There are endless opportunities to learn, engage, and grow. Get involved and help build the community of our aspirations that is respectful and inclusive for all.
Black Advisory Council
The BAC will be composed of administrators, faculty, staff and students, who have been asked to meet monthly to discuss issues related to the education, opportunity, access, well-being and success of Black people, and particularly African Americans at UMass Amherst. They will represent a broad network of more than 21 different programs, departments and resources.
Building Bridges
Building Bridges is a campus initiative that seeks to draw on the power of solidarity and creative expression to bring people together across race, religion, class, immigration status, gender, sexual orientation, age, ability, nationality and more.
Campus Climate Improvement Grants
Campus Climate Improvement Grants encourage faculty, staff, and students to play an active role and bring their creativity to the work of improving our campus climate. We fund projects and activities that promote understanding and learning, as well as invest in relationship-building across difference in the campus community. Learn about Climate Grants.
Dignity and Respect in Action Podcast
The Office of Equity and Inclusion launched a podcast focused on issues of diversity, equity and inclusion, both as they pertain to the campus community and as society as a whole, in August of 2020. With 1-2 episodes per week during fall and spring semesters, topics have included the Black experience at UMass and beyond, LGTBQ+ allyship and pronoun usage, student success initiatives for diverse populations, the work of the Racial Justice Coalition, and more. You can listen and subscribe to our podcast here.
The DEI Student Council
This will be co-chaired by the Senior Director of DEI and the Assistant Chancellor of Advocacy, Inclusion and Support Programs. This group will meet with student DEI representatives to discuss and advance the most pressing student DEI issues.
Employee Resource Groups (ERGs)
ERGs provide UMass staff and faculty with resources for professional development, networking, and mentorship, while also promoting the recruitment, retention, and advancement of employees who are underrepresented in our community. This initiative is one of many ways the University works to invest in our workforce, and make UMass a workplace of choice. See our list of ERGs.
Faculty of Color Programming and Events
Every semester, UMass hosts a variety of dinners, workshops, and retreats for faculty of color. For more information or to be added to the mailing list, please contact Amel Ahmed, Associate Professor of Political Science and Associate Provost for Equity and Inclusion. Learn more about Faculty of Color programming.
OEI Newsletter
The OEI Newsletter, launched in fall 2020, is released every other Tuesday during the fall and spring semester. It includes information and news from the Office of Equity and Inclusion, DEI events and news across campus, opportunities to engage in initiatives, and promotion of the latest podcast episode. You can subscribe to the newsletter online.
