Our Commitment
Our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging goes far beyond any one office. These ideals and aspirations are deeply embedded into the core of UMass Amherst. We envision being a leader in promoting and maintaining an inclusive university community that fully reflects the diversity of the region and world, in which all community members can feel included, connected, and valued, and that fully embeds and fosters well-being for people, places, and planet. Please explore how our university serves and supports our community members.
From Harlem to Bandung: Understanding Our Shared Histories and Struggles
March 26, 2026 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm | Hadley Room, Campus Center
With Akemi Kochiyama-Ladson, writer, scholar-activist and proud third generation Harlemite.
From Black liberation and reparations to support for immigrants and unjustly incarcerated people, our histories and futures are connected. The erasure of history and attacks on democracy, free speech and civil rights we are witnessing today will have long term impacts on the lives of the most vulnerable and marginalized communities in the future. Join us for a presentation and conversation about Malcolm X, Yuri Kochiyama, and the past, present and future of united struggles and movements for justice, liberation and human rights. Dinner will be served!
Seeking Proposals for the 2026 JEDI Conference
The 5th annual Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) Conference will be held on September 16-17, 2026 in the Student Union Ballroom for the keynote talks and in the Campus Center lower level for community-led sessions.We are accepting proposals from UMass students, staff, and faculty to lead workshops, panels, and lightning session talks to take place on September 17.
DEADLINE: April 10, 2026
Seeking Proposals for Campus Climate Improvement Grants
Ranging from $250 to $2,500, Campus Climate Improvement Grants support projects that promote dialogue, connection across differences, and positive changes in the campus climate and culture. Applicants are encouraged to submit their creative ideas. Previously funded projects have includedUnderstanding Caste: How Caste-Based Discrimination Manifests in Academia, Wellness Paint & Sip, The Black Lavender Collective Healing Symposium, Fighting Period Poverty at the Science & Engineering Library , and more.
DEADLINE: April 10, 2026
Springfield Center Faculty Lecture Series
These monthly lectures bring the expertise of our faculty to the Springfield community allowing an exploration and dialogue around issues of community interest. All events take place at the UMass Henry M. Thomas III Center at Springfield from 5:30-7 pm.
Topics include: "Understanding the Health Impacts of President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill", "Understanding Autism: Evidence, Myth, and Realities (Panel)", and "Vaccines: Distinguishing Fact from Fiction".
Federal Actions
UMass Amherst is committed to protecting the privacy, wellbeing, and safety of its community. This page collects and shares resources for students and employees in response to changes in the federal landscape. Please refer to this page for updates.
Imagining 2034: Our Strategic Plan
The university's multi-stage strategic planning process will be informed by a respect for UMass Amherst’s rich history as the commonwealth’s flagship campus and public-land grant institution, ambition for excellence in all we do, and recognition of our responsibility to steward our financial and human resources. The planning process incorporates existing school and college strategic visions, aspirations, and goals, in addition to understanding opportunities for—and impediments to—success. UMass Amherst will strive for inclusion and transparency in every aspect of this important process.
Where to Turn for Help
As valued members of the UMass community, we stand together in fostering an environment of support and empowerment. Your voice matters in preventing and addressing mistreatment, bias, or discrimination. Explore the resources available to you and trust that we're here to assist you every step of the way. If you or someone you know has been harmed, please explore these resources for reporting and support.