Elon University
PA-6: Support for Underrepresented Groups

Elon University does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, creed, sex, national or ethnic origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or veteran’s status (collectively, “Protected Categories”) in the recruitment and admission of students, the recruitment and employment of faculty and staff, or the operation of any of its programs.” Consistent with our nondiscrimination statement, the university does not tolerate discrimination or harassment of employees, students or other individuals associated with the university including, but not limited to, vendors, contractors, and guests on the basis of any of these Protected Categories. Any person associated with the University who fails to comply fully with this policy will be properly disciplined. Any employment agency, vendor or contractor used by the University will be informed of this policy. This policy applies to, but is not limited to, recruitment, employment, promotion, demotion, transfer, position advertising, reduction in force, termination, rates of pay, and selection for training. https://www.elon.edu/e/campus-life/inclusion-diversity/bias-response/policy-and-law/index.html

The university seeks to provide an educational community and workplace free of prohibited discrimination and harassment. To that end, it has adopted the following nondiscrimination statement: “Elon University does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, creed, sex, national or ethnic origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or veteran’s status (collectively, “Protected Categories”) in the recruitment and admission of students, the recruitment and employment of faculty and staff, or the operation of any of its programs.” Consistent with our nondiscrimination statement, the university does not tolerate discriminate on or harassment of employees, students or other individuals associated with the University including, but not limited to, vendors, contractors, and guests on the basis of any of these Protected Categories Process Advocates are faculty and staff members from across campus who are trained to advocate with students, staff or faculty who seek understanding and/or a process about an instance of bias, harassment or discrimination. Advocates support individuals during and after the process of reporting an incident. Advocates will work across institutional departments to best advocate with individuals who have experienced bias, discrimination or harassment. There are also several ways to seek confidential services related to bias, harassment or discrimination. An example of the structure in use: -A student is yelled at with a racial and sexual slur. -The student contacts the police. -The student files a bias report. -The Bias and Discrimination Response Team is alerted and put in contact with the student to support and offer resources. -Attempts are made to identify the perpetrators. Though not part of the official process, additional steps can and have been taken, such as holding forums on the incident topic. Specific examples cannot be shared.

There is a hiring protocol utilized for faculty and staff hiring, and positions are posted in a number of places (e.g., Blacks in Higher Education, Latinos in Higher Education, Insight into Diversity, Higher Education Recruitment Consortium, Black Doctoral Network, The Chronicle of Higher Education, HigherEdJobs) to recruit faculty and staff from underrepresented groups. Efforts to diversify the Elon student body are collaborative across campus. Elon’s strategic plan, the Elon Commitment, calls for an unprecedented commitment to diversity and global engagement. As a result, the Admissions staff is charged with developing recruitment initiatives to reach students from a variety of backgrounds to build a more diverse and rich academic learning environment. Two staff positions, a Director and Assistant Director of Diversity Recruitment, charge all traveling staff members with visiting “majority minority” as well as underserved high schools annually. Staff are also expected to connect with local Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) during fall and spring recruitment travel. In addition, two diversity-themed campus-based recruitment events are held annually. In the fall, Phoenix Forward serves high school sophomores, juniors and seniors. During the spring semester, Phoenix Fusion Weekend offers students from diverse populations the opportunity to return to campus as admitted students and engage in campus life with current students. Both programs are focused on helping students understand that Elon is a welcoming and inclusive community. In terms of socioeconomic diversity, Elon continues to increase scholarship opportunities to students with the highest demonstrated financial need. The Odyssey program includes 35 endowed scholarships that, when combined with other aid opportunities, meet full demonstrated financial need. Finally, as part of the strategic plan, Elon has a goal of tripling the number of international students on campus. Two staff positions in the Admissions Office, an Associate Dean and Director of International Admissions as well as an Assistant Director, lead university efforts to increase enrollment in this area. Extensive travel, an enhanced communications plan and an annual international counselor visit program have yielded positive results. It is anticipated that by 2020, the goal will have been met or exceeded.

Below is a sample of the programs available: 1. S.M.A.R.T (Student Mentors Advising Rising Talent): Peer mentoring program designed to mentor first-year students of color. 2. Odyssey Scholars Program: Cohort program for first-generation, low-income students. 3. SPECTRUM: Student affiliate group for Gay, Lesbian, Bi-sexual, Transgender, Queer and Allies. 4. Black Student Union. 5. Latin American Student Organization. 6. Hillel: Jewish organization for students. 7. Muslim Student Association. 8. National Pan-Hellenic Council: Elon houses 7 of the 9 national historically Black fraternities and sororities. 9. Disabilities Services: Disabilities Services develops programming and services for students with disabilities. 10. El Centro de Espanol: "El Centro" is an academic and social setting where non-native speakers can come to learn Spanish and speak in Spanish. "El Centro" offers free Spanish classes for faculty, staff and students as well as cultural programming. 11. The Center for Access and Success supports first generation and high financial need students. 12. The Global Education Center supports international students. 13. The International Student Society 14. The African Student Society 15. The Caribbean Student Society 16. Employee resource groups for LGBTQIA, Women, Black/African American and Hispanic/Latino. 17. Mentoring group for students with disabilities

Pre-Doctoral and Post-Doctoral fellowships are available for teacher-scholars from diverse backgrounds who have completed all requirements for the Ph.D. except the dissertation or who have recently completed a Ph.D. or MFA. Fellowships are available in all programs, including departments in: Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences; the School of Communications; the School of Education; and the Martha and Spencer Love School of Business. These fellowships are not applicable to the Elon University School of Law. Fellows teach one course each in fall, winter and spring semesters; work on their research; and participate in departmental and university life. A team of faculty mentors provides support for teaching and scholarship interests. Fellows receive an annual $36,000 stipend, an office with computer and printer, library privileges and free cultural and sporting events on campus as well as professional development support. Elon University is committed to building a culturally diverse educational environment. Applicants are requested to include in their cover letter information about how they will further this goal. https://www.elon.edu/e/campus-life/inclusion-diversity/diversity-fellowships.html