| Overall Rating | Gold |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 76.41 |
| Liaison | Krista Bailey |
| Submission Date | Dec. 12, 2023 |
Pennsylvania State University
PA-7: Support for Underrepresented Groups
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
3.00 / 3.00 |
Krista
Bailey Sustainable Campus Strategist Sustainability Institute |
"---"
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:
A foundation of the University Strategic Plan is Advancing Inclusion, Equity, and Diversity. As part of the University-wide strategic plan’s commitment to transformative education, Penn State has four planning goals related to inclusion, equity, and diversity:
1) Foster a culture of respect and inclusion that values the experiences and perspectives of faculty, staff, and students;
2) Develop and implement curricula and scholarship that interrogate social issues and inspire social responsibility;
3) Evaluate and rectify organizational structures, policies, and practices that cause differential impact and limit access and opportunities for faculty, staff, and students at Penn State; and,
4) Recruit, support, and advance a diverse student body, faculty, and staff.
Inclusion, equity, and diversity are central to Penn State’s obligation and commitment as a public institution of higher education to provide effective teaching for all people in our communities—from our Commonwealth, from across the United States, and increasingly from around the world.
Read more about this foundation at https://diversity.psu.edu
Penn State has a formal policy prohibiting intolerance, AD29 Statement on Intolerance. https://policy.psu.edu/policies/AD29
1) Foster a culture of respect and inclusion that values the experiences and perspectives of faculty, staff, and students;
2) Develop and implement curricula and scholarship that interrogate social issues and inspire social responsibility;
3) Evaluate and rectify organizational structures, policies, and practices that cause differential impact and limit access and opportunities for faculty, staff, and students at Penn State; and,
4) Recruit, support, and advance a diverse student body, faculty, and staff.
Inclusion, equity, and diversity are central to Penn State’s obligation and commitment as a public institution of higher education to provide effective teaching for all people in our communities—from our Commonwealth, from across the United States, and increasingly from around the world.
Read more about this foundation at https://diversity.psu.edu
Penn State has a formal policy prohibiting intolerance, AD29 Statement on Intolerance. https://policy.psu.edu/policies/AD29
Bias response team
Yes
A brief description of the institution’s discrimination response protocol or team:
"Penn State's Protocol for Responding to Bias Motivated Incidents" outlines detailed procedures, points of contact, and resources for response by either the targeted individual, or by a campus-designated support person responding on the targeted individual's behalf. http://equity.psu.edu/reportbias/reports/protocol-for-responding-to-bias-motivated-incidents/view
The protocol is posted on a website "Report Bias", managed by the Office of the Vice Provost for Educational Equity. The website provides students, faculty, staff, alumni, and guests with a Penn State User ID with a web form for reporting acts of hate or intolerance that occur at Penn State. A Statement of Confidentiality and instructions for alternative means of submitting a report through the Lion Support Help Line are also included. Incidents are reported to the Office of the Vice Provost for Educational Equity, the Campus Environment Team, and the MRC Counselor/Diversity Advocate for Students. http://equity.psu.edu/reportbias
An archive of bias-motivated incident reports is maintained here: http://equity.psu.edu/reportbias/bias-report-archive
On August 14, 2020 a policy was put in place to address regulation amendments. The policy details specific procedural requirements to address complaints of sexual harassment as defined under Title IX. https://affirmativeaction.psu.edu/files/2020/08/New-PSU-TITLE-IX-Policy2.pdf
The protocol is posted on a website "Report Bias", managed by the Office of the Vice Provost for Educational Equity. The website provides students, faculty, staff, alumni, and guests with a Penn State User ID with a web form for reporting acts of hate or intolerance that occur at Penn State. A Statement of Confidentiality and instructions for alternative means of submitting a report through the Lion Support Help Line are also included. Incidents are reported to the Office of the Vice Provost for Educational Equity, the Campus Environment Team, and the MRC Counselor/Diversity Advocate for Students. http://equity.psu.edu/reportbias
An archive of bias-motivated incident reports is maintained here: http://equity.psu.edu/reportbias/bias-report-archive
On August 14, 2020 a policy was put in place to address regulation amendments. The policy details specific procedural requirements to address complaints of sexual harassment as defined under Title IX. https://affirmativeaction.psu.edu/files/2020/08/New-PSU-TITLE-IX-Policy2.pdf
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?:
Yes
If yes to any of the above, provide:
Penn State supports a number of programs aimed at recruiting students from underrepresented groups.
