Background
Becoming the premier public research 1 university requires commitment and contribution from all members of the University community, and an environment that mirrors our broader community and the world in which we live; one that reflects the workplace of the 21st century and welcomes the insights of individuals from many perspectives and cultural traditions. Consequently, our campus community has made diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging a priority. As our enrollment grows, so must our efforts to ensure that every member of our campus is valued as an integral and fundamental part of the fabric of Binghamton University.
The creation of our Division for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) and the elevation of our new vice president for diversity, equity and inclusion (who began in 2020) — to lead our strategic and unified efforts ensure that we are not only diverse, but also inclusive. A dedicated staff person in each of the University’s divisions provides the support needed to guarantee and support our success. Our University, through these individuals, models a philosophy of equity and inclusiveness and a value system that will be represented in Binghamton’s student body, faculty and staff, and serve as a reminder that diversity is the key to becoming the premier public research 1 university.
To enhance the diversity of our student body, the University offers several programs that provide financial, advising and academic support to students from underserved communities. These programs include our Educational Opportunity Program, the Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation Program, the Bridges to the Baccalaureate Program, the Bridges to the Doctorate Program and the Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program. We will continue to strengthen these programs so that they will become even more effective in helping our students achieve academic and future success. We also will increase the number and value of scholarships to aid in recruiting diverse students. Our classroom infrastructure will adapt to be inclusive of the needs of all students. With an adaptive technology specialist, Binghamton’s classrooms and learning materials will be fully responsive to the specific needs of each student to ensure accessibility.
Binghamton University has a long tradition of bringing diverse perspectives to teaching and research. To become the premier public research 1 university, we must work hard to build on this tradition and increase the cultural and intellectual diversity of our campus. Increasing the number of faculty from diverse backgrounds, traditions and perspectives must, therefore, be a high priority. Under the leadership of our vice president for diversity, equity and inclusion and our vice provost for faculty affairs, we will take advantage of SUNY programs and recruitment opportunities to increase recruitment, representation and promotion of diverse faculty. We will also study best practices for enhancing diversity developed by other top universities, integrate them into our hiring practices and provide support for schools and departments as they seek to build more diverse faculties.
