| Overall Rating | Gold |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 82.81 |
| Liaison | Aaron Durnbaugh |
| Submission Date | April 12, 2023 |
Loyola University Chicago
PA-7: Support for Underrepresented Groups
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
2.92 / 3.00 |
Aaron
Durnbaugh Director of Sustainability Office of Sustainability |
"---"
indicates that no data was submitted for this field
Non-discrimination statement
Yes
The non-discrimination statement, including the website URL where the policy is publicly accessible:
https://www.luc.edu/nondiscrimination.shtml
Loyola adheres to all applicable federal and state civil rights laws and regulations prohibiting discrimination in private institutions of higher education. Loyola does not discriminate against any employee, applicant for employment, student, or applicant for admission on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, disability, marital status, parental status, military/veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
This Nondiscrimination Policy prohibits discrimination in employment and in providing access to educational opportunities. Therefore, any member of the Loyola community who acts to deny, deprive, or limit the educational or employment benefits or opportunities of any student, employee, guest, or visitor on the basis of their actual or perceived membership in the protected classes listed above is in violation of the Nondiscrimination Policy.
This Nondiscrimination Policy also includes protections for those opposing discrimination or participating in any University resolution process or within the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or other human rights agencies.
If you have questions about this Nondiscrimination Policy, Title IX, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (“Title VI”), Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (“Title VII”), the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (“ADA”), or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (“Section 504”), or if you believe you have been discriminated against based on your membership in a protected class, please contact Tim Love, Executive Director for Equity & Compliance, or another member of the Office for Equity & Compliance, at (773) 508-7766 or equity@luc.edu, and/or submit a report online.
Loyola adheres to all applicable federal and state civil rights laws and regulations prohibiting discrimination in private institutions of higher education. Loyola does not discriminate against any employee, applicant for employment, student, or applicant for admission on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, disability, marital status, parental status, military/veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
This Nondiscrimination Policy prohibits discrimination in employment and in providing access to educational opportunities. Therefore, any member of the Loyola community who acts to deny, deprive, or limit the educational or employment benefits or opportunities of any student, employee, guest, or visitor on the basis of their actual or perceived membership in the protected classes listed above is in violation of the Nondiscrimination Policy.
This Nondiscrimination Policy also includes protections for those opposing discrimination or participating in any University resolution process or within the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or other human rights agencies.
If you have questions about this Nondiscrimination Policy, Title IX, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (“Title VI”), Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (“Title VII”), the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (“ADA”), or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (“Section 504”), or if you believe you have been discriminated against based on your membership in a protected class, please contact Tim Love, Executive Director for Equity & Compliance, or another member of the Office for Equity & Compliance, at (773) 508-7766 or equity@luc.edu, and/or submit a report online.
Bias response team
Yes
A brief description of the institution’s discrimination response protocol or team:
This is overseen by the Office for Equity & Compliance
The Office for Equity & Compliance Mission
The Office for Equity & Compliance (OEC) promotes a culture of inclusion, safety, and accessibility at Loyola by implementing equitable and person-centered policies, coordinating impartial and reliable investigations, and providing relevant and practical training. By treating all students, faculty, and staff with dignity and respect, and by integrating Loyola’s institutional mission with the requirements of equity-based and civil rights laws, the OEC advances a vision of a caring and just University community, free of discrimination and sexual misconduct.
Scope and Background of the OEC
In January 2019, Loyola University Chicago founded the Office for Equity & Compliance (OEC) to centralize and coordinate University-wide compliance with Title IX and other equity-based federal and state laws and regulations. The OEC exists to promote a culture of safety and inclusion within all University workplaces and educational settings. Through enhanced training, equitable and thorough investigations, and the close monitoring of new developments in Title IX, Title VI, Title VII, and related equity laws and regulations, the OEC advances the Loyola's mission by fostering an informed and inclusive University community, free from discrimination and sexual misconduct.
The OEC is comprised of the Executive Director for Equity & Compliance (Title IX Coordinator) and four full-time staff including a case manager and three professional investigators who contribute to all aspects of the office's operations.
The work of the OEC is also supported University-wide by several key partners, including but not limited to the Office of the Dean of Students, the Wellness Center, Campus Safety, Human Resources, and the Office of the Provost.
Include examples of actions taken during the previous three years.
+The Office for Equity and Compliance was founded in 2019 to coordinate these efforts.
