Office of Student Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

The Office of Student Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (OSDEI) at Amherst College seeks to foster, encourage, and develop a campus environment that is just and equitable for all students–one where all students can thrive. We are  student-run and work to improve not only students' lives but also our College as a whole. We are committed to restorative practices, equal access and opportunity, and radical compassion. We can't wait to work with you to build this community so that we can all reach our full potential as equal citizens of our campus and global community. 

Our Values

A photo of Johnson Chapel in the spring
Central to OSDEI's work on diversity, equity, and inclusion, we want to remain consistent in, at least, the following:

  • Respect for all people: We value all people both within and outside the College and commit to seeing them through their strengths.
  • Institutional accountability: Collect, review, and act on College research, data, reports, and recommendations. 
  • Student support and success: All that we do supports not only marginalized students but all students. 
  • Community education: Work with community partners (including but not limited to: students, staff, faculty, administrators, alumni, visitors, and national/international collaborators) to proactively educate community members about DEI-related successes and issues to encourage thoughtful discussion, collaboration, and understanding.

Wade Fellowship

2023-25 Wade Fellow, William C. Turner ’94

 The Wade Fellows Program was established in 1976 in honor of Harold Wade, Jr. ’68. While a student, Harold Wade, Jr. worked to strengthen the black community at Amherst, including organizing the Afro-American Society and initiating recruitment materials aimed at attracting black high school students to Amherst. Since 1977, black alumni Wade Fellows have returned to campus to engage with current students as informal career counselors, mentors, and role models.

Wade Fellows provide a meaningful and important voice in ongoing diversity and inclusion work, the career development needs of Amherst students, and in strengthening the alumni network connection between black alumni and students.