Boise State University
PA-7: Support for Underrepresented Groups

It is the policy of Boise State University to comply with all federal, state and local authorities requiring nondiscrimination, including but not limited to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1987, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, and Executive Orders 12898 (Environmental Justice) and 13166 (Limited English Proficiency). Boise State is an equal opportunity employer.

The University does not exclude from participation in, deny the benefits of, or subject any individual to discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, income, protected veteran status, limited English proficiency, or any other status protected under applicable federal, state or local law.

https://www.boisestate.edu/compliance/notice-non-discrimination/

**Given the level of detail requested for supporting groups in the bias response team, I have been unable to find direct support for how people involved in these claims are supported beyond the federal requirement.

*An incident of discrimination falls under the university's Title VI program that prohibits discrimination under the Civil Rights Act, so this credit has been updated with information about how the university complies with this policy as well as the response and support to the person filing the complaint when incidents are reported to the Title VI Coordinator.

Below is information about the process for reporting an incident of discrimination and what happens to support the person reporting the incident after their report.

In operating a federally assisted program, an organization or individual cannot, on the basis of race, color, or national origin, either directly or through contractual means:

Deny program services, aids, or benefits;
Provide a different service, aid, or benefit, or provide services in a manner different than they are provided to others; or
Segregate or treat individuals differently in any matter related to the receipt of any service, aid, or benefit.
At Boise State University, discrimination prohibited by Title VI is addressed in Policy 1060: Non-Discrimination & Anti-Harassment.

What do I do if I feel that I have been discriminated against?
Boise State University’s Title VI Coordinator (Coordinator) is responsible for Title VI compliance. If you or someone you know believes they have been discriminated against, please contact the Coordinator at (208) 426-1258 or complete a Title VI Complaint Form here. Title VI complaints must be filed with the Coordinator no later than one-hundred eighty (180) calendar days from:

The date of the alleged discrimination; or
The date when the individual became aware of the alleged discrimination; or
Where there has been a continuing course of conduct, the date on which that conduct was discontinued or the most recent instance of that conduct.
Exceptions to this requirement will be considered on a case-by-case basis when the complaining party can show cause for the delay in reporting. Contact the Coordinator for additional information.

What if I am not comfortable filing a complaint with the University?
Any individual or organization who believes they have been denied the benefits of, excluded from participation in, or subject to discrimination on the grounds of race, color, or national origin may submit a complaint to the U.S. Department of Education:

Office of Civil Rights – Seattle Office
915 Second Avenue, Room 3310
Seattle, WA 98174-1099
(206) 607-1600
ocr.seattle@ed.gov

What is the University’s complaint investigation process?
When a complaint is submitted, the Coordinator will acknowledge receipt of the complaint in writing, and if appropriate, initiate an investigation within ten (10) calendar days*. If the Title VI Coordinator determines that no investigation is required, the Coordinator will provide the reasons for this determination. In some cases issues can be resolved informally without an investigation. In other cases the complaining party withdraws the complaint or cannot be located.

If additional information is necessary to process a complaint, the party filing the complaint will be notified in writing and given fourteen (14) calendar days from the date of the notification to provide the additional information requested. If no response is received, the Coordinator may close the case without further action.

Once the Coordinator has all the information necessary to investigate a complaint, an investigator will be assigned. When the investigation is complete, one of two reports will be issued: a closure report or report of finding. A closure report summarizes the allegations and states that no Title VI violation occurred so the case will be closed. A report of finding summarizes the allegations and the interviews regarding the alleged incident, provides a summary of the violations that occurred, and explains what corrective action the University will take.

Although the University strives to complete all investigations and issue a final report within sixty (60) calendar days of receipt of all relevant information, occasionally more time may be needed to complete an investigation. If additional time is necessary, the complaining party will be notified in writing.