+A new position in Human Resources was added in January 2019 to support education on equity and discrimination, and a new position was added to the OEC in 2021 to enhance case management.
+All reports/complaints are diligently investigated in compliance with applicable laws and University policies
+Community circles have been held to address intra-group dynamics
+Training has been provided to specific staffing units and teams when concerns have been raised
+The Executive Council on Diversity & Inclusion meets regularly to address various community needs, and collaborates to produce an annual Diversity Report.
Examples of actions taken in the previous years are:
As a large and complex organization with several campuses and constituents, Loyola’s support for individuals who have experienced or witnessed a bias incident, act of discrimination or hate crime depends on whether the individual is a student, faculty, or staff member, and of course is highly fact-specific. The primary coordinating office is the Office for Equity & Compliance.
When such a report is raised to the Office for Equity & Compliance, the impacted individual is offered options for reporting under the University’s Comprehensive Policy, mental health resources, and potential academic/workplace accommodations, as applicable to the circumstances at hand. Other support may also be offered through the Office of the Dean of Students, Human Resources, and/or Academic Affairs.
In the case of hate crimes, the affected individual will always have the option to engage law enforcement through the Department of Campus Safety, who can also assist with reporting to local police in the applicable jurisdiction.
In all cases, LUC provides the necessary support to ensure that the University is a safe and inclusive academic and workplace environment. All students also have access to counseling through the Wellness Center and employees benefit from resources available through the Employee Assistance Program, provided by Perspectives (a third party provider).
The Office for Equity & Compliance Mission
The Office for Equity & Compliance (OEC) promotes a culture of inclusion, safety, and accessibility at Loyola by implementing equitable and person-centered policies, coordinating impartial and reliable investigations, and providing relevant and practical training. By treating all students, faculty, and staff with dignity and respect, and by integrating Loyola’s institutional mission with the requirements of equity-based and civil rights laws, the OEC advances a vision of a caring and just University community, free of discrimination and sexual misconduct.
Scope and Background of the OEC
In January 2019, Loyola University Chicago founded the Office for Equity & Compliance (OEC) to centralize and coordinate University-wide compliance with Title IX and other equity-based federal and state laws and regulations. The OEC exists to promote a culture of safety and inclusion within all University workplaces and educational settings. Through enhanced training, equitable and thorough investigations, and the close monitoring of new developments in Title IX, Title VI, Title VII, and related equity laws and regulations, the OEC advances the Loyola's mission by fostering an informed and inclusive University community, free from discrimination and sexual misconduct.
The OEC is comprised of the Executive Director for Equity & Compliance (Title IX Coordinator) and four full-time staff including a case manager and three professional investigators who contribute to all aspects of the office's operations.
The work of the OEC is also supported University-wide by several key partners, including but not limited to the Office of the Dean of Students, the Wellness Center, Campus Safety, Human Resources, and the Office of the Provost.
Include examples of actions taken during the previous three years.
+The Office for Equity and Compliance was founded in 2019 to coordinate these efforts.
+A new position in Human Resources was added in January 2019 to support education on equity and discrimination, and a new position was added to the OEC in 2021 to enhance case management.
+All reports/complaints are diligently investigated in compliance with applicable laws and University policies
+Community circles have been held to address intra-group dynamics
+Training has been provided to specific staffing units and teams when concerns have been raised
+The Executive Council on Diversity & Inclusion meets regularly to address various community needs, and collaborates to produce an annual Diversity Report.
Examples of actions taken in the previous years are:
As a large and complex organization with several campuses and constituents, Loyola’s support for individuals who have experienced or witnessed a bias incident, act of discrimination or hate crime depends on whether the individual is a student, faculty, or staff member, and of course is highly fact-specific. The primary coordinating office is the Office for Equity & Compliance.
When such a report is raised to the Office for Equity & Compliance, the impacted individual is offered options for reporting under the University’s Comprehensive Policy, mental health resources, and potential academic/workplace accommodations, as applicable to the circumstances at hand. Other support may also be offered through the Office of the Dean of Students, Human Resources, and/or Academic Affairs.
In the case of hate crimes, the affected individual will always have the option to engage law enforcement through the Department of Campus Safety, who can also assist with reporting to local police in the applicable jurisdiction.
In all cases, LUC provides the necessary support to ensure that the University is a safe and inclusive academic and workplace environment. All students also have access to counseling through the Wellness Center and employees benefit from resources available through the Employee Assistance Program, provided by Perspectives (a third party provider).
