Concordia College - Moorhead
PA-6: Support for Underrepresented Groups

https://www.concordiacollege.edu/directories/offices-services/human-resources/title-ix-2/sexual-misconduct-policy/ Concordia College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, status with respect to public assistance, or sexual orientation in administration of its educational policies, financial aid program, athletics and all other programs. Harassment based upon an individual’s legally protected status is a form of prohibited discrimination.

Procedures Persons experiencing bias-related violence, intimidation or harassment are strongly encouraged to seek assistance from one of the advisers especially selected and trained for the purpose of supporting them. Such persons include Multi-cultural Affairs staff, counseling staff, a Student Affairs dean, designated faculty and staff advisers, peer advocates and designated community volunteers. These advisers/counselors can provide a sympathetic listening ear, explain available options and assist the person throughout any formal or informal option pursued Informal Options Informal options include: 1. When appropriate, bias-related intimidation or harassment can be properly confronted by the affected person(s) and by other members of the community. 2. If conflicts or problems arise in which the person experiencing bias-related harassment or intimidation does not wish to file a formal complaint, the person can request mediation services in an effort to informally resolve the matter. An individual or a panel of one student, one faculty member and one staff member can be named to mediate the matter. Formal Options Formal options include: 1. If informal resolutions fail or are inappropriate, formal complaints to college officials can be filed as follows: • A student complaint involving a faculty member shall be brought to the academic dean or assistant/associate dean. • A student complaint involving another student or a staff member shall be filed with the dean of students or an assistant/associate dean. • Student employees and support staff members shall submit complaints to the director of human resources or the vice president for business affairs. • Administrative staff members shall submit complaints to the director of human resources or the vice president for business affairs. • A faculty complaint shall be filed with the academic dean or an assistant/associate dean. 2. Bias-related violence should be reported immediately to college and to civil authorities. Established disciplinary procedures for handling complaints against students or faculty or staff will be followed in cases involving bias-related violence, intimidation or harassment. The appropriate college official named above will explain those procedures to the complainant and keep him/her informed as to the status of those proceedings.

Concordia actively engages in recruiting students, staff, and faculty from underepresented groups. A few examples are that the College uses targeted recruiting resources, pays attention to education requirements, develops relationships with local populations of underrepresented groups, and conducts unconscious bias training with search committees and staff. Enrollment services has an office that focuses on recruitment of underrepresented students. The college completes a MN Affirmative Action certification each year. The number of faculty and staff hired from underrepresented classes has increased. Recruitment Statement: Concordia values diversity in the workplace and seeks colleagues whose research, pedagogy, or experience can contribute to the College’s ambitious diversity goals. The college created an office of diversity, inclusion and equity. A chief diversity officer leads the office and focuses on faculty, staff and students. There is a staff member dedicated to support underrepresented students.

Concordia offers numerous support resources for all students, many of which include considerations of support for underrepresented groups. These resources include: -Diversity Coordinator for Student Services, located in Student Engagement. Amena Chaudhry was hired earlier this year to assist and support students from underrepresented groups. She has taken over the previous Diversity programs and will work to strengthen them. -Academic Enhancement and Writing Center: This office offers one-on-one visits with professional staff, tutoring in specific subjects, and writing assistance. -Counseling Center and Disability Services: Every student has a unique set of needs, and our office is here to support you and make sure we're doing all we can to set you up for success. We offer free personal counseling with licensed counselors, and provide special accommodations to students with documented disabilities. Disability Services (DS) assists both students with disabilities, and faculty and staff working with students with disabilities. The Disability Services office can: Provide individual consultation regarding the possible presence of a disability, making referrals when appropriate. Determine eligibility for accommodations and services, explain how to access services, and provide assistance when arranging accommodations. Consult with students, faculty and staff and partner with Concordia College personnel to implement appropriate accommodations. Disabilities are often identified as one of the following: Learning Psychological Physical/mobility Qualifying health impairments Other cognitive impairments -Office of Intercultural Affairs: Concordia’s International Student Services, a part of Global Learning's International Community program, can help. Our staff is familiar with the regulations, questions and concerns that come with studying and living in a new country. From International Orientation to helping with VISA's, healthcare, employment, transportation, ID's and Licenses, our office is here to help with your transition to Concordia. -Office of Ministry: At Concordia College, the Office of Ministry strives to encourage, equip, and engage students in practicing their faith and spiritual commitments in communal worship that is creative and innovative, rooted and welcoming.

While Concordia does not have specific support programs for all institutional constituents (student, faculty, and staff), there are numerous support resources for all students, many of which include considerations of support for underrepresented groups. Gender Neutral Housing Concordia College accommodates the special needs of transgender and transitioning students on campus by using a standard practice to work with individual students who have come forward about needing a different housing arrangement based on transgender/transitioning issues. An individual student meets with Residence Life on campus to discuss available options and to determine which type of housing best fits the student's situation, needs, and comfort. Also, there is a Gender and Sexuality Inclusion floor as an additional option - a floor for students of any gender or sexuality orientation,with an all gender bathroom.