What if I disagree with the outcome of the investigation?
University Policy 1060 does not provide for an appeal. However, if you are unsatisfied with the outcome of the investigation, you may file a complaint with OCR:

Office of Civil Rights-Seattle Office
915 Second Avenue, Room 3310
Seattle, WA 98174-1099
(206) 607-1600
ocr.seattle@ed.gov

What if the recipient retaliates against me for filing a complaint?
You should be aware that all recipients of federal funds, including Boise State University, are prohibited from retaliating against you or any person because he or she opposed an unlawful policy or practice, or made charges, testified, or participated in any complaint action under Title VI. If you believe that you have been retaliated against, you should immediately file a complaint with the Title VI Coordinator.

Does Boise State University prohibit other types of discrimination?
It is the policy of Boise State University to comply with all federal and state authorities requiring nondiscrimination, including but not limited to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1987, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), the Age Discrimination Act of 1975 and Executive Orders 12898 (Environmental Justice) and 13166 (Limited English Proficiency), in all programs and activities regardless of funding.

The University does not exclude from participation in, deny the benefits of, or subject any individual to discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, income, veteran status, limited English proficiency, or any other status protected under applicable federal, state or local law.

The University’s nondiscrimination and anti-harassment policy may be found at: http://policy.boisestate.edu/governance-legal/nondiscrimination-antiharassment/. Any individual requiring information in alternative formats or in another language, subject to the University’s Limited English Proficiency (LEP) Plan, should contact the Title VI Coordinator:

Title VI Coordinator
Office of Institutional Compliance and Ethics
Riverfront Hall, Suite 306
1910 University Drive
Boise, ID 83725
Phone: (208) 426-1258
Email: reportdiscrimination@boisestate.edu
https://www.boisestate.edu/compliance/title-vi/

STUDENTS
Multicultural and Statistically Underrepresented Student Recruitment

Community-Based Efforts
The Boise State Senior Admissions Counselor who leads multicultural activities actively participates in community-based organizations who promote higher education to under-represented and refugee populations. Examples of these include the Diversity Network for Student Success, Refugee Student Support Network, and the Idaho Commission on Hispanic Affairs. Recruitment activities go beyond the traditional college fairs and high school visits.

College Knowledge Programming on La Gran D (Spanish-language radio)
Andrea Orozco, Senior Admissions Counselor and Coordinator for Multicultural Recruitment, is appearing on a popular Treasure Valley Spanish radio station each Thursday morning from 8am-9am for the 2020-21 school year. During the show, Andrea has the opportunity to promote higher education and Boise State, key next steps, and invite special guests like local high school counselors, and key Boise State contacts (CAMP, Concurrent Enrollment).

Educational Partners (TRIO, AVID, GEAR UP, STEM)
Boise State Admissions collaborates with educational partners by providing special presentations, group visits, and key admissions, financial aid and scholarships information. The information targets the needs of each specific group. In addition, the educational partners provide insight to individual students including personal, financial, and academic needs, which is used to personalize the service provided to students.
TRIO - The Federal TRIO Programs (TRIO) are Federal outreach and student services programs designed to identify and provide services for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds. Boise State TRIO (middle/high school focus) includes Educational Talent Search and Upward Bound targeted to serve and assist low-income individuals, first-generation college students, and individuals with disabilities to progress through the academic pipeline from middle school to post-baccalaureate programs.
AVID - The Boise School District AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) program started in 2006, and takes place in every junior high and high school. AVID is a nation-wide college readiness system, that uses research-based strategies and curriculum to help close the achievement gap by preparing all students for college readiness and success in a global society. AVID is a school-wide approach to curriculum and rigor.
Institute for STEM and Diversity Initiatives - Boise State seeks to promote inclusivity and academic excellence by providing a platform for STEM and Diversity Initiatives to a diverse community of students, faculty and others who show a passion for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The STEM and Diversity Initiatives advocate for student and faculty success in underrepresented populations.
Gear UP - The GEAR UP program provides services to selected public schools in Idaho with a student population where 50% or more qualify for free or reduced lunch under the National School Lunch Act. The cohort model of GEAR UP serves students beginning in seventh grade and follows them through high school. The majority of GEAR UP students come from rural communities in Idaho. Idaho GEAR UP schools were selected based on eligibility, a completed application process, level of need, willingness to participate in the program, and consideration of equal demographic and geographic distribution.