Recruitment programs
Yes
Does the institution have programs specifically designed to recruit academic staff from underrepresented groups?:
Yes
Does the institution have programs designed specifically to recruit non-academic staff from underrepresented groups?:
No
If yes to any of the above, provide:
For High Schoolers -
https://www.luc.edu/diversity/resources/undocumentedstudentresources/magisscholarshipfund/
Vision
Empowerment Pipeline aims to build confidence in students by:
Validating and nurturing their social identities
Exploring personal significance of higher education
Analyzing challenges on the path of higher education
Identifying ways to overcome those challenges
Interested in coming to Loyola University Chicago?
Check out our specialized programming for high school students. We currently offer an Overnight Experience for 30 High school students this coming March. We also offer Campus Visits where your students can have a campus tour and participate in student led workshops.
For undocumented students: Dreamer Scholarship https://www.luc.edu/finaid/scholarships/undergraduate/
Loyola offers five scholarships for newly admitted transfer and freshman who have undocumented status. The Dreamer Scholarship covers tuition, on campus room and board, and mandatory student fees. These scholarships are highly selective and finalist will be required to attend an on-campus interview.
For Incoming First Year and Transfer Students of Color and First Generation Students -
The Department of Student Diversity & Multicultural Affairs' Mentorship Programs aim to ensure student success and retention by providing resources and support to underrepresented students, including: students of color as well as first generation students. Students enrolled in any of these programs receive mentoring from student leaders, professional staff and faculty members of Loyola. By participating in these programs you will have the chance to build Loyola family and community, and build confidence in academic, social and professional life. Please know that each mentorship program has an application process in which their set guidelines and requirements may differ.
Students Together Are Reaching Success (S.T.A.R.S.)
LUCES Mentorship Program
Brothers for Excellence
For faculty there are various programs administered by Academic Affairs to incentivize minority hires for faculty positions.
The Assistant Provost on Academic Diversity has been brought on to be a Special Advisor to the Provost for diversity issues. In this role, they advise search committees in strategies to recruit and champion diverse candidates. https://www.luc.edu/academicaffairs/academicdiversity/
The Faculty Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Liaison (DEIL) Program utilizes existing faculty to serve as resources and provide a support network for their colleagues. We develop leaders from within the LUC community, selecting faculty who have demonstrated a knowledge of and commitment to DEI issues. These faculty liaisons will be educated about our DEI resources, create and deliver DEI programming, serve as diversity advocates on hiring committees, and act as a coach for a subset of faculty from under-represented groups.
Loyola has been recognized for its commitment to diversity in hiring: https://www.luc.edu/news/pressrelease-april262022/
https://www.luc.edu/diversity/resources/undocumentedstudentresources/magisscholarshipfund/
Vision
Empowerment Pipeline aims to build confidence in students by:
Validating and nurturing their social identities
Exploring personal significance of higher education
Analyzing challenges on the path of higher education
Identifying ways to overcome those challenges
Interested in coming to Loyola University Chicago?
Check out our specialized programming for high school students. We currently offer an Overnight Experience for 30 High school students this coming March. We also offer Campus Visits where your students can have a campus tour and participate in student led workshops.
For undocumented students: Dreamer Scholarship https://www.luc.edu/finaid/scholarships/undergraduate/
Loyola offers five scholarships for newly admitted transfer and freshman who have undocumented status. The Dreamer Scholarship covers tuition, on campus room and board, and mandatory student fees. These scholarships are highly selective and finalist will be required to attend an on-campus interview.
For Incoming First Year and Transfer Students of Color and First Generation Students -
The Department of Student Diversity & Multicultural Affairs' Mentorship Programs aim to ensure student success and retention by providing resources and support to underrepresented students, including: students of color as well as first generation students. Students enrolled in any of these programs receive mentoring from student leaders, professional staff and faculty members of Loyola. By participating in these programs you will have the chance to build Loyola family and community, and build confidence in academic, social and professional life. Please know that each mentorship program has an application process in which their set guidelines and requirements may differ.
Students Together Are Reaching Success (S.T.A.R.S.)
LUCES Mentorship Program
Brothers for Excellence
For faculty there are various programs administered by Academic Affairs to incentivize minority hires for faculty positions.
