Georgia Southern University
PA-7: Support for Underrepresented Groups

URL: https://jobs.georgiasouthern.edu/equal-opportunity-statement/

Georgia Southern University celebrates diversity in all its forms.
The center pillar of our new strategic plan says all populations will feel valued and respected, regardless of race, gender, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation or identity, education, or disability. In addition, the University will capitalize on distinctive, unique campus cultures while encouraging strong institutional unity.
Inclusive Excellence is an on-going, collaborative process uniting Georgia Southern students, faculty, staff, administrators and alumni in the work of embedding diversity and inclusiveness throughout University life."

"Inclusive Excellence is a strategic pillar and a core value at Georgia Southern University. We recognize that our success as an institution of higher learning depends on our ability to embrace, value, and appreciate the diversity of students, staff, faculty, administrators, and alumni across our campuses. Inclusive excellence is continuous and comprehensive; intentional and dynamic; transformational and innovative and is embedded in all aspects of our culture and actions. Inclusive excellence speaks to sustaining a campus climate that honors, respects, and is inclusive of all elements of diversity that makes each of us unique: culture, race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, age, (dis)ability, creed, religious or spiritual beliefs, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, class, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, political philosophy, etc. We uphold that all of our individual differences enrich our university. Together, we are Georgia Southern – committed to growing ourselves to grow others.

We organize outreach events for Minority Students, provide information sessions, campus tours, and orientation sessions in Spanish (Minority Showcase, Domingo Universitario, Vamos a la Universidad for Migrant Ed. Students). We invite Minority students to visit our campus, the university provides transportation and meals for those students. We also attend college fairs that target minority students. Two Multicultural Admissions Counselors visit students in their high schools, attend Senior Nights, and provide bilingual (Spanish/English) Financial Aid sessions and college readiness programs.

Inclusive Excellence Faculty and Staff Fellows (OIE Fellows) - faculty and staff who, under the supervision of the Associate Vice President/CDO, lead the development and implementation of inclusive excellence initiatives including goal development, program facilitation, research, and data collection
(https://president.georgiasouthern.edu/inclusive-excellence/inclusive-excellence-faculty-and-staff-fellows/)

Inclusive Excellence Library - books related to diversity, equity, inclusion and cover topics such as disability, neurodiversity, LGBTQ+ identities, first generation and low socioeconomic student groups, veterans, etc
(https://president.georgiasouthern.edu/inclusive-excellence/inclusive-excellence-library/)

President's Diversity Advisory Council (PDAC) - comprised of faculty, staff and administrators of from multiple academic disciplines and non-academic departments; goal of PDAC is to identify inclusive excellence opportunities on all campuses, addressing needs of the campus communities, program implementation, etc
(https://president.georgiasouthern.edu/inclusive-excellence/diversity-council/)
Employee recruitment and retention
(https://president.georgiasouthern.edu/inclusive-excellence/erg/)

Eagle Talks- Eagle Talks was created to provide a platform for students to meet, converse, and share knowledge with their fellow Eagles. Our goal is for Eagle Talks to be a space that is conducive to open, honest communication about topics that directly and indirectly impact the Georgia Southern community. By including faculty and staff experts in our discussions, we aim to help students broaden their understanding of each other and turn their conversations into actions.
(https://president.georgiasouthern.edu/inclusive-excellence/eagle-talks/)

Office of Multicultural Affairs- The mission of the Office of Multicultural Affairs is to contribute to an inclusive learning environment by supporting the institutions efforts to retain and graduate students prepared for a diverse global society. We provide mentorship opportunities, deliver diversity education and inclusion training, celebrate the cultural diversity of all students, and advocate for underrepresented groups in the Georgia Southern University community guided by the University mission and CAS standards. The office facilitates the following mentoring programs for students.
Men of Vision and Excellence (MOVE)- https://president.georgiasouthern.edu/multicultural/men-of-vision-and-excellence-m-o-v-e/
Minority Advisement Program- https://president.georgiasouthern.edu/multicultural/minority-advisement-program-map/
Hispanic Outreach and Leadership Achievement- https://president.georgiasouthern.edu/multicultural/hola/
Sisters with Vision- https://president.georgiasouthern.edu/multicultural/sisters-with-vision/
Asian Pacific American Initiative- https://president.georgiasouthern.edu/multicultural/asian-pacific-american-initiative-apa/

Student Support Services- The SSS program provides comprehensive services to first-generation students, low-income students, and students with disabilities. The primary goal of SSS is to help transition, retain, and graduate students at Georgia Southern. Through our services, we provide opportunities for academic development, assist with college requirements, and serve to motivate students toward the successful completion of their undergraduate degree program.
The SSS program offers the following services:
Individualized academic advising. Participants are paired with a SSS Advisor to assist with their academic, career, and personal growth throughout their college career.
Priority tutoring. Participants have access to Mathematics and English tutoring facilitated by the SSS program. In addition, tutoring arrangements are made for students who need individualized or group help in various subjects taught on campus.
Financial aid assistance. Our SSS staff works with participants to research and apply for financial aid and scholarship opportunities.
Financial literacy counseling. Through workshops, participants learn how to understand debt, budget their fiscal resources, and make informed financial decisions.
Career exploration opportunities. Working with the partnering programs on campus, participants are provided with opportunities to better position themselves for a career after graduation.
Graduate and professional school admission assistance. Participants are provided resources to prepare them for graduate school admission examinations, campus visits, interviews, etc.
Cultural enrichment experiences. SSS sponsors one cultural event each semester. These events are designed to give students the opportunity to be exposed to, engage in, and/or embrace other cultures or culturally enriching experiences.
Mentoring. Participants cultivate a one-on-one relationship with their assigned staff members. This aids in the facilitation of academic and personal support throughout their academic career.
(​​https://president.georgiasouthern.edu/sss/)