The Council of College Multicultural Leadership is primarily responsible for leading the efforts to recruit and retain a diverse student body within the academic colleges and the Graduate School. They assist in advising and developing their respective College's diversity strategies.
The Student Minority Advisory and Recruitment Team (SMART) was founded in 1988 by 17 undergraduate students, with the goal of sharing the success of underrepresented students at Penn State and assisting with the recruitment of ethnic minorities.
The Comprehensive Studies Program is an equal opportunity higher education program funded by Penn State. The program provides access and retention to Pennsylvania students displaying high academic potential, who also meet economic criteria and who may be the first in their family to attend college. http://equity.psu.edu/mrc/csp
Penn State participates in many of the Federal TRIO Programs, which are outreach and student services programs designed to identify and assist low-income individuals, first-generation college students, and individuals with disabilities to progress through the academic pipeline from middle school to post-baccalaureate education. The TRIO programs include Educational Opportunity Center (targeting adult learners); Talent Search; Upward Bound; Upward Bound Math and Science; and Upward Bound Migrant. http://equity.psu.edu/units-and-programs
The Penn State Millennium Scholars Program is open to academically strong high school seniors whose future plans include pursuing a doctoral degree in science or engineering, and to increasing the diversity of researchers in science and engineering. http://www.millennium.psu.edu/
The McNair Post-baccalaureate Achievement Program is designed to help academically talented students from traditionally underserved backgrounds reach their potential by earning a doctoral degree. https://gradschool.psu.edu/diversity/mcnair/
The following relate to Penn State's strategies for recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce:
Human Resources provides a presentation, Innovative Recruiting Strategies for Diversity Presentation, on their website https://hr.psu.edu/hr-professional
The Affirmative Action Office's Recruitment & Searches page provides information for academic search procedures to ensure that diversity is considered in the candidate field. There are also links to recruitment resources and diversity workforce guidelines. https://affirmativeaction.psu.edu/welcome/recruitment-searches/
Penn State's Administrative Fellows Program provides professional development opportunities for faculty and staff that are designed to allow the participants to become more effective in their existing positions within the University and to provide a foundation for them to excel in future, higher-level jobs. Women and members of underrepresented groups are especially encouraged to apply. The program has proven valuable in increasing the availability of qualified women and minorities interested in pursuing careers in university administration.
The President's Opportunity Fund supports initiatives that increase new faculty hires from diverse racial/ethnic groups and women faculty.
Finance & Business has its own Strategic Priority Team for Advancing Diversity & Inclusion among staff in F&B. The team is led by the F&B Director of the Office of Diversity and Inclusion. One of its goals is to recruit and retain a racially/ethnically diverse workforce.
The Council of College Multicultural Leadership is primarily responsible for leading the efforts to recruit and retain a diverse student body within the academic colleges and the Graduate School. They assist in advising and developing their respective College's diversity strategies.
The Student Minority Advisory and Recruitment Team (SMART) was founded in 1988 by 17 undergraduate students, with the goal of sharing the success of underrepresented students at Penn State and assisting with the recruitment of ethnic minorities.
