Ohio University
PA-7: Support for Underrepresented Groups

Ohio University does not discriminate against any person in employment or educational opportunities because of race, color, religion, age, national origin,  ethnicity,  national ancestry, sex, pregnancy, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, military service or veteran status, mental or physical disability, or genetic information. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the University’s non-discrimination policies, to receive discrimination/ harassment complaints from members of the University community, and to monitor the institution’s compliance with state and federal non-discrimination laws and regulations: Kerri Griffin, J.D., Director and Title IX Coordinator (www.ohio.edu/equity-civil-rights/non-discrimination)

Once reported, incidents are reviewed by the ECRC Team and/or the CCSR Team to determine if there is a violation of University policy or the Student Code of Conduct. If it is determined that the incident does not involve a violation of either, the incident is forwarded to the Vice President of Diversity and Inclusion and Dean of Students who coordinate a response. Representatives from both areas work together to ensure the reporting party is ok, safe, and has access to any necessary support services. An educational plan is developed for all who are involved in the reported incident. This is completely separate from any conduct or disciplinary processes at the University and the University does not engage in sanctioning around reported bias incidents that are not otherwise violations of University policy or the Student Code of Conduct. Our informal process provides supports for those who report and seeks to educate all who are involved.

Office of Multicultural Student Access and Retention (OMSAR) - www.ohio.edu/omsar/scholarship-programs
• Templeton Scholars Program
• Harry and Ruth Rankin Scholarship Program
• Urban Scholars Program
• Appalachian Scholars Program
• OHIO Promise Award

Undergraduate Admissions
• Cultural Connections - https://webcms.ohio.edu/admissions/visit/cultural-connections
• Multicultural Visit Program - https://webcms.ohio.edu/admissions/about-ohio/multicultural-recruitment-programs

College of Business
• Multicultural Visit Program - https://business.ohio.edu/about/events/multicultural-visit-program-mvp/

Office of the VP for D&I
• Diversity Opportunity Hires - www.ohio.edu/diversity/diversity-opportunity-hires

• LINKS Program - https://www.ohio.edu/diversity/omsar/links
LINKS is a year-long transition, enrichment, and support program, committed to attracting and retaining high achieving students from diverse backgrounds, to maximize their academic, leadership, and service potential. For over 35 years, the LINKS program has been the cornerstone of support and assistance for first-year multicultural students at Ohio University.
LINKS helps first-year students navigate the college experience by focusing on student success and retention, while promoting the educational benefits of diversity and inclusion at Ohio University. The LINKS program is highly successful, boasting a 91% fall to spring retention rate with an average 3.2GPA, and a 79% retention rate from year 1 to year 2 of enrollment.

• OHIO First Scholars - https://www.ohio.edu/university-college/academic-achievement-center/first-generation
The Allen Student Advising Center coordinates support programs and services for Ohio University’s first-generation college students. If you are a first-generation college student, we are excited to have you here! As one of the first in your family to attend college we recognize that you will face unique experiences as you begin this exciting journey. We look forward to supporting first-generation Bobcats!
First-generation students make up approximately one-third of our first-year class each year and are a sizeable portion of our student body. We also have numerous faculty and staff who were first-generation college graduates.

• College Achievement Program (CAP): TRiO/SSS program -https://catalogs.ohio.edu/content.php?catoid=67&navoid=5469
College Achievement Program (CAP): The TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) Program, also known as the College Achievement Program (CAP) at Ohio University provides first-generation, income eligible and students with disabilities with personalized support services that maximize their success towards academic, personal, and professional pursuits. CAP provides opportunities for academic development and intellectual growth, assists students with OHIO’s graduation requirements, and serves to motivate students toward the successful completion of their undergraduate degree. Since 1979, CAP has maintained a strong record of aiding in student retention and graduation. CAP is located in the Academic Achievement Center (Alden Library 230) and is funded by the U.S. Department of Education and Ohio University.

• ASPeCT (Autism Spectrum Peer Coaching Team): program to support students on the
Autism Spectrum - https://www.ohio.edu/university-college/student-accessibility-services/autism-peer-coaching-team
Student Accessibility Services developed a coaching support program to address the increasing need to support students on the autism spectrum. The program is designed to provide an additional layer of individualized support for students throughout their transition to college.

Diverse Junior Faculty Mentoring Program - https://www.ohio.edu/diversity/junior-faculty-mentoring. The Diverse Junior Faculty Mentoring Program (DJFMP), sponsored by the Division of Diversity and Inclusion and the Office of the Executive Vice President and Provost, is part of OHIO’s ongoing investment in inclusive academic excellence. Diverse faculty are vital to OHIO’s student-centered educational mission to create learning environments in which all members of our campus community to grow and thrive. Research shows that faculty members with diverse identities often encounter challenges to their professional success and well-being, especially so early in their academic careers. Mentorship is a highly effective tool for engaging and empowering diverse junior faculty as they pursue and secure opportunities for promotion and professional development.

• Employee Affinity Organizations - www.ohio.edu/diversity/employee-affinity-organizations
OHIO's Employee Affinity Organizations are part of the university's collective efforts to leverage diversity to improve productivity, create a sense of togetherness and ensure that employees experience a greater sense of engagement and belonging.

• Mix and Mingle Event Series - www.ohio.edu/diversity/mix-mingle
These events are designed as an inclusive and fun way for the University community to meet colleagues across the campus, build inter-departmental relationships, and facilitate community at OHIO.

• Women's Mentoring Program - www.ohio.edu/womens-center/faculty/staff-programs
The Women's Center works with faculty and staff to provide programming specifically geared to their professional development, taking into account gendered issues within the workplace, as well as social and celebratory opportunities, and curricular support and departmental training.

• Women Leading OHIO - www.ohio.edu/womens-center/faculty/staff-programs
Women Leading OHIO is an early career faculty and staff development program, entitled Women Leading OHIO. This program, which lasts for a full academic year, is cohort based and includes workshops, guest speakers, networking and social opportunities to help early career faculty in their career development and transition to Athens, OH.

Data provided by Amanda Graham on 3/23/2020.
Entered by Sydney Hutchinson on 3/25/2020.

Updated links and descriptions on 9/24/21 in response to AASHE review by Elaine Goetz and Xander Stultz.

Changed answer to "no" for Support for Future Academic Staff based on AASHE review on 10/1/21.

Bias response protocol provided by Duane Bruce, Assistant Director, Multicultural Programs, on 10/4/21.