Building a Community of Dignity and Respect

Through the Building a Community of Dignity and Respect campaign, we set expectations for engagement. Now more than ever, we reaffirm UMass Amherst’s commitment to ensuring a safe and welcoming living-learning-working environment for every member of our community.

Together, we will actively build a community that honors differences, where interactions are thoughtful, and the humanity of everyone is seen.

Join us in creating an environment that is respectful and inclusive for all.

a female professor and male student seated at a table talking

Building a Respectful Workplace Climate

UMass Amherst is committed to fostering a respectful workplace climate. Utilize resources from Workplace, Learning, & Development or the Ombuds Office to gain tools to support purposeful interaction. Or explore resources available externally at www.dignityandrespect.org.

instructor in front of classroom

Building a Respectful Classroom Climate

Read the Dignity and Respect in the Classroom resource to better understand the challenges and steps you can take to build a classroom culture that promotes learning. Attend a TEFD Diversity Teaching workshop or Lunch Talk. Explore resourcesavailable externally through the National Center for Faculty Development and Diversity, of which UMass Amherst is an institutional member. 

Join Our Newsletter

Our biweekly newsletter delivers information to help community members better stay connected with OEI and keep readers informed of opportunities to thoughtfully and effectively engage in the work we are doing collectively to make UMass a more inclusive and equitable place

Two women taking a selfie in front of art that reads "building bridges"

Building Bridges

Building Bridges is a campus engagement initiative that draws on the power of solidarity and creative expression to bring people together across difference. Watch the video to learn about worker/artists and immigrant members of our community. View photosfrom the April showcase and opening reception. Learn more about the Building Bridges initiatives and sign up for a class. 

Dignity and Respect in Action Podcast

The Dignity and Respect in Action (DARIA) podcast is hosted by Vice Chancellor Walker and features diverse members of the University community and experts in the field of equity, and inclusion.Guests have included faculty and staff from the Stonewall Center, the International Programs Office, the Alliance Against Ableism, and more.

Campus Climate Survey Reports

In November 2021, all UMass Amherst students and employees were invited to participate in a Campus Climate Survey to help the university better understand the challenges of creating a respectful and inclusive campus environment. The confidential online survey was developed in-house and achieved robust response rates. We welcome you to read the reports and engage with the interactive data dashboards.

Home