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Announcing 2022 Campus Read Book Selection

This year the Diversity and Inclusion Office has selected a fantastic title for the campus read: Geoffrey L. Cohen’s Belonging: The Science of Creating Connection and Bridging Divides. An esteemed professor of psychology and Organization Studies at Stanford University, Cohen shares essential and novel insights into how individuals can create and nurture a sense of belonging among diverse perspectives and environments. Highlighting the impact our lived experiences may have on our abilities to forge authentic connections, this timely and necessary work provides a roadmap to bridging our differences to create dynamic and important ways to create a sense of belonging and improve our world one interaction at a time.

Stay tuned for information about upcoming reads in 2023!

Belonging by Geoffrey L. Cohen
ISBN: 9781324006183
Publication Date: 2022-09-13
In Belonging, Stanford University professor Geoffrey L. Cohen applies his and others' groundbreaking research to the myriad problems of communal existence and offers concrete solutions for improving daily life at work, in school, in our homes, and in our communities. We all feel a deep need to belong, but most of us don't fully appreciate that need in others. Often inadvertently, we behave in ways that threaten others' sense of belonging. Yet small acts that establish connection, brief activities such as reflecting on our core values, and a suite of practices that Cohen defines as "situation-crafting" have been shown to lessen political polarization, improve motivation and performance in school and work, combat racism in our communities, enhance health and well-being, and unleash the potential in ourselves and in our relationships. Belonging is essential for managers, educators, parents, administrators, caregivers, and everyone who wants those around them to thrive--from publisher

Join an Upcoming Events

DIO Events

The DES and You

The Diversity and Inclusion Office will share institutional-wide results of the previous Diversity Engagement Survey as well as plans to help UMass Chan determine how to use the DES to drive meaningful change.

Jan 17, 2023 12:00 PM

35th Annual Tribute to Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Celebration of Service

Michael Curry, JD, president and CEO of the Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers, which represents 52 health centers and serves one million patients at more than 300 practice sites, will speak. Curry was named “Bostonian of the Year 2021” by The Boston Globe and Boston Magazine.

January 25, 2023 12:00 PM

How to Participate

Get a Copy of the Book - Choose which title(s) you would like to read. You can borrow a copy through the Soutter Library or your local public library. Nook eBook codes are also available through the Diversity and Inclusion Office, email Holly for more information.
Read the Book - Read the book (listening to the audiobook version counts!), take notes, write down questions that come up as you read, take time to actively engage with the text.
Gather a Group to Discuss - Get together with your department, a group of interdepartmental colleagues, a class group, your medical school house, a professional organization chapter, or join DIO for a discussion group. Check out our Facilitation Guide for more information and resources to have a productive conversation around the issues highlighted by the book.

Bonus Step: Check out additional resources on this site to "Take a Deeper Dive"

Book Discussion Groups

2022-2023 Campus Reads Book Discussions

April 19 2023 2-3pm: DIO Campus Read Event:

Join us to discuss Belonging Dr. Cohen via Zoom! Bring your questions, insights and comments as we discuss diversity, belonging, and so much more.

Diversity at UMass Chan

Support for diversity and the cultivation of an inclusive campus for learners, faculty, and staff is an essential component of UMass Chan's Impact 2025 Strategic Plan.

Connect with the Diversity and Inclusion Office for engagement opportunities including upcoming events, professional development opportunities, information about equity on campus, and learn more about our many diversity initiatives.

A Note on eBooks

The ePUB format for eBook editions available through the library have digital rights management (DRM) which requires Adobe Editions to read. You can download Adobe Editions on your personal devices here. It is available for Mac and Windows operating systems and is also available as an app on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. For UMass Chan owned work devices you will need IT support to download the program to your computer.