You Belong Here
Quick Links
At Hartwick, we believe our differences are our strength
We know the world is interconnected and that true wisdom comes from a first-hand understanding of all cultures, faiths, experiences—that’s why we’re committed to fostering an environment of thoughtful exchange on- and off-campus.
Creating a culture of belonging
Hartwick’s Office of Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging exists to contribute to the creation, influence, and sustainability of a community in which the dignity of all people is respected and affirmed through the promotion of dialogue and interaction between cultures. Here, we all contribute to creating an environment that’s safe, welcoming, and open.
SOAR
The SOAR Mentoring Program connects first-year and sophomore ALANA/BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and First Gen students with a mentor who shares the same affinity! Mentors may be Hartwick staff, faculty, alumni, or peer mentors.
SOAR offers students meaningful and lasting mentor relationships that will aid them on their path to success.
Hartwick College Launches DEIB Strategic Plan
Group Aims To Celebrate Heritage, Diversity on Campus
The 2024 Oneonta Inclusive Business Award Winners Announced
Volunteer Hours, Land Acknowledgement Proposed in DEIB Plan
Grant Helps Hartwick, SUNY Build Community Bridges
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Strategic Plan 2024-2027
The DEIB Strategic Plan honors the important work already happening at Hartwick and holds the College accountable for continuous progress. As a relationship-focused college, building a community where everyone can thrive is key.
To request the full DEIB Strategic Plan, email [email protected].
Campus Environment
Goal: Foster an inclusive culture that will prioritize staff and student wellness as they seek to build unity, cultivate lasting relationships and networks and contribute to campus vibrancy.
Teaching & Learning
Goal 1: Create and maintain conditions for inclusive and equitable learning experiences for all students.
Goal 2: Improve support for faculty and staff engaged in creating a more inclusive, equitable and diverse campus community.
Community & Partnerships
Goal: Build relationships with external partners and increase awareness of shared priorities with the Oneonta-area community.
Equal Opportunity
Accessibility Resources
Hartwick College is committed to providing equal access to qualified students with disabilities.
Safe Space & LGBTQ Resources
At Hartwick, we strive to provide an environment that promotes academic and personal growth and development of LGBTQ and Ally community members.
Interfaith & Spirituality Resources
We know that for many students spirituality is a vital part of their growth and development. Explore all the faith-based centers in Oneonta and find your perfect fit.
A Legacy of Mentorship
Harry Bradshaw Matthews retired from Hartwick College in 2020 as the Associate Dean and Director, Office of Intercultural Affairs. He was
the College’s first Director of Pluralism Programs, a term used in the early 90’s to articulate the value of diversity. These programs were then expanded into the Office of Intercultural Affairs where Matthews served as Associate Dean. During his tenure, Matthews spearheaded the Oyaron Hill Project which brought to light the College’s ties to the anti-slavery movement through the work of the Hartwick Seminary Abolitionists. Diverse affinity student organizations, which continue to serve our growing diverse and vibrant campus community, were established under Matthews’ mentorship. They included Pluralism Associates League of Students (PALS), Society of Sisters Unity/Brothers United (SOSU/BU), and the Black Student Alliance (BSA). Matthews individual efforts resulted in the College’s implementation of a new Diversity Statement and the establishment of a Campus Wide Diversity Committee.
Matthews is the founding president of the United States Colored Troops Institute for Local History and Family Research. His work with the Institute promotes original historical and genealogical research about the 200,000 Black men who served in the Federal armed forces during the Civil War. It encourages communities in the United States, Canada and the Caribbean to discover their local USCT members and to place soldiers, their families and descendants in local historical contexts through educational and commemorative events. Hartwick student researchers have traced the lives of men who served. Additional research projects identified persons and family records of Freemen who served in the American Revolution. Under Matthews, The Hartwick College Harriet Tubman Mentoring Project Tubman Scholars documented Underground Railroad activity in Oneonta and surrounding communities. Hartwick students traced their ancestors to discover those who served in the US Civil War, WWI, WWII and the Korean War. The Institute’s Annual Mini-Conference brought genealogists and historians together with students to share their research.
A Hartwick scholarship was established to honor Matthews and his wife Pamela called the “It Can Be Done” Award.
DIB Advocates (DIBAs)
DIBAs are work study students and interns who help us celebrate diversity in all of its forms through implementing programming, leading initiatives that boost morale, and performing other duties as assigned by professional staff in the Center.
Heritage Month Celebrations
Learn MoreDIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION AND BELONGING (DEIB) CENTER
Yager Hall
4th Floor
Hartwick College
Oneonta, New York 13820
607-431-4373