Overall Rating | Gold |
---|---|
Overall Score | 73.33 |
Liaison | Maria Dahmus |
Submission Date | Nov. 30, 2023 |
University of St. Thomas
PA-7: Support for Underrepresented Groups
Status | Score | Responsible Party |
---|---|---|
3.00 / 3.00 |
Kha
Yang Associate Vice President for Inclusive Excellence Office for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion |
Does the institution have a publicly posted non-discrimination statement? :
The non-discrimination statement, including the website URL where the policy is publicly accessible:
The University of St. Thomas is committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity and equal educational opportunity. St. Thomas does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family status, disability, age, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, membership or activity in a local commission, genetic information, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. The university’s policy of nondiscrimination extends to all aspects of its operations, including but not limited to, employment, educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs and all other educational programs and activities.
https://www.stthomas.edu/media/officeofgeneralcounsel/policies/Equal-Opportunity-Statement-and-Notice-of-Nondiscrimination.pdf
Does the institution have a discrimination response protocol or committee (sometimes called a bias response team)?:
A brief description of the institution’s discrimination response protocol or team:
Does the institution have programs specifically designed to recruit students from underrepresented groups?:
Does the institution have programs specifically designed to recruit academic staff from underrepresented groups?:
Does the institution have programs designed specifically to recruit non-academic staff from underrepresented groups?:
A brief description of the institution’s programs to recruit students, academic staff, and/or non-academic staff from underrepresented groups:
Since 2017, the institution has offered an Associate of Arts program through the Dougherty Family College (DFC), a two-year degree for students demonstrate high financial need and solid academic achievement; with support for DFC graduates to transition to 4-year programs. Dougherty Family College: https://dfc.stthomas.edu/
The Human Resources Team at the University of St. Thomas has worked with a consulting firm, with an eye towards unintended bias and exclusion of minority groups. Human Resources has completely redesigned the employment application and EEO form as well as changed several processes and practices and implemented new ones.
With every hire, the University of St. Thomas approaches recruiting diverse non-academic staff with intentionality. Human Resources begins each search with an intentional conversation during intake meetings and search committee meetings to identify people that could add value to the department and the university as a whole. Human Resources also attends a variety of career fairs that cater to underrepresented individuals in an effort to make them aware of our current opportunities as well as develop relationships with them for future openings. In order to communicate our commitment to diversity, Human Resources has added very specific diversity related language to each of our staff job postings, emphasizing our desire for people of all backgrounds to consider our job opportunities: “The University of St. Thomas embraces diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity for all. Our convictions of dignity, diversity and personal attention call us to embody and champion a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment. The University is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer (EEO). All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, status as a protected veteran, or other protected characteristic. We are committed to building a skilled team that represents a variety of backgrounds and perspectives. This commitment is consistent with our mission: Inspired by Catholic intellectual tradition, the University of St. Thomas educates students to be morally responsible leaders who think critically, act wisely, and work skillfully to advance the common good. A successful candidate will possess a commitment to the ideals of this mission."
Does the institution have mentoring, counseling, peer support, academic support, or other programs designed specifically to support students from underrepresented groups on campus?:
Does the institution have mentoring, counseling, peer support or other programs designed specifically to support academic staff from underrepresented groups on campus?:
Does the institution have mentoring, counseling, peer support or other programs to support non-academic staff from underrepresented groups on campus?:
A brief description of the institution’s programs designed specifically to support students, academic staff, and/or non-academic staff from underrepresented groups:
The Inclusive Classroom Institute (ICI) is a workshop series offering opportunities for all faculty to build awareness, gain understanding, and implement new pedagogical strategies to improve the learning climate for all students. Inclusive Classroom Institute workshops are open to all faculty. Faculty do not need to be working toward ICI certification to attend a workshop. Workshops are offered in-person, via Zoom or online asynchronously. Faculty can earn an Inclusive Classroom Certificate by completing a total of six ICI workshops and the associated workshop application activities.
The Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) are designed to build a culture of inclusion for employees from various employment groups and backgrounds. They are voluntary, employee founded, designed and managed and administratively recognized, funded and supported by the Office for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provides cost-free professional consultation and referral services for staff and faculty who are experiencing work and personal-related difficulties. Immediate family members are also eligible for EAP services.
The Student Diversity & Inclusion Services (SDIS) office exists to enhance the campus climate and holds deep commitment in developing and sustaining a diverse campus community in the broadest sense, including differences in gender, race, ethnicity, generational history, culture, socioeconomic class, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship status, political perspectives, geographic origin, and physical ability, through programs and initiatives aimed at St. Thomas students. SDIS staff provides one-on-one and group consultations related to academic success; personal growth; an engaging climate; a just community; programs that increase multicultural awareness, knowledge, and skills; serving as a resource for multicultural training, education, and development. Student Diversity and Inclusion Services coordinates the Linkages Mentor Program, which began in 2007, and serves as a formal peer mentoring initiative designed to support the retention of underrepresented students (students of color, first-generation students, and students demonstrating significant financial need) at the University of St. Thomas. Upper class student mentors serve as a resource to help first year students successfully transition from high school to college.
The Center for Well-Being offers services including BIPOC gathering circles and LGBTQIA+ group therapy.
Does the institution have training and development programs, teaching fellowships and/or other programs that specifically aim to support and prepare students from underrepresented groups for careers as faculty members?:
A brief description of the institution’s programs to support and prepare students from underrepresented groups for careers as faculty members:
Does the institution produce a publicly accessible inventory of gender-neutral bathrooms on campus?:
Does the institution offer housing options to accommodate the special needs of transgender and transitioning students?:
Website URL where information about the institution’s support for underrepresented groups is available:
Additional documentation to support the submission:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
https://www.stthomas.edu/fdc/programs/ici/
Single-User Restroom Locations
https://www.stthomas.edu/about/our-campuses/single-user-restrooms/index.html
Supporting Our LGBTQIA+ Community
https://www.stthomas.edu/about/diversity-equity-inclusion/lgbtqia/
Student Diversity & Inclusion Services
https://www.stthomas.edu/studentdiversity/
Disability Resources
https://www.stthomas.edu/student-life/resources/disability/
Inclusive Classroom Institute
https://www.stthomas.edu/fdc/programs/ici/
Single-User Restroom Locations
https://www.stthomas.edu/about/our-campuses/single-user-restrooms/index.html
Supporting Our LGBTQIA+ Community
https://www.stthomas.edu/about/diversity-equity-inclusion/lgbtqia/
Student Diversity & Inclusion Services
https://www.stthomas.edu/studentdiversity/
Disability Resources
https://www.stthomas.edu/student-life/resources/disability/
The information presented here is self-reported. While AASHE staff review portions of all STARS reports and institutions are welcome to seek additional forms of review, the data in STARS reports are not verified by AASHE. If you believe any of this information is erroneous or inconsistent with credit criteria, please review the process for inquiring about the information reported by an institution or simply email your inquiry to stars@aashe.org.