The Assistant Provost on Academic Diversity has been brought on to be a Special Advisor to the Provost for diversity issues. In this role, they advise search committees in strategies to recruit and champion diverse candidates. https://www.luc.edu/academicaffairs/academicdiversity/
The Faculty Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Liaison (DEIL) Program utilizes existing faculty to serve as resources and provide a support network for their colleagues. We develop leaders from within the LUC community, selecting faculty who have demonstrated a knowledge of and commitment to DEI issues. These faculty liaisons will be educated about our DEI resources, create and deliver DEI programming, serve as diversity advocates on hiring committees, and act as a coach for a subset of faculty from under-represented groups.
Loyola has been recognized for its commitment to diversity in hiring: https://www.luc.edu/news/pressrelease-april262022/
Mentoring, counseling and support programs
Yes
Does the institution have mentoring, counseling, peer support or other programs designed specifically to support academic staff from underrepresented groups on campus?:
Yes
Does the institution have mentoring, counseling, peer support or other programs to support non-academic staff from underrepresented groups on campus?:
Yes
A brief description of the institution’s programs designed specifically to support students, academic staff, and/or non-academic staff from underrepresented groups:
Loyola University Chicago's Center for Diversity and Inclusion offers a variety of programs that support underrepresented groups in the Loyola student community.
Among these programs:
* The Students Together Are Reaching Success (S.T.A.R.S.) is a peer mentorship program that is targeted to first generation college students and students of color. S.T.A.R.S. students are paired with upperclassmen for both group and one-on-one mentoring opportunities. S.T.A.R.S. students, though participation in a variety of cultural and social events as well as academic workshops, learn to hone their leadership skills.
* Brothers for Excellence (B4E) seeks to provide a supportive environment for Men of Color by facilitating mentoring relationships with staff and faculty Men of Color. B4E students, though participation in a variety of cultural and social events as well as academic workshops, learn to hone their leadership skills.
*Loyola University Chicago Empowering Sisterhood (LUCES) is an intergenerational and intersectional community that serves undergraduate and graduate students, staff, faculty, and alumni of Loyola University Chicago to support experiences as self-identified Womxn and People of Color (W/POC), including Trans* and gender non-conforming individuals, inclusive of mentorship between students and staff and faculty Womxn of Color. LUCES students, though participation in a variety of cultural and social events as well as academic workshops, learn to hone their leadership skills.
*LGBTQIA Initiatives - among the initiatives for Loyola's LGBTQIA community, there are a variety of themed programs, such as Q-Cafe, Q-Studies, Q-Films, Q-Grads,& Q-Retreat which helps connect members & allies of this community. The Safe Space Ally training workshop helps those who wish to become allies of LGBTQI community and learn skills such as how to counter heterosexist behaviors.
* Diversity Council - this organization is comprised of student representatives who address diversity issues in the University community and take on leadership roles to help improve the campus climate in relation to diversity as well as address issues that threaten diversity. The Diversity Council fosters collaborative relationships and information sharing between students from different underrepresented groups in the University.
*Undocumented Student Programs (USP) seeks to provide programming to support Loyola's undocumented & mixed status immigration community. Programming is inclusive of Undocumented & Proud (UP), a support group is closed to students who are undocumented seeking to build strength, solidarity, demonstrate pride and share resources among each other, and Share the Dream Ally Training for those that wish to become allies of the undocumented community.
Programs for Academic Staff -
Faculty Mentoring Program for Underrepresented - https://www.luc.edu/academicaffairs/academicdiversity/support/facultymentoringprograms/
There are a number of programs offered by the Provost's Office on Academic Diversity - https://www.luc.edu/academicaffairs/academicdiversity/about/
Signature Series - each month, the Executive Council on Diversity and Inclusion will select a theme (i.e. Social Justice), and highlight a series of associated programs and events taking place across Loyola.
The Emerge and Employee Assistance programs listed under Staff are also open to Faculty.
Employee Resource Groups: https://www.luc.edu/diversityandinclusion/getinvolved/employeeresourcegroupsergs/
Among these programs:
* The Students Together Are Reaching Success (S.T.A.R.S.) is a peer mentorship program that is targeted to first generation college students and students of color. S.T.A.R.S. students are paired with upperclassmen for both group and one-on-one mentoring opportunities. S.T.A.R.S. students, though participation in a variety of cultural and social events as well as academic workshops, learn to hone their leadership skills.
* Brothers for Excellence (B4E) seeks to provide a supportive environment for Men of Color by facilitating mentoring relationships with staff and faculty Men of Color. B4E students, though participation in a variety of cultural and social events as well as academic workshops, learn to hone their leadership skills.
