Progress Report and Future Directions: University's Continued Effort to Embrace Diversity for All
Syracuse University Announces Shift in Approach to Diversity and Inclusion
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 establishment of a new People and Culture unit within the Office of Human Resources. This change was announced in late July and early August 2025 [1][2][4][5].
The People and Culture unit is designed to work collaboratively with campus partners, including Human Resources and academic units, to foster a welcoming and inclusive environment for faculty, staff, and students. While specific programs and functions have not been fully detailed in the sources, the intention is for this unit to broaden the scope from traditional diversity and inclusion efforts to a more integrated approach emphasizing culture, engagement, and the overall employee and faculty experience on campus [5].
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, and Senior Vice President for Human Resources Andrew Gordon are committed to ensuring a welcoming campus [3].
The new unit will focus on enhancing employee engagement, expanding professional development, and strengthening community-building. Vice President Almandrez and her team have led a comprehensive review of the Office of Diversity and Inclusion's mission, structure, and programs [6].
The Student Experience Division, which includes the Intercultural Collective and student success programs, is also part of the expanded efforts to create a welcoming campus. 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 [7].
The University's leadership announced a review of their commitment to being a welcoming campus and full compliance with federal law, including Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, on March 1, 2025 [4]. Based on the findings, Vice President Almandrez and her team will join the Office of Human Resources to form the new unit focused on People and Culture [6].
Students can visit the University's event calendar and Student Experience website for information about upcoming opportunities to connect and participate. They can also download the OrangeNow app for updates [8].
It is essential for Syracuse University to ensure all members of the community feel respected, supported, and valued [2]. Creating a welcoming campus is a shared commitment among students, faculty, and staff [9].
The University will close the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, and the new People and Culture unit will work closely with campus partners, including the Student Experience Division, to advance strategic priorities [1]. The team will continue to manage the employee accommodation process.
In summary, the update is the closure of the previous Office of Diversity and Inclusion and the establishment of the People and Culture unit, which will impact faculty, staff, and students by embedding diversity and inclusion goals more holistically within human resources and campus culture initiatives [1][2][5].
[1] Syracuse University News, (2025). Syracuse University announces new approach to Diversity and Inclusion. [online] Available at: https://news.syr.edu/2025/07/29/syracuse-university-announces-new-approach-to-diversity-and-inclusion/
[2] Syracuse University News, (2025). Syracuse University to close Office of Diversity and Inclusion. [online] Available at: https://news.syr.edu/2025/08/03/syracuse-university-to-close-office-of-diversity-and-inclusion/
[3] Syracuse University News, (2025). Syracuse University leadership committed to welcoming campus. [online] Available at: https://news.syr.edu/2025/08/05/syracuse-university-leadership-committed-to-welcoming-campus/
[4] Syracuse University News, (2025). Syracuse University reviews commitment to being a welcoming campus. [online] Available at: https://news.syr.edu/2025/03/01/syracuse-university-reviews-commitment-to-being-a-welcoming-campus/
[5] Syracuse University News, (2025). New approach to Diversity and Inclusion at Syracuse University. [online] Available at: https://news.syr.edu/2025/08/06/new-approach-to-diversity-and-inclusion-at-syracuse-university/
[6] Syracuse University News, (2025). Vice President Almandrez to lead new People and Culture unit. [online] Available at: https://news.syr.edu/2025/08/07/vice-president-almandrez-to-lead-new-people-and-culture-unit/
[7] Syracuse University News, (2025). Student Experience Division expands efforts to foster community. [online] Available at: https://news.syr.edu/2025/08/10/student-experience-division-expands-efforts-to-foster-community/
[8] Syracuse University News, (2025). Students encouraged to download OrangeNow app. [online] Available at: https://news.syr.edu/2025/08/12/students-encouraged-to-download-orangenow-app/
[9] Syracuse University News, (2025). Creating a welcoming campus is a shared commitment. [online] Available at: https://news.syr.edu/2025/08/14/creating-a-welcoming-campus-is-a-shared-commitment/
In the new phase at Syracuse University, the People and Culture unit will broaden the focus from traditional diversity and inclusion efforts to a more integrated approach, encompassing culture, engagement, and overall employee and faculty experience on campus. This holistic approach aligns with education-and-self-development opportunities, as the student experience division will deliver programs to equip faculty and staff with necessary tools for success.
In the realm of lifestyle, fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment is essential for general-news reporting, as Syracuse University leadership strives to ensure all members of the community feel respected, supported, and valued. This shift in approach, as announced in a series of Syracuse University News articles, will impact faculty, staff, and students by embedding diversity and inclusion goals more holistically within human resources and campus culture initiatives.