The Comprehensive Studies Program is an equal opportunity higher education program funded by Penn State. The program provides access and retention to Pennsylvania students displaying high academic potential, who also meet economic criteria and who may be the first in their family to attend college. http://equity.psu.edu/mrc/csp
Penn State participates in many of the Federal TRIO Programs, which are outreach and student services programs designed to identify and assist low-income individuals, first-generation college students, and individuals with disabilities to progress through the academic pipeline from middle school to post-baccalaureate education. The TRIO programs include Educational Opportunity Center (targeting adult learners); Talent Search; Upward Bound; Upward Bound Math and Science; and Upward Bound Migrant. http://equity.psu.edu/units-and-programs
The Penn State Millennium Scholars Program is open to academically strong high school seniors whose future plans include pursuing a doctoral degree in science or engineering, and to increasing the diversity of researchers in science and engineering. http://www.millennium.psu.edu/
The McNair Post-baccalaureate Achievement Program is designed to help academically talented students from traditionally underserved backgrounds reach their potential by earning a doctoral degree. https://gradschool.psu.edu/diversity/mcnair/
The following relate to Penn State's strategies for recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce:
Human Resources provides a presentation, Innovative Recruiting Strategies for Diversity Presentation, on their website https://hr.psu.edu/hr-professional
The Affirmative Action Office's Recruitment & Searches page provides information for academic search procedures to ensure that diversity is considered in the candidate field. There are also links to recruitment resources and diversity workforce guidelines. https://affirmativeaction.psu.edu/welcome/recruitment-searches/
Penn State's Administrative Fellows Program provides professional development opportunities for faculty and staff that are designed to allow the participants to become more effective in their existing positions within the University and to provide a foundation for them to excel in future, higher-level jobs. Women and members of underrepresented groups are especially encouraged to apply. The program has proven valuable in increasing the availability of qualified women and minorities interested in pursuing careers in university administration.
The President's Opportunity Fund supports initiatives that increase new faculty hires from diverse racial/ethnic groups and women faculty.
Finance & Business has its own Strategic Priority Team for Advancing Diversity & Inclusion among staff in F&B. The team is led by the F&B Director of the Office of Diversity and Inclusion. One of its goals is to recruit and retain a racially/ethnically diverse workforce.
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:
Penn State sponsors a plethora of programs, offices, and centers that support underrepresented groups, in addition to the key coordinating bodies described in Credit PA-1. A list of most of these programs can be found at: http://equity.psu.edu/diversity-resources and https://gradschool.psu.edu/diversity/resources-and-related-sites/ Some examples are provided below.
College Multicultural Programs: Each University Park-based college has a college multicultural office that provides support for underrepresented/underserved students within their college. http://equity.psu.edu/council-of-college-multicultural-leadership
The Office of Scholars Programs (Educational Equity) manages four programs that have the broad and shared goal to enhance inclusion efforts at Penn State, and provide support to underrepresented and underserved students.
http://equity.psu.edu/scholars-programs
Office for Disability Services provides services to students with disabilities at University Park and acts in an advisory capacity to the Disability Contact Liaisons at other Penn State locations. http://www.equity.psu.edu/ods/
The Multicultural Resource Center (MRC) provides undergraduate students of color at University Park with academic and personal support. Within the MRC are the Comprehensive Studies Program (CSP), Asian American Students In Action (AASIA), Blends of Traditional Heritages (B.O.T.H.), and the Black Male Empowerment Group.