Boise State Events:
Project: Dream for Tomorrow – Each year, the Organization of Latin-American Students (OELA) hosts this annual two-day event that introduces Latino high school students to life on campus. Eighty high school students from the Treasure Valley and Magic Valley are selected to visit Boise State to learn about campus life, admissions, financial aid, housing and other resources. Students are able to meet and interact with current Boise State students, staff and future classmate.
Prepárate con Boise State - Capital and Caldwell High School - Spanish Admissions presentation presented at different high school in Idaho. During this presentation the Multicultural Enrollment Counselor briefly covers information on Direct Admissions, ApplyIdaho, the admissions process, FAFSA, scholarships, etc.
Mosaic – This one-day event is an opportunity for multicultural and first generation students to meet Boise State staff and students and to learn what it means to be a Bronco. Seniors who attend are invited to compete for Mosaic scholarship awards to Boise State ($35,000). 491 juniors and 1,247 seniors were invited by postcard to the 2018 event.
Bronco Day Parent Academy is a collaboration between Admissions, Boise State TRIO, and the Idaho Hispanic Cultural Center’s Quinceañera program. Middle school students and family members learn the basics on how to finance college, gain scholarship and financial aid literacy, and identifying support networks and key resources for a successful transition to college.

Personalized High School Visits:
ELL High School Visits at Borah High School - Boise State Admissions in collaboration with English Language Support and Boise State Refugee Alliance visit Borah High School to meet with students from Refugee backgrounds.

Community Events:
Idaho Hispanic Youth Symposium (HYS) - For more than 20 years, Idaho Hispanic Youth Symposium has served as a passionate forum for the educational advancement of traditionally underrepresented Latino Students. Admissions staff represents Boise State at HYS, which brings together over 125 students each year. Idaho HYS 2018 will be at Boise State and the program expects to bring 150 students from all over Idaho. The Multicultural Enrollment Counselor has served as the Logistics chair from 2016 - Present.
Navegando Adelante - Boise State, College of Western Idaho, and Capital High School host a bilingual event (Spanish/English) for families in the Boise School District. This event includes presentations and workshops on admission processes, financial aid, scholarships and support program. The Spring 2018 Navegando Adelante was held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church (Boise) which serves a large Latino community.
Hispanic Youth Leadership Summit (HYLS) - The Idaho Commission on Hispanic Affairs, which hosts the conference every year in Boise (October), is now hosting a second conference in Twin Falls in September due to increased interest from students and schools across the state. About 780 junior and senior high school students from nearly 50 schools across Idaho gather each October for the annual conference at Boise State University. Admissions awards competitive merit based scholarships to HYLS attendees.

Special communication:
Targeted Phone Calls
Boise State Capital Scholars Program recognizes the top high school juniors in Idaho. Once admissions receives the list of the juniors who rank in the top ten percent of their high school class, students are invited to attend an evening program. Students are invited via postcards, emails, and general phone calls. In addition, the Senior Admissions Counselor for Multicultural Recruitment will make additional calls to students and their families to provide in-depth information regarding the program and why it’s important to attend. The counselor will review the information with Spanish-speaking parents.
In addition to our communication efforts (emails and regular phone calls), the counselor calls multicultural prospective students prior to important priority deadlines (February 15th).
Boise State Latino Alumni Chapter - Postcard Writing Campaign. The alumni chapter wrote postcards to 100 FY Latino students from Canyon County.
Personalized Email Campaigns to Multicultural Students (FY & Transfer). The Multicultural Enrollment Counselor sends out personalized emails to multicultural students to go over important steps they must complete before they enroll at Boise State. These emails also include information on both Boise State and private scholarships

The Gender Equity Center, through events and workshops, encourages participants to develop a deeper understanding of sexism, homophobia, gender-based violence, racism, classism and ableism with the ultimate goal of forming strategies to promote and create a safe and just society. Our programs explore:

- LGBTQIA+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual) and Ally topics
-Equity
-Intersectional Feminism
-Body Image
-Masculinity
-Healthy Relationships
-Other social issues related to privilege, oppression, and equity
The GEC staff serve on committees across campus and provide event consultation to create awareness about and advocate for the diverse needs of our campus members.

