Let’s Build a More Inclusive Workplace Together
By Department of Human Resources | Nov 17, 2025
Colleagues,
At SUNY Downstate, inclusion and accessibility are at the heart of who we are. We’re excited to share highlights from the new Executive Order 31 (EO 31) training — an important step in making our university a model employer for individuals with disabilities.
What EO 31 Is About
Governor Kathy Hochul’s Executive Order 31 encourages all New York State institutions to create workplaces that are accessible, supportive, and inclusive of everyone. For SUNY Downstate, this means continuing to strengthen our commitment to equity, diversity, and belonging.
Here’s What We’re Doing:
- Improving Accessibility: We’ll be reviewing our facilities and digital tools regularly, offering inclusion training for all employees, and making it easier to request reasonable accommodations (RAs).
- Inclusive Hiring: We’re expanding recruitment through partnerships like Civil Service 55-b/c programs and inclusive internship opportunities.
- Open Communication: You’ll see more inclusive language in job postings, campus materials, and updates that reflect our shared values.
- Ongoing Progress: We’ll keep track of our progress through feedback, training logs, and employee surveys — your voice matters!
Next Steps
This training is mandatory and you will only need to take it once. The course has been assigned to your Health Stream profile. To access, please go to here and log in to your account.
Need a Workplace Accommodation?
If you’d like to request an accommodation, please email OELR@downstate.edu (and mark your message as confidential). Our Office of Employee and Labor Relations will connect you with a Designee for Reasonable Accommodations (DRA) to guide you through the process.
Let’s all play a part in building an environment where everyone can thrive. Thank you for helping make SUNY Downstate a place where inclusion isn’t just a value — it’s how we work every day.
Warmly,
The Human Resources Team
SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University