A Commitment to ‘Ever Better’
The University of Rochester Office of Equity and Inclusion is dedicated to cultivating an equitable, respectful, and welcoming culture at the University of Rochester. We strive to weave diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout the University’s mission to learn, discover, heal, and create.
We celebrate our connections to the Rochester community and affirm that in a pluralistic culture, the definition of community includes individuals who represent every race, creed, color, ability, sexual identity, and gender.

Wishing you a joyful and bright Hanukkah filled with the warmth of family, the glow of candlelight, and the happiness that comes from celebrating the Festival of Lights. May each night of Hanukkah bring you moments of peace, love, and togetherness.
Chag Semeach! Happy Hanukkah!
Presidential Stronger As One Diversity Awards
The award honors students, faculty, staff, Rochester community organizations, and University of Rochester trustees who embody the ideals of equity and inclusion in their work.
Adrienne Morgan appointed vice president for equity and inclusion and Richard Feldman Chief Diversity Officer
Adrienne Morgan has been named vice president for equity and inclusion and Richard Feldman Chief Diversity Officer at the University of Rochester, effective June 20, 2023. University President Sarah Mangelsdorf announced Morgan’s appointment following a national search and Board of Trustees approval. A leader devoted to promoting diversity, inclusion, and justice in both healthcare and higher education, Morgan has been serving as interim vice president and chief diversity officer since August 2022.
Happening Now

Veterans Reception and Pinning Ceremony 2023
Join us in honoring University of Rochester veterans in a Veterans Reception and Pinning Ceremony on Friday, November 10, in the Flaum Atrium, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, from 7 to 8:30 a.m. Registration is required. Faculty, staff, and students are welcome.

Revisiting Herstories: The Young Lords Party
Join author Iris Morales in a discussion of her recent book about women in the Young Lords Party in the late 1960s. During this seminal period for feminists of color, Hispanic, Black, Latinx, Asian, and Indigenous feminists worked for justice around the world.

Religious/Spiritual Holidays
The University of Rochester is committed to supporting all aspects of individual culture, including religion and spirituality. Explore a listing of religious/spiritual holidays through the Interfaith Chapel.
Our work focuses on five institutional priorities.
Developing and sustaining an infrastructure to support equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Enhancing the recruitment and retention of our representational diversity of faculty, staff, and students.
Cultivating an inclusive climate, culture, and University Community.
Advancing the University’s mission through an equity, diversity, and inclusion lens.
Community engagement for racial and social justice.
News and announcements
Response to Anti-Black Vandalism on Campus
Dear University of Rochester Community, As Deans and Directors for diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice (DEIJ), we want to update you about anti-Black vandalism found recently at Schlegel Hall at the Simon Business School and what is being done to … Continued
Follow-up to our message on Israel and Gaza
In our previous response to the shocking attack on Israel and the subsequent human suffering, we acknowledge that we missed the mark. We are truly sorry that a message that was meant to console only amplified the pain that so … Continued
Strengthening our support to the University’s transgender community
The beginning of each academic year is both a cause for celebration and a reason for reflection. As we celebrate our common purposes as scholars, classmates, researchers, creative artists, clinicians, and colleagues, we must also take time to reflect on … Continued
Subscribe to our Encompass Newsletter to get the latest messages, along with other updates from our office. You can also see previous issues in our Encompass Newsletter archive.

The University of Rochester has received the 2021 Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine, the oldest and largest diversity-focused publication in higher education.
As a recipient of the annual HEED Award—a national honor recognizing US colleges and universities that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion—Rochester will be featured, along with the other recipients, in the INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine.
Programs and Initiatives
Our office oversees a variety of initiatives and teams to ensure safety, equity, and diversity across the University.
Equity and Inclusion: Schools and Centers
Each of the University’s schools and colleges have offices devoted to diversity initiatives at the school level.
Stay connected
Like us on Facebook, subscribe to our Encompass newsletter, visit our YouTube page, and use #urdiversity on Twitter to connect with us!