Overall Rating Gold
Overall Score 77.56
Liaison John Pumilio
Submission Date Oct. 11, 2022

STARS v2.2

Colgate University
PA-7: Support for Underrepresented Groups

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 2.00 / 3.00 John Pumilio
Director of Sustainability
Sustainability Office
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

Non-discrimination statement 

Does the institution have a publicly posted non-discrimination statement? :
Yes

The non-discrimination statement, including the website URL where the policy is publicly accessible:
https://www.colgate.edu/about/offices-centers-institutes/provost-and-dean-faculty/equity-and-diversity/non-discrimination

Colgate is proud to be a community comprised of diverse individuals from all backgrounds. Colgate values the social and intellectual vibrancy that occurs when students, faculty and staff with different life experiences, viewpoints, and belief systems come together. This policy prohibits acts of discrimination, harassment, sexual assault and sexual exploitation, as well as domestic violence, dating violence and stalking. Any and all such acts are serious violations of our community values. This policy is a fundamental part of a Colgate community where all members can study, live, and work together in a community characterized by equal opportunity, inclusiveness, safety and mutual respect.

Colgate fully subscribes to all federal and state civil rights laws banning discrimination in private institutions of higher education. These include but are not limited to Title IX and Title VI of the Education Amendments of 1972, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Rehabilitation Act, the New York State Human Rights Law, and New York State Education Law Article 129-B. Colgate is committed not only to compliance with these laws but with promoting a community that lives out the values these equal opportunity laws envision.

Bias response team 

Does the institution have a discrimination response protocol or committee (sometimes called a bias response team)?:
Yes

A brief description of the institution’s discrimination response protocol or team:
This policy provides procedures for the investigation and adjudication of violations of the Equity Grievance Policy. Complaints of discrimination, harassment, sexual harassment, sexual exploitation, sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking will be handled internally through the Equity Grievance Process outlined: https://www.colgate.edu/about/offices-centers-institutes/provost-and-dean-faculty/equity-and-diversity/non-discrimination-2

Individuals can also approach any member of the Equity Grievance Panel (EGP). Members of the EGP are trained in all aspects of the grievance process:
To provide sensitive intake and initial counseling of complaints,
To serve in a mediation role in conflict resolution,
To investigate complaints,
To act as advisers to those involved in complaints,
To serve on hearing panels for complaints, and
To serve on appellate panels.

Haven is a sexual violence resource center that provides confidential care, support, advocacy, and trauma-informed clinical services for survivors of sexual assault, intimate partner violence, child/family abuse, stalking, and/or harassment, to include online harassment. More information about Colgate's Haven program can be found online at: https://www.colgate.edu/student-life/health-safety-wellness/haven-sexual-violence-survivor-support

Recruitment programs 

Does the institution have programs specifically designed to recruit students from underrepresented groups?:
Yes

Does the institution have programs specifically designed to recruit academic staff from underrepresented groups?:
Yes

Does the institution have programs designed specifically to recruit non-academic staff from underrepresented groups?:
Yes

If yes to any of the above, provide:

A brief description of the institution’s programs to recruit students, academic staff, and/or non-academic staff from underrepresented groups:
Colgate in Focus - Program to recruit students from underrepresented groups:
This program invites a talented group of high school seniors who have overcome significant challenges in their journey to pursue post-secondary education to our campus to gain insight into the Colgate experience first-hand.

We encourage students who identify as low-income, first-generation, or other traditionally underrepresented backgrounds to apply. The diversity open house will provide you with a greater understanding of the Colgate experience. You will meet current students, faculty, and staff, attend a class, tour the campus, and stay overnight in a residence hall, all while participating in activities that highlight the diversity of Colgate's student organizations.

Staff & Faculty:
Affirmative Action Policies:
The university is committed to treating all members of the university community in an equitable manner. We will not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, physical disability, age (as provided for in federal and New York state laws), marital status, sexual orientation, or status as a disabled veteran of the Vietnam era.

All faculty and staff who are involved in recruiting, hiring, supervising, promoting, or terminating any university employee are responsible for upholding the university's affirmative action and non-discrimination policies.

(B) Office of Equity and Diversity recruitment efforts:
Collaborate with the Provost and Dean of the Faculty and Human Resources as well as individual departments and search committees to employ recruitment efforts designed to attract and retain an excellent and diverse faculty and staff.

Faculty Recruitment:
Engage in leading practice techniques to maintain a satisfactory flow of qualified women and applicants of color (to include but not limited to):
1.Advertise broadly as appropriate in national professional journals, regional journals, and web-based recruiting sources.
2.Send letters and announcements to other colleges and universities;
3.Network and interview at professional meetings and conferences
4.Engage in efforts to identify women and candidates of color through professional caucuses, organizations, and list serves. Include Colgate’s statement of EEO/non-discrimination in all advertisements:
Colgate, an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer, is committed to developing and sustaining a diverse faculty, student body, and staff to further the university's academic mission. Women and candidates from historically underrepresented groups are especially encouraged to apply.
5.Upon final approval of all academic searches in the spring, each department will provide the Director for EEO/AA a copy of the job description, position justification, and a list of quality publications in the field. The Director for EEO/AA will use this information to research and develop a list of potentially qualified women and candidates of color for each search in a timely fashion. Each search committee may then determine which (if any) candidates to send a notification of the open position and/or a personalized letter, e-mail, or phone invitation to apply. While the search committee may decide which candidates to contact, the actual contact may be made by either a member of the search committee or the Director for Equal Employment Opportunity.

