Florida International University
PA-7: Support for Underrepresented Groups

Florida International University (the University) affirms its commitment to ensure that each member of the University community shall be permitted to work or study in an environment free from any form of illegal discrimination, including race, color, sex, pregnancy, religion, age, disability, national origin, marital status, and veteran status. The University recognizes its obligation to work towards a community in which diversity is valued and opportunity is equalized.

https://regulations.fiu.edu/regulation=FIU-106

The Office of Civil Rights Compliance and Accessibility (CRCA) is the university unit tasked with preventing and addressing all forms of harassment and discrimination, including sexual harassment and sexual misconduct, across the FIU community.

Civil Rights Compliance and Accessibility | Access, Compliance, and Equal Opportunity (fiu.edu)

FIU’s Office of Student Access & Success has several pre-collegiate programs that help promote the recruitment of students from underrepresented groups. 

Pre-Collegiate Programs - Student Access & Success (fiu.edu)

FIU's Department of Access, Compliance, and Equal Opportunity provides resources to help in recruiting from underrepresented groups:

https://ace.fiu.edu/equal-opportunity/resources/index.html

In addition, the FIU Talent Acquisition Team attended 17 career fairs in fiscal year 2023-2024 to attract underrepresented groups for non-faculty positions. 

Designed as pathways for undergraduate education, FIU’s Office of Student Access & Success (SAS) provides college access programs to students from historically underrepresented groups. SAS connects students with services and tools such as tutoring, career planning, advising, workshops and goal-setting to help them succeed academically, maintain financial aid eligibility, and graduate on-time. 

College Access - Student Access & Success (fiu.edu)

The Ronald E. McNair Scholars Program at FIU is a federally-funded TRiO access program, designed to prepare students from low-income, first-generation, and traditionally under-represented groups for graduate education as defined by the U.S. Department of Education. McNair Scholars participate in courses, seminars, and workshops on topics related to graduate school preparation, complete a paid research experience under the guidance of a faculty mentor, and have the opportunity to present their research at local, regional, or national conferences. The McNair program staff works closely with students as they complete their undergraduate requirements and graduate school applications. Benefits of the McNair Scholars Program include mentoring with faculty, staff, and individuals from the community.
https://sas.fiu.edu/mcnair/

The LGBTQA+ Mentorship Program offered by FIU’s Pride Center provides support, safety, and guidance to LGBTQA+ students as they discover who they are and grow at FIU. Mentees are matched to and meet confidentially with an LGBTQA+ or ally faculty or staff member to build fellowship and work toward their goals throughout the year.
https://dasa.fiu.edu/all-departments/pride-center/get-involved/index.html

The Dedicated Success Coaching Program offered by The Office of Veteran and Military Affairs (VMA) provides veterans and military-affiliated learners with the tools necessary to navigate the transition to college life, connects them to services across the university, and supports them on the path to graduation and beyond. 

https://dasa.fiu.edu/all-departments/veteran-and-military-affairs/

FIU has several affinity groups which offer opportunities for mentoring and support beyond the traditional and/or organizational structure, some of which include:

• The Black Staff Association (BSA) provides mentorship opportunities for Black staff and students to help them achieve their professional and personal goals.
• Black Faculty Association (BFA) supports professional development and mentoring. 
• Hispanic Faculty Association provides opportunities for the educational, professional, and leadership growth of its members.
• Namaste at FIU Indian Faculty and Staff Association offers professional development resources, workshops, and mentorship opportunities to enhance the skills and career advancement of faculty and staff.
• Out Professional Panthers Engagement Network creates and promotes opportunities for the professional development of members.
• Hillel at FIU Jewish Faculty and Staff Association (JFSA) is a place for FIU's Jewish faculty and staff to come together for social, educational, and programmatic partnership opportunities.

More details and additional affinity groups can be found here: 

https://affinity.fiu.edu/affinity-groups/index.html

McKnight Doctoral Fellowship Program at FIU is designed to address under-representation of African-American and Hispanic faculty at colleges and universities in the state of Florida by increasing the pool of students and citizens qualified with PhD degrees to teach at the college and university levels. 
https://sas.fiu.edu/graduate-education-access/funding/