Our Purpose
Committed to Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
The Office of Equity and Inclusion is committed to offering pathways for ensuring that the members of our university community have an opportunity to share their thoughts and to be heard.
Mission
UMass Global, a private nonprofit affiliate of University of Massachusetts, is committed to upholding the humanity of every student, staff, and faculty at UMass Global by affirming and protecting the dignity and rights of each person. We strive to facilitate Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (J.E.D.I.) through an equity-minded education, student success, equitable hiring practices, and inclusive campus climate. Read more on Our Commitment to J.E.D.I.
Vision
Foster an environment where addressing issues related to diversity, equity, inclusion, social justice and cultural humility, is cultivated.
Purpose
The Office of Equity and Inclusion (OEI) advocates for justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion by providing programs, services, and support that lead to access and success for students, staff, and faculty by closing opportunity gaps for the many minoritized groups. Through collaboration with our university community on policies, procedures, practices, and norms, the OEI works to address inequitable conditions that impede the access, belonging, success, and well-being of all members of our university community.
Who We Serve
Our programs, services and resources are available to students, staff, administrators, full-time and adjunct faculty, and all members of the UMass Global community.
A message from the Vice Chancellor of Equity and Inclusion/ Senior Diversity Officer
Centering Advocacy, Community, and Engagement is a focal point of the work we do, as the Office of Equity and Inclusion. Doing so, via partnerships and collaborative efforts, and with the support of our university community, has allowed us to create spaces where we can come together to share resources, participate in initiatives, and collaborate via planning and implementation.
Our diverse communities of learners, their many intersectionalities, lived experiences and desire to be seen, heard, and valued, have served as a constant reminder that the advocacy work we do is imperative.
We hope that as you browse these pages and learn more about the 50+ student, alumni, and employee-based initiatives, planning & implementation groups, symposiums, guided facilitations, discussion series, and a host of opportunities to collaborate, that you will be inspired to get involved.
There is great work being done here at UMass Global in support of our students as we work daily to meet them where they are. Likewise, we hope that you will also be inspired to advocate for equity in your local community and in places where your gifts and lived experiences will be an asset to support and advocate for others.
As many of you have heard me share throughout the years - it is important that we give ourselves and others grace. In addition to our own individual contributions, advocacy takes community and is often unseen. Much of the collaborative and partnership-driven efforts the team at the OEI undertakes year-round are done without fanfare or accolades, but they are always done with heart and with the best interest of our students, our colleagues, and our peers front of mind.
It is the work and support efforts often unseen, that reminds me of an African proverb that I have carried with me through my many years of advocacy and community building. "Until the lions have their own historians, the history of the hunt will always glorify the hunter.” One of my hopes is that the work we do collectively through partnerships and collaboration will continue to provide a space for voices to be both heard and valued.
Thank you for your advocacy, for adding to this burgeoning community, and for your ongoing engagement with the Office of Equity and Inclusion.
Dr. Jálin B. Johnson (she/her) Vice Chancellor of Equity and Inclusion/ Senior Diversity Officer