Staff Recruitment:
Develop a Staff Recruiting Guide and train all departments on the guide as well as leading practices for sourcing and interviewing diverse applicant pools.
Engage in leading practice techniques to maintain a satisfactory flow of qualified women and applicants of color (to include but not limited to):
1.Post open positions on Colgate Website and naviGATE (Colgate Alumni network).
2.Participate in Career Day programs offered at community colleges and technical schools, or at Job/Career Fairs sponsored by recruiting sources or community organizations.
3.Develop and provide materials such as recruitment tri-fold and marketing items to agencies, underrepresented groups, and community organizations.
4.Place advertisements, as appropriate, in diversity recruiting sources.

Mentoring, counseling and support programs 

Does the institution have mentoring, counseling, peer support, academic support, or other programs designed specifically to support students from underrepresented groups on campus?:
Yes

Does the institution have mentoring, counseling, peer support or other programs designed specifically to support academic staff from underrepresented groups on campus?:
Yes

Does the institution have mentoring, counseling, peer support or other programs to support non-academic staff from underrepresented groups on campus?:
Yes

A brief description of the institution’s programs designed specifically to support students, academic staff, and/or non-academic staff from underrepresented groups:
Haven - Sexual assault, relationship violence, and stalking can affect people of all gender identities, sexual orientations, races, ethnicities, ages, socio-economic statuses, and national origins. The Haven, as the sexual assault response center to the Colgate community, will provide confidential care, support, advocacy, and trauma-informed clinical services for survivors of sexual assault and other forms of violence. In collaboration with on- and off-campus partners, we will offer sexual assault awareness and prevention programming. Services offered at Haven include individual counseling, group therapy, consultation, crisis intervention, with prevention and education outreach.

ALANA Cultural Center - ALANA was founded as a space that welcomes students to share their differences and commonalities, and we continue to uphold this core value through the examination of race, LGBTQ issues, and the intersections between the two. ALANA provides a home and a meeting place to support students of color and their cultural identities and histories. Students, faculty, and staff of all backgrounds are always welcome.

Center for Women's Studies - The Center for Women’s Studies is a multipurpose space where students, faculty, and staff can gather to discuss a multitude of topics spanning the feminist spectrum and consider the intersectionality of identities and various forms of oppression.

LGBTQ Initiatives - LGBTQ Initiatives is dedicated to supporting lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and ally students. Initiatives include available Safe Zone trainings for students, faculty, and staff to better understand the needs of the LGBTQ community; an annual Queerfest celebrating and educating the campus about LGBTQ issues; ongoing student advocacy campaigns; and much more.

The Counseling Center, the Office of the Chaplains, and Health Services offer confidential support and discussion about issues related to discrimination and harassment, including sexual assault.

The Center for Leadership & Student Involvement (CLSI) staff works closely with student organizations to provide numerous campus events, programs, and projects. A variety of student cultural groups promotes extracurricular cultural education to help one connect with one's one culture or learn more about another.

The Office of Academic Support and Disability Services is focused on making programs, facilities, and services accessible to individuals with disabilities and has a strong commitment to opportunities for diversity and growth for the entire campus community.

The Center for Learning, Teaching, and Research is dedicated to enhancing learning and teaching in support of the liberal arts. Aside from supporting and helping students academically, the center coordinates and supports a variety of resources for faculty development, teaching, and scholarship.

Support for future academic staff

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?:
No

A brief description of the institution’s programs to support and prepare students from underrepresented groups for careers as faculty members:
Natural Sciences Liason Group - NASC liaisons are a group of natural science and mathematics faculty dedicated to providing science-interested students from underrepresented groups with mentorship, motivation, and individualized support as they navigate their paths in the sciences at Colgate.

Colgate also offers opportunities for summer research, pre-professional/graduate school planning and advising on fellowships and scholarships.

Optional Fields 

Does the institution produce a publicly accessible inventory of gender-neutral bathrooms on campus?:
Yes

Does the institution offer housing options to accommodate the special needs of transgender and transitioning students?:
Yes

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.colgate.edu/about/offices-centers-institutes/centers-institutes/center-learning-teaching-and-research/office

https://www.colgate.edu/about/offices-centers-institutes/dean-college/center-leadership-and-student-involvement

https://www.colgate.edu/student-life/health-safety-wellness/haven-sexual-violence-survivor-support

Information about procedures and response protocols can be found here:
https://www.colgate.edu/about/offices-centers-institutes/provost-and-dean-faculty/equity-and-diversity/non-discrimination-5

https://www.colgate.edu/about/offices-centers-institutes/provost-and-dean-faculty/equity-and-diversity/non-discrimination-4

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.