In addition, the GEC provides specialized, brief, no-cost, confidential support for campus members affected by:

-Identity-related harassment
-Sexual harassment, sexual assault, unhealthy relationships, and stalking
-Life experiences related to gender, sexual orientation, and allyship
-Life transitions and crisis
-Personal, financial, or academic roadblocks
-GEC meets with students, staff, and faculty members. Not a campus member? Concerned about someone you know? We can still provide resources and referrals. If you’re interested in reporting to campus officials or police, we can guide you through the process.
https://www.boisestate.edu/genderequity/support-services/

The Student Equity Center is committed to raising awareness and understanding about marginalized and oppressed groups in both non-dominant and dominant cultures in understanding the needs of these groups while providing opportunities for actions and interactions. The Student Equity Center focuses on serving under-represented students, but also serves staff and faculty as needed.

We focus on educating in the areas of development and internalized oppression and promote a safe environment where people with different values and beliefs are treated with respect and dignity.

Boise State is best when it works for all students. The Student Equity team advances our commitment to Inclusive Excellence by working to make campus welcoming and effective for students from traditionally under-represented minority groups.

We offer:
One-on-one student support
Educational and community-building programs
A variety of diversity-themed trainings
Consultation to campus and community partners
Meeting spaces
Collaborative Opportunities
Student Organization Advising: Become an advisor and connect with students outside the classroom.

Classroom Connection: Have a film or a speaker you want to bring to campus? If it fits with our mission, we can work collaboratively to create an event.

Classroom Presentations: We are available to speak to issues of privileges and oppressions. If we fit into your curriculum, we’d love to come to your class.

Tunnel of Oppression: Our premiere event attracts hundreds of students every year, creating opportunities for Service-Learning, extra credit, and faculty co-chairing. You can also help guide and advise one of the theaters.

CARE Team
Boise State has established the CARE Team to provide assistance to the campus community in addressing behavior that is concerning, disruptive, or threatening towards self or others. This includes racism, bullying, harassment or discrimination. To find out more about CARE, or to file a report of concern, please visit the CARE Team website.

https://www.boisestate.edu/student-equity/resources/
https://www.boisestate.edu/care/

The Institute for Inclusive & Transformative Scholarship (IFITS) was founded in Summer 2020. The mission of IFITS is to create and nurture a vibrant inclusive community where all are actively engaged in the scholarly life of the university and the region. The institute increases access to, supports professional development in, and accelerates the impacts from transformative scholarship.

The institute accomplishes its mission through the following mechanisms:

Serving as the home of Office of Undergraduate Research at Boise State (OUR Boise State)
Facilitating the Aligning Stakeholders and Structures to Enable Research Transformation (ASSERT) faculty cohort program and offering other tailored support to established and developing scholars.
Working to increase representation and success for those who have been historically marginalized and minoritized in their discipline.
Acting as a change agent to ensure that the university’s structures, policies, and practices enable and facilitate inclusive transformative scholarship that can lead to authentic impact in the state, region, and beyond.

Vision: Become a model for inclusive and transformative scholarship.
https://www.boisestate.edu/ifits/

Specifically, IFITS provides support, fellowships, scholarships, and workshops for undergraduate students, graduate students, faculty to provide more resources and guidance to increase representation from those who have been historically marginalized in their discipline to be more engaged in research and learn how to pursue research moving forward.

https://www.boisestate.edu/genderequity/support-services/
https://www.boisestate.edu/student-equity/resources/
https://www.boisestate.edu/care/
https://www.boisestate.edu/ifits/
https://www.boisestate.edu/compliance/title-vi/