Office of Diversity and Compliance

At Purchase College, inclusive excellence is central to who we are and how we learn, create, work, and live together. Consistent with the framework advanced by the Association of American Colleges and Universities (AAC&U), inclusive excellence recognizes diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and educational quality as interconnected and mutually reinforcing drivers of student success and institutional effectiveness.

Grounded in nationally recognized higher education best practices, our office leads in integrating civil rights compliance, equitable access, inclusive teaching and working environments, and campus climate into the fabric of how the college operates. Our office affirms that excellence is achieved not in spite of diversity, but through intentional, equity-minded practices that ensure all members of the community can fully participate and thrive.

Diversity reflects the lived realities, identities, experiences, and perspectives that make up our community. Equity and inclusion are the intentional actions we take to ensure fair access, opportunity, and participation for all. Belonging is the outcome, which is a campus climate where individuals feel valued, supported, and able to thrive. Together, these elements form a continuous and reinforcing cycle that strengthens learning, creativity, and institutional excellence at Purchase College.

The Office of Diversity and Compliance provides leadership, partnership, and accountability to advance this work across the college. We support students, faculty, and staff by fostering equitable practices, promoting accessible learning and working environments, and upholding civil rights protections that safeguard dignity and fairness.

Our office integrates proactive strategy with regulatory responsibility. While we maintain oversight of federal and state civil rights compliance, including Title IX, Title VI, affirmative action, and accessibility, our approach extends beyond compliance alone. We focus on education, prevention, and systemic improvement that contribute to student success, workforce engagement, and a healthy campus climate.

Through policy development, training and education, programming, consultation, and responsive support, we work collaboratively to remove barriers, strengthen institutional accountability, and cultivate a community grounded in respect, care, and shared responsibility.

Our Areas of Focus

These areas reflect institutional commitments that advance diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and accountability across the Purchase College community.