Overall Rating Gold
Overall Score 72.94
Liaison Jen Maxwell
Submission Date Dec. 5, 2023

STARS v2.2

Appalachian State University
PA-5: Diversity and Equity Coordination

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 1.78 / 2.00 Jim Dees
Data and Assessment Specialist
Office of Sustailability
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

Part 1 

Does the institution have a diversity and equity committee, office, and/or officer tasked by the administration or governing body to advise on and implement policies, programs, and trainings related to diversity, equity, inclusion and human rights?:
Yes

Does the committee, office and/or officer focus on students, employees, or both?:
Both students and employees

None
A brief description of the diversity and equity committee, office and/or officer, including purview and activities:
The Office of Title IX Compliance, formally the Office of Equity, Diversity and Compliance (EDC), and the Office of Disability Resources (ODR) work to ensure that equal access to education and employment is guaranteed, respectful treatment is assured, and an appreciation of differences is fostered for all members of the university community.

The Office of Title IX Compliance supports the University's mission of scholarship through the promotion of equity, access, and civil rights throughout the campus community, fostering an environment free of discrimination and harassment on the basis of sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression, including sexual misconduct and relationship violence.

The ODR works diligently to ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided an inclusive experience and equal opportunity at Appalachian State University by broadening disability awareness, striving to remove barriers and determining/coordinating reasonable accommodations.

Appalachian State also has a Chief Diversity Officer whose main role is to assess the cultural climate in order to further engage the tenets of diversity and inclusion to broaden the chances for equal opportunities and respectful treatment of all Appalachian’s students, faculty and staff. Appalachian State University's diversity statement is, "Appalachian State University is committed to developing and allocating resources to the fundamental task of creating a diverse campus culture. We value diversity as the expression of human similarities and differences, as well as the importance of a living and learning environment conducive to knowledge, respect, acceptance, understanding and global awareness."

Part 2 

Estimated proportion of students that has participated in cultural competence, anti-oppression, anti-racism, and/or social inclusion trainings and activities:
Some

Estimated proportion of academic staff that has participated in cultural competence, anti-oppression, anti-racism, and/or social inclusion trainings and activities:
All

Estimated proportion of non-academic staff that has participated in cultural competence, anti-oppression, anti-racism, and/or social inclusion trainings and activities:
All

If trainings are made available, provide:

A brief description of the institution’s cultural competence, anti-oppression, anti-racism, and/or social inclusion trainings and activities:
The Office of Human Resources provides a comprehensive New Employee Orientation (NEO) program for all new staff. To be effective and to attain organizational training goals, attendance is required for all full-time SHRA, EHRA Non-Faculty, and temporary employees. The orientation includes a section on equity, diversity, and compliance from the Office of Title IX Compliance. Students have the opportunity to participate in cultural programming, workshops and courses. The Chief Diversity Officer, professors, Multicultural Student Development, Center For Academic Excellence, Student Affairs, and Academic Affairs all host a variety of different programs and offerings.

Link: https://hr.appstate.edu/hr-services/employment/new-employee-orientation

Optional Fields 

Website URL where information about the institution’s diversity and equity office or trainings is available:
Additional documentation to support the submission:
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Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
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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.