A Vision for Inclusion & Belonging
With the appointment of President Kevin F. Hallock, the university entered a new strategic phase, reaffirming its commitment to Belonging & Community — one of the five Strategic Priorities guiding UR’s future:
- Academic Excellence
- Belonging & Community
- Access & Affordability
- Well-Being
- Experiential Learning & Community Engagement
As part of this vision, the university formally established the Division for Inclusion & Belonging, centralizing efforts to build a more inclusive campus. In 2024, the university hired its inaugural Vice President for Inclusion & Belonging, Dr. Monica M. Smith, to lead institutional efforts in embedding equity and belonging into the core of university life.
The creation of this division signified an institutional shift from separate diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and access initiatives toward an integrated, strategic approach. Under this structure, existing programs and initiatives were strengthened, and new efforts were launched to support students, faculty, and staff.
While the university has made significant strides, the work of inclusion and belonging remains ongoing. Today, under President Hallock’s leadership, the Division for Inclusion & Belonging continues to ensure inclusion and belonging remain core values across policies, programs, and initiatives.