*Loyola University Chicago Empowering Sisterhood (LUCES) is an intergenerational and intersectional community that serves undergraduate and graduate students, staff, faculty, and alumni of Loyola University Chicago to support experiences as self-identified Womxn and People of Color (W/POC), including Trans* and gender non-conforming individuals, inclusive of mentorship between students and staff and faculty Womxn of Color. LUCES students, though participation in a variety of cultural and social events as well as academic workshops, learn to hone their leadership skills.
*LGBTQIA Initiatives - among the initiatives for Loyola's LGBTQIA community, there are a variety of themed programs, such as Q-Cafe, Q-Studies, Q-Films, Q-Grads,& Q-Retreat which helps connect members & allies of this community. The Safe Space Ally training workshop helps those who wish to become allies of LGBTQI community and learn skills such as how to counter heterosexist behaviors.
* Diversity Council - this organization is comprised of student representatives who address diversity issues in the University community and take on leadership roles to help improve the campus climate in relation to diversity as well as address issues that threaten diversity. The Diversity Council fosters collaborative relationships and information sharing between students from different underrepresented groups in the University.
*Undocumented Student Programs (USP) seeks to provide programming to support Loyola's undocumented & mixed status immigration community. Programming is inclusive of Undocumented & Proud (UP), a support group is closed to students who are undocumented seeking to build strength, solidarity, demonstrate pride and share resources among each other, and Share the Dream Ally Training for those that wish to become allies of the undocumented community.
Programs for Academic Staff -
Faculty Mentoring Program for Underrepresented - https://www.luc.edu/academicaffairs/academicdiversity/support/facultymentoringprograms/
There are a number of programs offered by the Provost's Office on Academic Diversity - https://www.luc.edu/academicaffairs/academicdiversity/about/
Signature Series - each month, the Executive Council on Diversity and Inclusion will select a theme (i.e. Social Justice), and highlight a series of associated programs and events taking place across Loyola.
The Emerge and Employee Assistance programs listed under Staff are also open to Faculty.
Employee Resource Groups: https://www.luc.edu/diversityandinclusion/getinvolved/employeeresourcegroupsergs/
Support for future academic staff
Yes
A brief description of the institution’s programs to support and prepare students from underrepresented groups for careers as faculty members:
Diversifying Higher Education Faculty in Illinois Fellowship (DFI): https://www.luc.edu/gradschool/diversityequityinclusion/diversifyinghighereducationfacultyinillinoisfellowship/
1st Generation students:
https://www.luc.edu/ace/aceservices/facultymentoringprogram/
Women students:
https://www.luc.edu/gannon/gslp.shtml
National Association of Student Personnel Administrators Undergraduate Fellows Program - Not for pre-faculty but for professionals in higher education: https://www.luc.edu/dos/services/naspaundergraduatefellowsprogram/
Programs in the Graduate School:
https://www.luc.edu/gradschool/diversityequityinclusion/resources/
Programs by School /Department:
Psychology - https://www.luc.edu/psychology/graduate/graduateresources/
1st Generation students:
https://www.luc.edu/ace/aceservices/facultymentoringprogram/
Women students:
https://www.luc.edu/gannon/gslp.shtml
National Association of Student Personnel Administrators Undergraduate Fellows Program - Not for pre-faculty but for professionals in higher education: https://www.luc.edu/dos/services/naspaundergraduatefellowsprogram/
Programs in the Graduate School:
https://www.luc.edu/gradschool/diversityequityinclusion/resources/
Programs by School /Department:
Psychology - https://www.luc.edu/psychology/graduate/graduateresources/
Optional Fields
Yes
Does the institution offer housing options to accommodate the special needs of transgender and transitioning students?:
Yes
Website URL where information about the institution’s support for underrepresented groups is available:
Additional documentation to support the submission:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
Additional link:
https://www.luc.edu/diversity/resources/undocumentedstudentresources/
https://www.luc.edu/diversity/resources/undocumentedstudentresources/
The information presented here is self-reported. While AASHE staff review portions of all STARS reports and institutions are welcome to seek additional forms of review, the data in STARS reports are not verified by AASHE. If you believe any of this information is erroneous or inconsistent with credit criteria, please review the process for inquiring about the information reported by an institution or simply email your inquiry to stars@aashe.org.