Grand Valley State University
PA-7: Support for Underrepresented Groups

Grand Valley State University does not discriminate against students, faculty or staff in any of its employment practices or in its educational programs or activities. Grand Valley State University is guided by values for inclusiveness and community which are integral to our mission to empower learners in their pursuits, professions, and purpose, and to enrich the community through excellent teaching, active scholarship, and public service.

The University is an affirmative action, equal opportunity institution. It encourages diversity and provides equal opportunity in education, employment, all of its programs, and the use of its facilities. Members of the University community, including candidates for employment or admissions, and visitors or guests, have the right to be free from acts of harassment and discrimination, which are prohibited if they discriminate or harass on the basis of age, color, disability, familial status, height, marital status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, veteran or active duty military status or weight. In addition, Grand Valley is required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 to ensure that none of its education programs and activities discriminate on the basis of sex/gender. Sex includes sex stereotypes, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, and pregnancy or parenting status.

The Office of Civil Rights and Title IX serves as a resource for the GVSU community and assists individuals who may have been impacted by discrimination or harassment in connecting with resources, imposes measures that protect or support access to programs and activities, and oversees the university’s grievance process for allegations of discrimination and harassment.

https://www.gvsu.edu/titleix/#:~:text=Grand%20Valley%20State%20University%20does,its%20educational%20programs%20or%20activities

GVSU's Team Against Bias, which is composed of diverse campus representatives, reviews information regarding bias incidents and implements strategies to educate, engage and inform the campus community. GVSU is committed to providing students, faculty and staff with a campus environment that is safe and affirms diversity. As a result, GVSU created a Bias Incidents Protocol to respond to threats to the core of the University's values.

Any time an incident is reported, the reporting party will be contacted and informed about support resources available to them at the university. Incidents reported through the bias system may violate university policies or the student code. These incidents will be investigated through the proper adjudicating body or bodies. The offices listed are available to assist in efforts to put an end to harassment and discrimination. They can provide advising informally and confidentially, answer questions, and help in the preparation of reports. Information and/or advice can also be requested anonymously.

Bias Incident Reporting Process:
https://www.gvsu.edu/cms4/asset/B25717B1-F72D-8880-
40971BF4B2699C84/bias_incident_rp_info(2).pdf

In cases where harassment has occurred: https://www.gvsu.edu/policies/policy.htm?policyId=7E08654A-ACE7-9AC9-5B933125DDA72033

The purpose of the Historically Black College/University (HBCU) / Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) Pipeline Consortium is to collaborate, not compete, with HBCUs and HSIs to create greater opportunities for students from minoritized populations to find real, meaningful positions while simultaneously expanding talent pipelines in West Michigan (https://www.gvsu.edu/admissions/hbcuhsi-pipeline-consortium-110.htm).

GVSU also has an Inclusion Advocates Program. The responsibilities of an Inclusion Advocate include reviewing and approving recruitment plans and job advertisements prior to the beginning of a search. Inclusion Advocates also review availability and application pool data and, if necessary, suggest additional recruitment options and/or changes to the recruitment plan and/or search timeline (https://www.gvsu.edu/affirmative/inclusion-advocates-program-33.htm).

For students:
Brothers: Black Male Scholars (designed for Black men), Laker Familia (designed for Latino/a students), Niara (designed for women of color) and Queer Connections (designed for LGBTQIA+ students) are designed to create an environment where students can achieve their full potential at GVSU while being their full, authentic selves. These programs are open to all students and a reflection of our values of inclusiveness and diversity and our core mission of student success.

For faculty/staff:
https://www.gvsu.edu/inclusion/faculty-staff-affinity-groups-120.htm

GVSU participates in the KCP Future Faculty Fellowship Program which is intended to increase the pool of traditionally underrepresented candidates pursuing faculty-teaching careers or administrative careers in post-secondary education (https://www.gvsu.edu/inclusion/kcp-future-faculty-172.htm#:~:text=KCP%20FUTURE%20FACULTY%20FELLOWSHIP%20REQUIREMENTS%3A&text=Completing%20a%20master%27s%20degree%20at,on%20any%20guaranteed%20student%20loan.). The Office of Multicultural Affairs can provide mentoring and support to students interested in applying for this program.

GVSU is also committed to equal opportunity, affirmative action and multiculturalism both in spirit and according to related laws and regulations. We value a multiplicity of opinions and backgrounds and seek ways to incorporate the voices and experiences of all into our university. Programs that support increasing the diversity of our faculty include an Inclusion Implementation Plan (www.gvsu.edu/iiplan/InclusionPlan.pdf), Inclusion Advocate Program, and Inclusive Recruitment Resources.