Elon University
PA-7: 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/u/inclusive-excellence/resources/statement-of-nondiscrimination/

Elon University denounces bias-related conduct as a violation of the University Honor Code. Bias-related incidents, including slurs based on racial or ethnic identity, faith tradition, gender expression/identity, sexual orientation, ability, and others create a hostile educational, living and working environment and such acts are not tolerated in our academic community.
The term “bias-related” refers to language, behaviors and acts that demonstrate discrimination or hate against persons or groups because of any of the following identity categories (perceived or otherwise): race, ethnicity, faith tradition, national origin, gender, gender expression/identity, sexual orientation, age/generation, socio-economic status and disability. These categories are examples and are not an exhaustive list of attributes or characteristics protected under this policy.
Steps in the Bias Response Process
Step 1: Bias incident report is submitted
-All current and former members of the university can file a bias incident report.
Step 2: Report is reviewed
-Report is reviewed by the Director of Inclusive Excellence Education and Development staff to determine potential immediate referral to campus partners (i.e., Human resources, Student Conduct, Campus Police, Residence Life, or Identity Centers) and/or to offer support and educational resources.
Step 3: Action planning
-In collaboration with campus partners and impacted parties, an action plan including supportive measures for affected parties and accountability strategies.
Step 4: Plan implementation
-Taking into consideration the desired outcomes of harmed parties and university policies, a plan is implemented.
Step 5: Ongoing support & additional harm transformation
-Director of Inclusive Excellence Education and Development and campus partners offer ongoing support and follow-up for harm transformation.
Step 6: Assessment
-Director of Inclusive Excellence Education and Development engages with impacted parties to assess response.
Specific examples cannot be shared.
https://www.elon.edu/u/bias-response/

Elon’s Title IX Coordinator oversees compliance with all aspects of the Title IX Sexual Misconduct Policy (including harassment and/or discrimination on the basis of sex or gender) under the requirements of Title IX. When an allegation of sexual misconduct and gender-based violence is brought to the attention of an appropriate university official, protective and other remedial measures will be used to reasonably ensure that such conduct ends, is not repeated, and the effects on the complainant and community are remedied, including outcomes when a respondent is found to have violated this policy.
http://elon.smartcatalogiq.com/2021-2022/Student-Handbook/Title-IX-and-Sexual-Misconduct-Policy

Elon is committed to recruiting a diverse array of qualified applicants for faculty and staff hiring. Positions are often posted in several places. This list of Diverse Recruitment Links serves as a reference to recruit faculty and staff from underrepresented groups: https://www.elon.edu/u/fa/hr/wp-content/uploads/sites/653/2020/03/2020-DiversityRecruitmentLinks.pdf.
One of Elon University’s action items in progress is developing equity-minded hiring protocols for all university divisions. The goals are to undertake recruitment strategies and search committee practices to identify a diverse pool of excellent candidates for positions and be successful in expanding the diversity of Elon’s faculty and staff. A new Equal Opportunity and Human Resources Compliance Manager was hired in September 2021 to support and advance these goals.
Elon is currently implementing initiatives within the Black Student Recruitment Plan - Black Advance. The Office of Admissions works in partnership with the Center for Race, Ethnicity, & Diversity Education; the Center for Access and Success; the Elon Black Alumni Network; the Black Life Advisory Council; Black Student Union; and the African and African-American Studies program to meet goals of increasing the recruitment and enrollment of Black students.
¡Viva Elon! is an Admissions event highlighting Latinx/Hispanic student success at Elon and offers prospective students the chance to speak with current students, faculty, staff and young members of the Elon Latinx/Hispanic Alumni Network. This programming is focused on, but not limited to, admitted students who identify as Latinx/Hispanic and their families, and it provides the opportunity to learn more about Elon’s Experiential Learning Requirement and day-to-day life on campus as a Latinx/Hispanic student.
In terms of socioeconomic diversity, Elon continues to increase scholarship opportunities to students with the highest demonstrated financial need. A recent $10 million gift in honor of Vice President Emerita Jo Watts Williams '55, part of the Elon LEADS Campaign, created an endowment to continue supporting students from historically underrepresented groups through various measures, including but not limited to, support for 20 scholarships in Elon’s Odyssey Program, supporting full financial aid for students with exceptional potential and limited resources. Many students selected for the Odyssey Program are first-generation college students.
The Admissions team has staff members dedicated to supporting and advancing the recruitment of students from underrepresented groups, including the Assistant Director of Admissions for Diversity and Access, the Associate Dean and Director of International Admissions and the Associate Director of International Admissions.

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 Resources: Disabilities Resources 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 (ERGs) for Advocates for the Differently-Abled, LGBTQIA, Women, Black/African American and Hispanic/Latino - open to faculty and staff
17. Mentoring group for students with disabilities
18. The Center for Race, Ethnicity, and Diversity Education creates a supportive environment for ALANAM (African-American/Black, Latino/Hispanic, Asian/Pacific Islander, Native American, Alaskan Native and Multiracial) students.

gender-neutral bathrooms:
https://www.elon.edu/u/glc/resources/universal-restrooms/
housing options for transgender and transitioning students: https://www.elon.edu/u/glc/resources/housing/
Division of Inclusive Excellence Resources Page:
https://www.elon.edu/u/inclusive-excellence/resources/