President's Reaffirmation Statement

August 29, 2007

To All University at Albany and Research Foundation Members:

As we begin a new academic year, it is important to reaffirm our
commitment to the principles of equal opportunity and diversity.  The
University at Albany and Research Foundation communities must remain
vigilant in our efforts to combat all forms of discrimination and
harassment whether based on race, gender, age, color, religion, national
origin, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status
or citizenship.  The University at Albany and Research Foundation policy
on diversity and equal opportunity is rooted in our understanding that
it is only through inclusion, respect, and recognizing and valuing both
our differences and similarities that we can approach our potential as a
world-class University.

During this past academic year, I was pleased with the number of
activities across campus that put into action our commitment to ensure
equal opportunity and enhance diversity.  In May 2007, for example, a
number of departments on campus contributed to a conference entitled
"American Dilemmas: Historical and Comparative Perspectives on
Diversity, Health Disparities, and Issues of Substance Abuse."  This
conference exemplified the value and importance of engaging in
interdisciplinary discussions in which perspectives on diversity can be
recognized and explored.

I am also pleased to bring to your attention that the University's
Diversity Task Force will be announcing this fall a set of university
wide goals and recommendations which articulate our institution's
commitment to diversity, equal opportunity, and inclusion.  The
University Commission on Diversity and Affirmative Action will play a
significant role in assisting with the implementation of these
recommendations.  In addition, I will soon be announcing the recipients
of the 2007 - 08 Diversity and Affirmative Action Grants Program and the
Diversity Leadership Awards Program, both of which are administered by
the University Commission on Diversity and Affirmative Action.  These
two programs were designed to encourage faculty, students and staff to
develop innovative diversity-building projects, and in the case of the
Diversity Leadership Awards, to recognize the actions of an individual
in our community and a campus unit that have exhibited a deep commitment
to ensuring and strengthening diversity on campus.

Additionally, the University is extremely pleased to welcome Dr. Tamra
Minor as the new Assistant Vice President and Director of the Office of
Diversity and Affirmative Action. I am confident that Dr. Minor brings
the proven leadership, experience and enthusiasm necessary to further
strengthen the University's efforts to promote equal opportunity and
affirmative action, while advancing our vision for diversity
campus-wide.

The University Administration is committed to ensuring that all Equal
Opportunity/Affirmative Action policies be enforced and strengthened.
The University at Albany and the Research Foundation maintain a
zero-tolerance policy on discrimination in any form.  Please be aware
that if you experience or become aware of violations of the University
at Albany's nondiscrimination policies you should contact the Office of
Diversity and Affirmative Action (ODAA).  The ODAA is located in
University Hall room 207 or by telephone at (518) 956-8110.  In
addition, I ask that you re-familiarize yourself with our goals,
policies and procedures by visiting:
http://www.albany.edu/affirmative_action.

Sincerely,

Susan Herbst, Officer in Charge
Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs
Professor of Political Science