Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
143 Fenton Hall
716.673.4714
Website: https://www.fredonia.edu/about/offices/diversity-equity-inclusion
Intercultural Center
G106 Williams Center
716.673.3398
Website: https://www.fredonia.edu/student-life/intercultural-center
Welcome to the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at The State University of New York at Fredonia. Here you will find a wide variety of information regarding advocacy, celebration and education as it relates to diversity, equity and inclusion. We also offer resources available to the campus in connection with these areas.
Mission Statement
The mission of the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ODEI) at SUNY Fredonia is to foster a campus culture that is inclusive, equitable, and supportive of all students, faculty, and staff. Rooted in the principles of advocacy, celebration, and education, ODEI is dedicated to eliminating barriers to success and promoting an environment where all individuals feel valued, empowered, and a true sense of belonging.
In alignment with SUNY’s 25-Point DEI Strategic Plan, the office leads efforts to advance system-wide equity through inclusive policy development, proactive recruitment and retention strategies, capacity-building initiatives, and data-driven accountability. These actions aim to address historical inequities, support underrepresented populations, and increase access to academic and professional opportunities for all members of the university community.
Guided by SUNY Fredonia’s True Blue Transformation Strategic Plan, ODEI reinforces the university’s commitment to inclusive excellence, academic innovation, and student-centered support. The office collaborates with divisions across campus to integrate DEI into all aspects of institutional life, from classroom experiences to community engagement, thereby enhancing student success.
Intercultural Center
The Intercultural Center (IC) serves as a hub for inclusive programming and collaborates with various campus & community stakeholders, to provide programming and support. The IC is housed under the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. The IC is primarily supported by the following offices:
- Multicultural Support Services
- Native American SUNY: Western Consortium
- Veteran & Military Affiliated Students
Scholarships
The IC maintains two scholarship programs: Keeper of the Dream Scholarship (KOD) and the Rosa Parks Scholarship Competition. The Keeper of the Dream scholarships are awarded competitively to entering first-year students based on high school achievement, community service and a demonstrated commitment to multiculturalism. Recipients are expected to demonstrate personal leadership and commitment to cultural pluralism and cross cultural dialogue while on campus.
The Rosa Parks Scholarship Competition was established in 1989 by Dr. Vivian Garcia, the Rosa Parks Scholarship was designed to give all students of The State University of New York at Fredonia an opportunity to voice their opinion on the subjects of social injustice, cultural perspective, and activism.
Multicultural Support Services
The Office of Multicultural Support Services (MSS) is a unit within the Intercultural Center. MSS engages in peer interactions in order to gain a better understanding and appreciation for diversity, inclusion, and social justice, while providing meaningful support to assist students in their transition (to Fredonia), retention (at Fredonia), and graduation (from Fredonia.)
Native American SUNY: Western Consortium
The Native American SUNY: Western Consortium is one of two consortia created by the State University of New York (SUNY) to address the higher education needs of Native American students and communities. The Western Consortium, based at State University of New York at Fredonia, is a network of college campus personnel, organizations, and Native American students, families, and communities.The Consortium provides assistance and financial support for campus/ community events related to the recruitment, retention, and graduation of Native American students. Such events may include socials, exhibits, speakers, and workshops.
Veterans and Military Affiliated Students
Fredonia takes pride in serving the men and women in uniform and assisting them in their educational goals. Located on the main floor of Nixon Hall, the Office of Veterans Affairs provides information, advice and processes the paperwork for the certification of veterans educational benefits. The office is staffed by part-time student veteran employees under the supervision of the Office of Veterans Affairs Coordinator and is open for business Monday through Friday; however, hours of operation will vary and be posted on the office door.