Overall Rating Bronze - expired
Overall Score 40.97
Liaison Sherri Mason
Submission Date June 30, 2020
Executive Letter Download

STARS v2.1

Penn State Erie, The Behrend College
PA-4: Diversity and Equity Coordination

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 1.44 / 2.00 Andy Herrera
Director
Educational Equity and Diversity
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

Does the institution have a diversity and equity committee, office, and/or officer tasked to advise on and implement policies, programs, and trainings related to diversity, equity, inclusion and human rights on campus?:
Yes

Does the committee, office and/or officer focus on students, employees, or both?:
Both students and employees

A brief description of the diversity and equity committee, office and/or officer, including purview and activities:

We had an Educational Equity and Diversity Programs office whose primary function is to support and serve as an advocate for diverse populations of students on campus, particularly historically underrepresented groups (racial/ethic minorities), but also international students, students with disabilities, and students who are Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender (GLBT+). The office works on promoting respect for differences and cross-cultural understanding.

In addition, the College has an Institutional Equity and Diversity Committee, which recommends and evaluates strategies and policies related to enhancing diversity and improving the campus climate, with special emphasis on faculty.

The College's Faculty Council and the Student Government Association also have equity and diversity committees to explore and address related matters.


Estimated proportion of students that has participated in cultural competence trainings and activities (All, Most, Some, or None):
Some

Estimated proportion of staff (including administrators) that has participated in cultural competence trainings and activities (All, Most, Some, or None):
Most

Estimated proportion of faculty that has participated in cultural competence trainings and activities (All, Most, Some, or None):
Some

A brief description of the institution’s cultural competence trainings and activities for each of the groups identified above:

- Mandatory Diversity Session for all new students during arrival week (various topics)
- Equity and Diversity session during New Faculty Orientation (primarily an overview of diversity among the student body and associated services and support)
- Various trainings are offered throughout the year for faculty and staff (various topics)
- An array of cultural programs are offered on campus throughout the year. Some organized by various offices, many others by cultural student organizations


The website URL where information about the programs or initiatives is available:
Additional documentation to support the submission:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:

Penn State Behrend is committed to the equitable treatment of all individuals and to providing an inclusive campus environment for students, faculty, and staff. While individuals are distinguished by a myriad of factors—such as ethnic heritage, gender, sexual orientation, age, religious beliefs, ideologies, socio-economic status, life experiences, and physical characteristics and capabilities—we demand that no one should be defined or narrowly perceived by these terms.

We believe that diversity has a critical role in a wholesome education, and a college campus should provide a unique intellectual environment for individuals with different experiences, backgrounds, and values to interact with one another. Only through the open exchange of different beliefs, experiences, and values can individuals develop the important critical thinking skills that will serve them throughout their life. This type of education allows students and faculty to create and share knowledge in a safe, accepting, and nurturing environment, resulting in a richer education for all.


Penn State Behrend is committed to the equitable treatment of all individuals and to providing an inclusive campus environment for students, faculty, and staff. While individuals are distinguished by a myriad of factors—such as ethnic heritage, gender, sexual orientation, age, religious beliefs, ideologies, socio-economic status, life experiences, and physical characteristics and capabilities—we demand that no one should be defined or narrowly perceived by these terms.

We believe that diversity has a critical role in a wholesome education, and a college campus should provide a unique intellectual environment for individuals with different experiences, backgrounds, and values to interact with one another. Only through the open exchange of different beliefs, experiences, and values can individuals develop the important critical thinking skills that will serve them throughout their life. This type of education allows students and faculty to create and share knowledge in a safe, accepting, and nurturing environment, resulting in a richer education for all.

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.