Inclusive Community & Belonging
At Purchase College, inclusive community and belonging are essential to academic excellence, creative expression, and individual well-being. The Office of Diversity and Compliance is grounded in inclusive excellence and recognizes diversity as a defining reality of our community and calls for intentional, equity-minded practices that enable all members to fully participate, contribute, and thrive.
Rather than understanding diversity as a static concept or an abstract value, Purchase approaches inclusion and belonging as active, shared responsibilities. We recognize that students, faculty, and staff experience the institution differently based on identity, social context, and lived experience. This requires ongoing attention to how policies, practices, learning environments, and campus culture shape access, opportunity, and connection.
Belonging is the outcome of this work. It reflects a campus climate in which individuals feel respected, supported, and able to bring their full selves into learning, work, and community life. Building such a climate requires collaboration, dialogue, care, and accountability across the institution.
How Inclusive Excellence Is Lived at Purchase
The Office of Diversity and Compliance advances inclusive excellence through education, engagement, and support that strengthen campus culture and foster meaningful connection. This work is distinct from, but complementary to, the office’s civil rights and compliance functions and responsibilities.
Key areas of focus include:
- Supporting identity-affirming spaces and resources
- Advancing inclusive learning, working, and living environments
- Facilitating dialogue, education, and community engagement
- Partnering with campus units to remove barriers to participation and success
Commitment to Campus Climate
Purchase College is committed to maintaining a campus climate rooted in respect, care, and shared responsibility. The college does not tolerate discrimination or discriminatory harassment.
As part of the SUNY system, Purchase is dedicated to adhering to the guidelines expressed by SUNY in the fact sheet: Committing to a Strong Campus Climate.
ADA accessible PDF