To the University Community:
I am pleased to announce the merger of the Office for Institutional Equity (OIE) and the Office for Diversity and Inclusion (ODI) into a unified entity: the Office for Inclusion and Civil Rights. This strategic alignment reflects our commitment to the values and mission of our institution while enhancing our ability to serve the entire UConn community, including UConn Health.
The essential work of OIE and ODI and the institutional commitment to both will continue, but with more direct collaboration and support. This merger brings together subject matter experts from both units, fostering deeper alignment across initiatives, programs, and services. It allows us to streamline our efforts in civil rights and equal employment opportunity compliance, education and training, and diversity, equity, and inclusion while continuing to provide responsive support and referrals across the University. This merger is also responsive to feedback received from the University community asking for greater clarity and alignment between the two units.
The merger is not a departure from our core commitments. Rather, it is an opportunity to synthesize our strengths, innovate in how we approach our work, and build a more cohesive and impactful framework for advancing inclusion. The work that has historically been done independently by OIE and ODI will continue — with greater coordination and shared purpose.
The conversation and assessment of the merger have been ongoing for more than a year, and we remain committed to listening, learning, and adapting. Our goal is to ensure that this transition brings clarity, continuity, and renewed energy to our shared mission.
Dr. Jeffrey Hines, Vice President, will lead the new Office for Inclusion and Civil Rights. Sarah Chipman, who has led OIE on an interim basis as Associate Vice President, will serve as Director of Civil Rights Compliance, leading a team focused on Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) / Section 504, Title VI, Title VII, Title IX, and related non-discrimination compliance within the new unit. Sarah will continue serving as the University’s ADA, Title VI, and Title IX Coordinator. Please join me in extending thanks to Jeff and Sarah for taking on these new roles.
The combined unit will soon launch a new website and extend “meet and greet” invitations to the UConn community. All resources available from ODI can be accessed on their website: www.diversity.uconn.edu; their office can be reached at diversity@uconn.edu or 860-486-2422.
All information and processes provided through OIE remain available on their websites: www.equity.uconn.edu; www.accessibility.uconn.edu and www.titleix.uconn.edu. Their office can be reached at equity@uconn.edu or 860-486-2943.
Radenka Maric
President
