Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, fall 2021

The Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) continues its mission to support the creation of inclusive environments across the institution. The division approved 77 searches to be conducted this quarter and processed 55 closed searches, with three declined offers. The division closed last quarter with a total of 29 hate/bias reports for the 2020-2021 academic year. Since the start of this quarter, the campus has received three hate/bias reports, with one report filed anonymously and two reports that the department responded to within 24 hours. One was investigated, resolved and closed, while one is being investigated. The division continues to work collaboratively with campus departments responding to requests for workshops as well as responding to and investigating reports of hate/bias on campus.

The division collaborated with the Division of Academic Affairs to conduct a two-day new chairs orientation for faculty that focused on equitable hiring, tenure and promotion processes as well as how to prepare for program review and work-life balances. The division applied earlier this year for the Insight into Diversity’s Higher Education Excellence In Diversity Award (HEED) and was notified this quarter that it has been selected as one of 101 universities and colleges across the nation to receive the award. The award examines the institutional initiatives in diversity, equity and inclusion relating to recruitment and retention of students and employees, accessibility, services, programs and outreach efforts for all community members.

Additionally, as part of the re-aiming of the University’s Road Map, the Strategic Priority #3 committee has established Inclusive Excellence as a framework to anchor its new goals: Access and Equity; Diversity in Curriculum; Campus Climate; and Student Learning and Development.

The Campus Community Review Board (CCRB) submitted its recommendations to President Harvey Stenger, who shared both his response and the full committee report with the campus community. In response to the CCRB’s report, the president has created an implementation committee to actualize and prioritize the recommendations of the CCRB. The CCRB will continue to meet to determine next steps.

The DEI is excited about its growth as it conducted four searches over the summer and has an additional temporary hire. New employees to the division include:

• Ada Robinson-Perez, affirmative action officer, who has transitioned from her role as an assistant professor in the Binghamton University Department of Social Work to join the DEI team.
• Anne Guanciale, director of intercultural affairs, who is coming to Binghamton from San Diego State University where she served as the director of the Pride Center and will oversee both the Binghamton University Multicultural Resource Center and Q Center.
• Nicholas Martin, Q Center assistant director, who is coming to Binghamton from Syracuse University where he was an administrator in residential life and who will report to the director of intercultural affairs and support the day-to-day operations and programming of the Q Center.
• Nicole Francisco, Q Center coordinator, who is coming to Binghamton from Pennsylvania by way of the University of Oregon where she was a volunteer coordinator for the Q Center while completing her doctoral studies in political science, and will be responsible for expanding Q Center diversity education opportunities.
• Korin Kirk, coordinator for diversity education, who comes from being a diversity trainer for the Broome County United Way. Her experience in diversity and inclusion work will serve the institution in advancing the UDiversity Educational Institute mission.