Inclusion and Belonging
Author Toni Morrison describes belonging as a feeling that requires nurturing, validation, and freedom without excessive risk. We wholeheartedly agree.
Benefits of Inclusion and Belonging
Improved Retention
Lack of belonging is the number one reason students choose to leave a university. Staff and faculty also benefit greatly if they feel like they belong.
Enhanced Work Environment
A sense of belonging fosters a positive and productive work environment for staff who often feel overlooked in an academic setting.
Reduced Bias Reporting
Campuses that make intentional efforts to make everyone feel they belong have reduced numbers of discrimination and bias reports.
Inclusion and Belonging Services
Affinity Groups
Find others on campus who share your background and/or professional aspirations and join, or start, an affinity group.
Foster Community
Opportunities for you to connect with staff and faculty who share your identity for the purpose of networking and professional camaraderie.
Learning and Development
Provide opportunities for staff members to grow within their role and career.
Campus Wide Inclusion and Belonging Resources
Center for Disability Resources Center for International Services Center on Disability and Inclusion Chabad House Community Folk Art Center Disability Cultural Center Hillel Hendrick’s Chapel La Casita Cultural Center LGBTQ Resource Center Native Student Program Office of Community Engagement Office of Equal Opportunity, Inclusion and Resolution Services Office of Multicultural Affairs Retention and Student Success – academic support and graduation initiatives StopBias and Hate - Student Organizations
Student Outreach Services – student support services The Barner-McDuffie House (previously 119 Euclid) The Office of University Ombuds More Resources
Ways to Implement Inclusion and Belonging
Enhance Learning
Expand your knowledge of various aspects of diversity, inclusion and belonging including race and ethnicity, gender expression and sexual orientation, disability, socio-economic status, and faith-based affiliations to name a few.
Community-Building Programs and Events
Opportunities for you to connect with staff and faculty who share your identity for the purpose of networking and professional camaraderie.
Guide and Advise
Consistently impart your academic or professional expertise on staff, students, or faculty who may not have the same access you have to information or resources.
Support Representation
Diverse leadership, faculty, staff, students, curriculum, and experiences foster inclusive climates. Be as intentional as possible in diversifying the composition of your teams and academic materials.
Support the DEIA Fund
Want to support diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility work at Syracuse University? Give to the DEIA Fund today.