Stony Brook University Office of Diversity and Affirmative Action

Our Mission

It is the mission of the Office of Diversity and Affirmative Action to uphold and reaffirm the University’s position and commitment to equal employment opportunity, affirmative action, and the creation of an inclusive campus climate. This mission can be accomplished by:

Championing innovative programs to enhance the conversations, climate, and celebration around diversity issues and social justice;
Fostering collaboration and cooperation between students, staff, and faculty by providing opportunities for these groups to learn about and experience Diversity outside of the typical work setting or classroom environment;
Continuing to provide leadership and aid in the University’s goal to diversify the faculty and staff through proactive outreach efforts;
Coordinating strategic planning related to diversity and;
Ensuring that Stony Brook University offers a working, learning, and living environment free from discrimination and harassment and is one that promotes equity and opportunity.

The Office of Diversity and Affirmative Action is the primary advocate for multiculturalism and diversity at the University. Our clients are derived from all areas of the University, representing world renowned faculty; administrative and support staff; undergraduate and graduate students; their parents; and community-based organizations. It is vital to the success of the University that we provide a positive, supportive, respectful, caring and customer-oriented environment for all who contact the Office.

The major responsibilities of the Office of Diversity and Affirmative Action are to:

ensure the University’s compliance with federal and state regulations and ensure equal opportunity within the conditions, terms and privileges of employment and education;
develop an affirmative action program consistent with contract compliance regulations, including the establishment of goals and internal systems to monitor personnel activities, which includes but is not limited to hiring, training, promotion, transfer and termination, for all Vice Presidential divisions;
provide an internal avenue of redress through the investigation and resolution of complaints of unlawful employment discrimination and harassment;
support the University in its proactive recruitment, hiring and retention of under-utilized groups for all job groups and job titles;
promote an awareness of and appreciation for diversity through providing educational and training programs, developing activities, sponsoring programs, and engaging in collaborative initiatives; and
foster mutual respect and understanding among all campus constituents and communities.

Statement of the University Non-Discrimination Policy:

Consistent with federal and state guidelines, Stony Brook University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, or veterans' status in its educational programs or employment. If you are a student or an employee of Stony Brook University and you consider yourself to be a target of discrimination or harassment, you may file a complaint in writing with the Office of Diversity and Affirmative Action. If you choose to file a complaint within the University, you do not lose your right to file with an outside enforcement agency such as the State Division of Human Rights, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, or the Office of Civil Rights.

The University Affirmative Action Officer and Title IX Coordinator is Christina Vargas Law, Director of the Office of Diversity and Affirmative Action at Stony Brook University.