http://equity.psu.edu/mrc
Office of Veterans Programs Office of Veterans Programs is a comprehensive, direct service unit for veterans and Department of Veterans Affairs benefits recipients. http://www.equity.psu.edu/veterans
The Commission for Adult Learners is composed of faculty, staff, and students from several University locations, dedicated to improving the adult learner experience at Penn State. http://cal.psu.edu/
Penn State’s Gender Equity Center (GenEq) supports students who have been impacted by sexual violence, relationship violence, stalking, harassment, and other campus climate issues through providing education, advocacy, referrals, and crisis intervention/support counseling. https://studentaffairs.psu.edu/genderequity
The Paul Robeson Cultural Center provides programs and services that encourage the appreciation of the diverse perspectives, experiences, and cultures of many under-represented communities that comprise the student, faculty, staff, and community population of University Park and State College, Pennsylvania. http://studentaffairs.psu.edu/cultural/
The Center for Ethics and Religious Affairs offers a welcoming, safe, inclusive environment for the Penn State community to explore a multitude of faith traditions in a compassionate, open-minded setting. http://studentaffairs.psu.edu/spiritual/
Specifically for employees:
The Office of the Vice Provost for Educational Equity has created a Faculty Pathway website with new resources for supporting faculty members from underrepresented and marginalized backgrounds – including a new faculty tenure and promotion resource, a mentorship resource clearinghouse, Multicultural Faculty Development Support Funds and a Mid-Career Faculty Advancement Program. http://equity.psu.edu/faculty-pathway-sfm
The Senior Faculty Mentor program provides a variety of supportive services to tenure track faculty members belonging to underrepresented racial/ethnic groups to facilitate attainment of tenure and promotion. http://equity.psu.edu/sfm
The Affirmative Action Office serves as a resource in promoting and furthering the University’s commitment to equal opportunity and diversity. The office works to support the University’s strategic goal of respect and its efforts to advance a diverse and inclusive campus community. https://affirmativeaction.psu.edu/
A variety of programs are supported by the Equal Opportunity Planning Committee (EOPC), whose primary task is overseeing the allocation of institutional funding to Penn State units for developing and implementing programs and activities intended to advance the diversity mission of the University. http://equity.psu.edu/eopc
College Multicultural Programs: Each University Park-based college has a college multicultural office that provides support for underrepresented/underserved students within their college. http://equity.psu.edu/council-of-college-multicultural-leadership
The Office of Scholars Programs (Educational Equity) manages four programs that have the broad and shared goal to enhance inclusion efforts at Penn State, and provide support to underrepresented and underserved students.
http://equity.psu.edu/scholars-programs
Office for Disability Services provides services to students with disabilities at University Park and acts in an advisory capacity to the Disability Contact Liaisons at other Penn State locations. http://www.equity.psu.edu/ods/
The Multicultural Resource Center (MRC) provides undergraduate students of color at University Park with academic and personal support. Within the MRC are the Comprehensive Studies Program (CSP), Asian American Students In Action (AASIA), Blends of Traditional Heritages (B.O.T.H.), and the Black Male Empowerment Group.
http://equity.psu.edu/mrc
Office of Veterans Programs Office of Veterans Programs is a comprehensive, direct service unit for veterans and Department of Veterans Affairs benefits recipients. http://www.equity.psu.edu/veterans
The Commission for Adult Learners is composed of faculty, staff, and students from several University locations, dedicated to improving the adult learner experience at Penn State. http://cal.psu.edu/
Penn State’s Gender Equity Center (GenEq) supports students who have been impacted by sexual violence, relationship violence, stalking, harassment, and other campus climate issues through providing education, advocacy, referrals, and crisis intervention/support counseling. https://studentaffairs.psu.edu/genderequity
The Paul Robeson Cultural Center provides programs and services that encourage the appreciation of the diverse perspectives, experiences, and cultures of many under-represented communities that comprise the student, faculty, staff, and community population of University Park and State College, Pennsylvania. http://studentaffairs.psu.edu/cultural/
The Center for Ethics and Religious Affairs offers a welcoming, safe, inclusive environment for the Penn State community to explore a multitude of faith traditions in a compassionate, open-minded setting. http://studentaffairs.psu.edu/spiritual/
Specifically for employees:
The Office of the Vice Provost for Educational Equity has created a Faculty Pathway website with new resources for supporting faculty members from underrepresented and marginalized backgrounds – including a new faculty tenure and promotion resource, a mentorship resource clearinghouse, Multicultural Faculty Development Support Funds and a Mid-Career Faculty Advancement Program. http://equity.psu.edu/faculty-pathway-sfm
