̳ has received two new accolades for its commitment to promote diversity and inclusion on campus.
For the second consecutive year, the university has earned the Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award from Insight Into Diversity magazine, the oldest and largest diversity-focused publication in higher education. Announced today, the HEED Award is an annual, national honor that recognizes U.S. colleges and universities “that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion.” This is the fourth year ̳ has received the HEED Award.
In August, ̳ was named one of the by BestColleges, a resource website that provides college rankings, reviews and advice to help prospective students choose the school that’s best for them. Out of hundreds of schools, ̳ was ranked No. 5 in the country for its “efforts to support and provide academic, financial and social resources for LGBTQ+ students.”
“The HEED and BestColleges honors highlight our ongoing efforts to create a vibrant, diverse community where everyone feels empowered to succeed,” said ̳ Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and Chief Diversity Officer Bernadette Tiapo. “We are proud to be recognized as a leader in fostering a welcoming and inclusive campus, promoting cultural understanding, and ensuring equal opportunities for students from all backgrounds.”
2024 HEED Award
As a recipient of the 2024 HEED Award, ̳ will be featured, along with 113 other recipients, in the November/December 2024 issue of Insight Into Diversity magazine.
Diversity, equity, and inclusivity have long been core values at ̳, and the university is conscientiously and consistently developing new strategies and tactics aimed at creating a campus community where everyone feels welcome.
“The HEED Award process consists of a comprehensive and rigorous application that includes questions relating to the recruitment and retention of students and employees—and best practices for both—leadership support for diversity, campus culture and climate, supplier diversity, and many other aspects of campus diversity and inclusion,” said Lenore Pearlstein, publisher of Insight Into Diversity magazine. “We take a detailed approach to reviewing each application in deciding who will be named a HEED Award recipient. Our standards are high, and we look for institutions where diversity and inclusion are woven into the work being done every day across their campus.”
LGBTQ+ Friendly Schools Ranking
In consultation with Dr. Genny Beemyn, an expert in the field of LGBTQ+ higher education issues and student experiences, BestColleges included ̳ as a top-ranked LGBTQ+-friendly school for its self-reporting of services and resources offered to LGBTQ+ students, including nondiscrimination protection, equal access and access to an LGBTQ+ Center.
Specifically, ̳ was noted for its Gender and Sexuality Resource Center, or GSRC, which offers resources and events for students to learn about gender and sexuality. The GSRC’s annual PRISM Conference, which celebrated its 10th anniversary last fall, gives queer and transgender students across the SUNY system a space to feel seen, heard and supported and invites regional and national speakers to speak on LGBTQ+ issues that impact college students.
̳ has an active Gender and Sexuality Alliance (or GSA) club and Women’s and Gender Studies Club, and the Women’s and Gender Studies Department just launched a new minor in Queer and Trans Studies.