboration with the Okanagan Wellbeing Collective, the Office of Equity and Inclusion, Student Affairs, Campus Life, and many others. WoW will provide various opportunities for students, faculty, and staff to relax, connect, and recharge. Join us for this keynote event promoting wellbeing across campus with lightning talks, lunch, and a keynote with Q&A by Allison Pugh, author of The Last Human Job. February 11, 2026 9:00 am - 12:30 pm, Student Union Ballroom
Martin Luther King Jr Day of Racial Healing
Watch the recording to see opening comments by Vice Chancellor of Equity and Inclusion, Marsha McGriff; Chancellor Javier Reyes; a tribute to Dr. John Bracey by David Swiderski; the recognition of the John H. Bracey Leadership Awards; and our keynote address by Dr. Imari K. Paris Jeffries.
Award recipients this year were: Gabriel A. Mesole, Ph.D. candidate in Environmental and Water Resources Engineering; Dr. Felicia Griffin-Fennell, Director of the SBS RISE Program & Lecturer in Sociology; Dr. Wilmore C. Webley, Senior Vice Provost for Equity and Inclusion and Professor of Microbiology.
Federal Actions
UMass Amherst is committed to protecting the privacy, wellbeing, and safety of its community. This page collects and shares resources for students and employees in response to changes in the federal landscape. Please refer to this page for updates.
Imagining 2034: Our Strategic Plan
The university's multi-stage strategic planning process will be informed by a respect for UMass Amherst’s rich history as the commonwealth’s flagship campus and public-land grant institution, ambition for excellence in all we do, and recognition of our responsibility to steward our financial and human resources. The planning process incorporates existing school and college strategic visions, aspirations, and goals, in addition to understanding opportunities for—and impediments to—success. UMass Amherst will strive for inclusion and transparency in every aspect of this important process.
Where to Turn for Help
As valued members of the UMass community, we stand together in fostering an environment of support and empowerment. Your voice matters in preventing and addressing mistreatment, bias, or discrimination. Explore the resources available to you and trust that we're here to assist you every step of the way. If you or someone you know has been harmed, please explore these resources for reporting and support.