University's Current Status and Future Plans: Overview of the Institution's Ongoing Efforts to Foster an Inclusive Environment for Everyone
Syracuse University has announced a significant change in its approach to diversity and inclusion, with the closure of the Office of Diversity and Inclusion and the formation of a new unit called People and Culture. This transition is part of a broader institutional effort to advance the university's commitment to diversity, inclusion, and creating a welcoming environment for all members of its community.
The new People and Culture unit will integrate the functions formerly under the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, continuing to support students and staff from diverse backgrounds such as first-generation students, low income, foster youth, veterans, non-traditional and transfer students. People and Culture will focus on fostering an inclusive community and advancing equity as part of their ongoing commitment to equal opportunity.
According to Vice President for People and Culture Mary Grace Almandrez, the new unit will work closely with campus partners, including Human Resources and Academic Affairs, to advance strategic priorities in support of faculty and staff development and employee retention. The team will deliver practical, responsive, and forward-thinking programs that equip faculty and staff with the tools, knowledge, and skills needed to succeed in their roles.
The review process included engagement with over 300 students, faculty, staff, alumni, and parents and families. Feedback from the engagement process has been invaluable in shaping the direction ahead. Faculty and staff will receive more information about upcoming initiatives, programming, and other opportunities to engage with this new unit, signaling a strategic expansion and enhancement of inclusion efforts through coordinated programming and university-wide participation.
The Student Experience Division, under the supervision of Chief Student Experience Officer Allen Groves, will continue to focus on student success programs. The Intercultural Collective, a part of the Student Experience Division, will continue to play a crucial role in supporting students from diverse backgrounds and fostering an inclusive community.
Creating a welcoming campus at Syracuse University is a shared commitment among students, faculty, and staff. Vice President Almandrez and her team have led a comprehensive review of the Office of Diversity and Inclusion's mission, structure, and programs over the past several months. The review process included a thorough examination of the university's compliance with federal law, including Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
On March 1, 2025, University leaders announced a review of their commitment to being a welcoming campus that complies with federal law. The new People and Culture unit will continue to manage the employee accommodation process, ensuring that all members of the university community feel respected, supported, and valued.
Students are encouraged to use the OrangeNow app and visit the University's event calendar and Student Experience website to stay informed about upcoming opportunities to connect and participate. The team will focus on enhancing employee engagement, expanding professional development, and strengthening community-building.
In conclusion, the People and Culture unit at Syracuse University is designed to build upon prior diversity initiatives, offering a dedicated institutional framework to promote inclusion, support diverse populations, and strengthen the university's commitment to a welcoming environment for all members of the community.
- The People and Culture unit at Syracuse University, as part of its ongoing commitment to equal opportunity, will focus on providing education and self-development opportunities through practical, responsive, and forward-thinking programs designed to equip faculty and staff with the tools, knowledge, and skills needed to succeed in their roles.
- In an effort to strengthen community-building, the new People and Culture unit at Syracuse University will emphasize fostering an inclusive community, where students from diverse backgrounds such as first-generation students, low-income students, foster youth, veterans, non-traditional, and transfer students feel supported and valued, enabling them to thrive academically and personally.