The Senior Faculty Mentor program provides a variety of supportive services to tenure track faculty members belonging to underrepresented racial/ethnic groups to facilitate attainment of tenure and promotion. http://equity.psu.edu/sfm
The Affirmative Action Office serves as a resource in promoting and furthering the University’s commitment to equal opportunity and diversity. The office works to support the University’s strategic goal of respect and its efforts to advance a diverse and inclusive campus community. https://affirmativeaction.psu.edu/
A variety of programs are supported by the Equal Opportunity Planning Committee (EOPC), whose primary task is overseeing the allocation of institutional funding to Penn State units for developing and implementing programs and activities intended to advance the diversity mission of the University. http://equity.psu.edu/eopc
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:
Summer Research Opportunities Program (SROP) is an eight-week research program designed to interest talented undergraduate students from underrepresented groups in academic careers and to enhance their preparation for graduate study through intensive research experiences with faculty mentors. https://gradschool.psu.edu/diversity/srop/
The Penn State Sloan Scholars program provides funding for underrepresented students to pursue doctorates in mathematics, science, and engineering. Faculty members who have proven track records in graduating underrepresented students from their doctoral programs are selected each year to mentor incoming fellows. https://gradschool.psu.edu/diversity/sloanscholars/
The McNair Scholars Program is designed to help prepare talented undergraduates to enter graduate school and to receive their doctoral degree. https://gradschool.psu.edu/diversity/mcnair/
The Penn State Millennium Scholars Program is open to academically strong high school seniors whose future plans include pursuing a doctoral degree in science or engineering, to increase the diversity of researchers in science and engineering.
The Office of Graduate Educational Equity Programs in concert with the Graduate School and the academic colleges sponsor professional development opportunities for underrepresented graduate students, which address issues that can serve as barriers to students’ academic success. https://gradschool.psu.edu/diversity/prodev/
The Council of College Multicultural Leadership (CCML) is comprised of the Multicultural Directors/Deans of the eleven academic colleges and the Senior Director of the Office of Graduate Educational Equity Programs, at University Park. These individuals are primarily responsible for leading the efforts to recruit and retain a diverse student body within the colleges and the Graduate School.
The Penn State Sloan Scholars program provides funding for underrepresented students to pursue doctorates in mathematics, science, and engineering. Faculty members who have proven track records in graduating underrepresented students from their doctoral programs are selected each year to mentor incoming fellows. https://gradschool.psu.edu/diversity/sloanscholars/
The McNair Scholars Program is designed to help prepare talented undergraduates to enter graduate school and to receive their doctoral degree. https://gradschool.psu.edu/diversity/mcnair/
The Penn State Millennium Scholars Program is open to academically strong high school seniors whose future plans include pursuing a doctoral degree in science or engineering, to increase the diversity of researchers in science and engineering.
The Office of Graduate Educational Equity Programs in concert with the Graduate School and the academic colleges sponsor professional development opportunities for underrepresented graduate students, which address issues that can serve as barriers to students’ academic success. https://gradschool.psu.edu/diversity/prodev/
The Council of College Multicultural Leadership (CCML) is comprised of the Multicultural Directors/Deans of the eleven academic colleges and the Senior Director of the Office of Graduate Educational Equity Programs, at University Park. These individuals are primarily responsible for leading the efforts to recruit and retain a diverse student body within the colleges and the Graduate School.
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:
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Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
In mid-2020, Penn State President Eric J. Barron announced a number of initiatives to address racism, bias and community safety, and to advance meaningful change. https://actiontogether.psu.edu/ongoing-initiatives
In addition, the "All In at Penn State: A Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion" initiative, launched in October 2016, has been an ongoing commitment to spotlight the importance of diversity at Penn State, demonstrate the University’s commitment to inclusivity and inspire all members of the community to take an active role in promoting respect and embracing diversity. Accomplishments of the initiative are highlighted here: https://sites.psu.edu/allin/all-in-accomplishments/
In addition, the "All In at Penn State: A Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion" initiative, launched in October 2016, has been an ongoing commitment to spotlight the importance of diversity at Penn State, demonstrate the University’s commitment to inclusivity and inspire all members of the community to take an active role in promoting respect and embracing diversity. Accomplishments of the initiative are highlighted here: https://sites.psu.edu/allin/all-in-accomplishments/
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.