Review Progress and Next Steps: Update on University’s Commitment to Being Welcoming to All

Thursday, July 31, 2025

Dear Members of the Syracuse University Community:

In March, University leaders announced our intention to review how we can continue to advance our commitment to being a campus that is welcoming to all, while ensuring full compliance with federal law, including Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Today, we write to provide an update on that review and the important next steps that will allow us to sustain and strengthen this promise in a rapidly changing regulatory landscape.

Over the past several months, Vice President Mary Grace Almandrez and her team have led a comprehensive review of the Office of Diversity and Inclusion’s mission, structure and programs. This process included engaging with more than 300 students, faculty, staff, alumni, and parents and families. This feedback has been invaluable, and we appreciate everyone who participated and helped shape the direction ahead.

Based on the findings, Vice President Almandrez and her team will join the Office of Human Resources to form a new unit focused on People and Culture, and the University will close the Office of Diversity and Inclusion. The new team 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. They will focus on enhancing employee engagement, expanding professional development and strengthening community-building. The team will continue to manage the employee accommodation process, while delivering practical, responsive and forward-thinking programs that equip faculty and staff with the tools, knowledge and skills needed to succeed in their roles. Faculty and staff will receive more information about upcoming initiatives, programming and other opportunities to engage.

In alignment with this transition, the Student Experience Division, including its Intercultural Collective and student success programs, will expand its efforts to foster community among students and promote meaningful engagement across differences, backgrounds, perspectives and experiences. Students are encouraged to download the OrangeNow app and visit the University’s event calendar and Student Experience website to stay informed about upcoming opportunities to connect and participate.

At Syracuse University, creating a welcoming campus is not the job of just one office or one individual. It is a shared commitment that depends on all of us—students, faculty and staff alike.

It is essential to ensure all members of our community feel and are respected, supported and valued.

Sincerely,

Chancellor Kent Syverud
Interim Vice Chancellor and Provost Lois Agnew
Vice Chancellor J. Michael Haynie
Chief Student Experience Officer Allen Groves
Vice President for People and Culture Mary Grace Almandrez
Senior Vice President for Human Resources Andrew Gordon