Campus & Community

Office of Diversity and Inclusion Accepting Applications for Administrative Fellowship

Friday, April 12, 2024, By Christine Grabowski

The Office of Diversity and Inclusion (ODI) is offering staff members the opportunity to advance diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility on campus through a fellowship opportunity. The ODI Administrative Fellowship promotes leadership and professional development of University employees who are mid-level staff.

Fellows will engage in a one or two-year program or research project to advance the priorities outlined in the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility (DEIA) Strategic Plan. The deadline to submit an application is Monday, June 3.

“Our first administrative fellowships provided us with a powerful collection of student stories as captured during the ‘lonely campus’ podcast,” says Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion Mary Grace Almandrez. “As we issue the call for our next administrative fellows, I look forward to selecting candidates who seek to advance the work of diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility on campus through specified projects or research.”

As part of the appointment, fellows will receive the following:

  • a $10,000-per-year stipend,
  • up to $5,000 in program funds for approved projects,
  • up to $1,500 for professional development opportunities,
  • mentorship from the vice president for diversity and inclusion and other senior leaders, and
  • opportunities to participate in ODI meetings, DEIA committees and community engagement events.

Fellows will develop, implement and measure the impact of an innovative program or project in one of the following areas:

  • inclusion and belonging
  • DEIA learning and development
  • DEIA research and assessment
  • disability access
  • strategic communications

To execute their program or project, fellows will collaborate with students, campus leaders and key stakeholders and present their projects to the University community at the end of their fellowship. Fellows are expected to be able to commit 96 hours for active participation in the program per year (i.e., two hours/week).

To be considered for the fellowship, staff members must have demonstrated commitment to advancing DEIA; be a full-time, benefits-eligible employee; and have completed a minimum of five years of administrative experience in the current position at the start of the fellowship. For a listing of all requirements, visit the ODI careers and opportunities webpage.

Applications can be submitted online. The deadline for applications is Monday, June 3.

For those who apply, their supervisor will be requested to complete a required letter of recommendation for their applicant(s).

For more information, visit the ODI careers and opportunities webpage or contact diversity@syr.edu.