A commitment to diversity is essential for Upstate Medical University to fulfill its mission of improving the health of the communities we serve through education, biomedical research, health care and service.

One of Upstate's core values is to respect people by treating all with grace and dignity and embracing diversity. Consistent with our mission and consistent with our values, one of our primary goals is to attract and cultivate a dynamic and culturally sensitive faculty, staff and student body that exemplifies, promotes and celebrates diversity. This definition of diversity includes recognition and appreciation of the uniqueness of each individual. Our community includes persons of various race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, age, physical and cognitive ability, religion and political belief. We are committed to valuing and sharing the strength of our differences in a safe, positive and nurturing environment.

An inclusive and open-minded community that engages excellence and embraces diversity is fundamental to the Upstate vision to become the leading regional academic medical center in the nation.