TO: Campus Community
FR: Emily F. Cutrer, Interim President
Dear Sonoma State University Community:
I’d like to take this opportunity to provide additional information about our continued commitment to institutional equity and belonging. The September 10 message informed our Seawolf community that our diversity, equity and inclusion programs, initiatives and leadership would transfer to Dr. Gerald L. Jones, Vice President for Student Affairs.
Since that transfer, Dr. Jones, also serving in the role of Sonoma State University’s Acting Senior Diversity Officer, has made some strategic changes that will bring vibrant change and greater focus to this crucial component of our success as a thriving community where every member feels valued. One such change is renaming the former Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
Championing Sonoma State University's strengthened commitment to fostering connection and community, the new re-branded Office of Institutional Equity and Belonging will be led by Tramaine Austin-Dillon, Director of Institutional Equity and Belonging. By emphasizing "belonging," Sonoma State reinforces our dedication to challenging the concept of "othering"—defined as the processes, dynamics, and structures that consciously or unconsciously deny full and equal membership in society based on social group affiliation and identity. This notion of "othering" lies at the core of inequality, and fostering a sense of belonging is a key solution. The Office of Institutional Equity and Belonging will also continue its mission to advance a campus culture that prioritizes inclusion, well-being, justice, and the celebration of diverse identities.
- HUB Cultural Center
- Climate Surveys on Belonging & Inclusion
- Affinity Faculty Staff Associations, including
- Alianza for Equity
- Asian Pacific Islander American Faculty & Staff Association
- Black Faculty & Staff Association
- Jewish Faculty, Staff, and Friends
- Queer Faculty & Staff Association
- Native American Initiative
- Black Student Success Advisory Council
- Hispanic Serving Institution Advisory Council
- Advisory Council on Diversity, Equity, Campus Climate, and Inclusion
We recognize that these efforts require dedication, empathy, and sustained action from all of us. The Office of Institutional Equity and Belonging remains deeply committed to fostering understanding, building meaningful relationships across differences, and promoting both equity and diversity to help create a more inclusive campus where all of our members feel a strong sense of connection and belonging.