Maintaining an Inclusive Campus Environment

At Baruch College, we are committed to cultivating a community of care and respect that values inclusion, collaboration, excellence, and innovation. We proudly celebrate the rich diversity of our community and remain dedicated to supporting an environment where ideas are freely exchanged and all voices are heard. In this spirit, we stand firmly against all forms of discrimination, including but not limited to ableism, ageism, anti-Asian hate, antisemitism, gender, Islamophobia, racism, and all acts of hatred or intolerance. Our goal is to provide a learning environment that fosters respect, safety, and inclusion, ensuring every member of the Baruch community can thrive.

This web page serves as the central repository for official statements, updates, and responses to events involving Baruch College and members of the Baruch community that relate to various forms of hatred and intimidation, and serves to reinforce our commitment of care, respect, and inclusivity. Whether addressing specific incidents, demonstrations, rallies, or related activities, we are committed to transparent and timely communication with our community.

Communications to the Community

This section contains official communications addressing key events, issues, or inquiries involving Baruch College.

January 30, 2025
Welcome to the Spring Semester
November 20, 2024
Your Voice Matters: Share Your Student Experience
October 16, 2024
Through Dialogue and Interaction: Join Baruch Connects Events for October 2024
October 7, 2024
Baruch Stands Firmly Against Hatred
September 19, 2024
Baruch College Statement: Rosh Hashanah Festival
September 17, 2024
Announcing Baruch Connects: Celebrating Diversity and Respectful Dialogue
September 5, 2024
Reaffirming Baruch’s Commitment to Respect and Inclusivity
September 3, 2024
Fostering a Dynamic and Inclusive Community at Baruch – Message to Students
September 3, 2024
Fostering an Environment of Respectful Dialogue
June 5, 2024
Ensuring a Safe and Respectful Campus Environment During Today’s Rally
April 30, 2024
Returning to Campus
November 28, 2023
Baruch Stands Firmly Against Hatred
October 12, 2023
Ensuring a Safe Campus
October 9, 2023
Baruch Response to October 7 Attacks in Israel

Cabinet Subcommittee on Campus Climate: Advancing a Respectful and Inclusive Campus Environment

To advance our commitment to care and respect, President S. David Wu has charged a Cabinet Subcommittee on Campus Climate to support a respectful and inclusive Baruch community. The Subcommittee makes recommendations on effective and appropriate communications, reviews and recommends updates to policies, and develops and/or refines action plans in response to specific incidents. The group does not conduct, nor does it participate in, the investigation of incidents, although some members may engage in those investigations separately as part of their job function.

The Subcommittee includes:

Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs
Vice President for Communications, Marketing, and Public Affairs
Vice President for Operations and Administration
Vice President for Student Affairs & Dean of Students
Assistant Vice President, Legal Counsel, and Labor Designee
Chief Diversity Officer
Chief of Public Safety
Chief of Staff

Baruch Connects: Fostering Dialogue and Understanding

Baruch Connects is a year-long series of events and initiatives celebrating our diverse community and promoting meaningful and respectful dialogue. This initiative brings the Baruch community together to embrace the broad range of perspectives that make Baruch such a vibrant and dynamic institution. Baruch Connects includes three types of activities: cultural celebrations, the Respectful Dialogue Series, and additional activities for students, faculty, and staff. Learn more about Baruch Connects.

Investigations

Baruch College is committed to promptly and fairly addressing reports of discrimination, harassment, intimidation, and retaliation to ensure the safety and well-being of our campus community. Investigations are conducted thoroughly and in accordance with applicable policies.

While the time required to complete an investigation depends on the complexity of the case and other factors, Baruch aims to provide a resolution within 60 to 90 days. However, please note that some cases take more time.

Investigations are confidential and are not legal proceedings; they are administrative inquiries focused on determining whether Baruch or CUNY policies have been violated. These inquiries are independent of any possible legal or law enforcement processes.

Baruch encourages individuals to report activities or behaviors that they in good faith believe violate Baruch or CUNY policies or the law. Reports can be made through the University-Wide Discrimination and Retaliation Reporting Portal. All reports are addressed with the utmost care.

Baruch College and CUNY strictly prohibit retaliation against anyone who makes a report. Please understand that reports made anonymously may be more difficult to investigate.

CUNY and Baruch College Codes of Conduct

Our dedication to learning, ethical development, and responsible citizenship is reflected in the College’s Code of Conduct. The following policies help us maintain a respectful and safe environment for all:

Training Initiatives

Baruch College is committed to fostering a campus environment where respectful dialogue is encouraged and diversity is celebrated. As part of this commitment, we provide ongoing training for students, faculty, and staff. These programs aim to promote understanding, to equip our community with the tools to communicate respectfully, and to identify and address hate crimes to ensure a safe, inclusive, and respectful space for all.

Each year, all faculty and staff are required to complete the Employee Sexual Misconduct Prevention and Response Course (E-SPARC); Workplace Violence Prevention (WVP) training; Gender Based Violence and the Workplace training; and a Comprehensive Ethics Training Course (CETC).

All student group leaders are required to attend annual leadership training that includes training to combat sexual harassment. All student athletes and athletic staff are required to attend annual, in-person Title IX training to combat sex-based misconduct.

In 2024, the College held:

Understanding the Jewish Experience and Antisemitism workshop for faculty and staff
Hate crimes training courses for students and employees facilitated by the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, including one specifically for student club leaders and organizers
Dialogic Classroom Workshop for faculty
Creating Environments for Constructive Dialogue workshop for academic leadership
Dialogue Across Difference workshop for academic department chairs

Upcoming trainings include, but are not limited to:

Dialogic Classroom Workshop for faculty January 23-24, 2025

Safety and Security

The safety of our community is a top priority. Baruch College offers a comprehensive network of safety and support services for all students, faculty, and staff.

Baruch’s Department of Public Safety consists of dedicated law enforcement officers, campus security assistants, trained civilian specialists, and administrative personnel committed to ensuring a safe environment. For emergency assistance, contact Public Safety at 646-660-6000
To report discrimination and retaliation, go to the University-Wide Discrimination and Retaliation Reporting Portal. Students and employees may be held responsible for policy violations that occur off campus.
For crimes occurring off-campus, reports should be directed to the New York City Police Department.
The Office of the Dean of Students offers support and advocacy for students and can be reached at deanofstudents@baruch.cuny.edu.
Baruch College’s Office of Diversity, Compliance, and Equity Initiatives is available for any reports or inquiries related to discrimination. Please email diversity@baruch.cuny.edu.
The Counseling Center offers support to students, while faculty and staff have access to the CCA@YourService Employee Assistance Program.