Radford University
PA-6: Support for Underrepresented Groups

https://www.radford.edu/content/radfordcore/home/about/eo-statement.html Radford University does not discriminate with regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age, veteran status, national origin, religion, or political affiliation in the administration of its educational programs, activities, admission or employment practices.  Inquiries about this policy may be directed to the Director of Human Resources at 600 Tyler Avenue. Telephone: voice (540) 831-5008; hearing impaired (540) 831-5128.  Student inquiries may be directed to the Office of the Dean of Students in Heth Hall; (540) 831-5321. The university has adopted policies to provide for prompt and equitable resolution of discrimination complaints. The Discrimination Complaint Procedure describes the grievance procedure for individuals who have experienced discrimination. The Sexual Harassment Policy further defines sex discrimination by including examples of sexual harassment and a statement concerning consensual relationships between university employees and students. The Accommodation Procedure for Individuals with Disabilities confirms the university's commitment to providing accessibility to its programs, services and activities for individuals with disabilities who are otherwise qualified and entitled to a reasonable accommodation. Only acts of discrimination committed by university employees in connection with their university employment may be reviewed through Human Resource policies and procedures. The term "employee" refers to any faculty, staff or graduate student employee. Individuals who believe they may have experienced discrimination, but are uncertain as to whether a complaint is justified or whether they wish to initiate a formal complaint may discuss their concerns confidentially and informally with a staff member in Human Resources.  All other cases, in which the alleged violation is committed by a student, are adjudicated by the university's student conduct system. Students may also consult a staff member at the Counseling Center, the Multicultural & International Student Services Office or the Office of the Dean of Students.  Staff members will assist students by providing support and options for how they might resolve a concern. Copies of the complete policy statements including procedures for resolving complaints are available in the Office of the Dean of Students and the Department of Human Resources.

Any person who believes he or she has been subjected to discrimination or harassment on any of these bases may file a complaint with Radford University as outlined in these procedures. Complaints and reports of discrimination, sexual harassment, and sexual misconduct should be made to Radford University’s Title IX Coordinator. The Title IX Coordinator is responsible for overseeing the investigation of all reports of alleged discrimination, sexual harassment, or sexual misconduct and is trained to help individuals who file complaints find resources, to investigate reported incidents, and to respond appropriately to conduct alleged to be in violation of the Discrimination Policy. To support those who have experienced or witnessed a bias incident, act of discrimination, or hate crime, the Title IX Coordinator facilitates their connection to other on-campus and off-campus resources. Resources include, but are not limited to: - Center for Assessment & Psychological Services, https://www.radford.edu/content/chbs/home/psychology/services.html - Student Counseling Services (for students only) https://www.radford.edu/content/student-counseling/home.html, - Women’s Resource Center, https://www.wrcnrv.org/ - Domestic Violence Services, http://tapintohope.org/program/domestic-violence-services/ - New River Valley Community Services, http://www.nrvcs.org/mental-health/ - Radford University Police Department, https://www.radford.edu/content/police/home.html - Center for Diversity & Inclusion, https://www.radford.edu/content/diversity/home.html - Employee Assistance Program, https://www.radford.edu/content/human-resources/home/benefits/employee-assistance-program.html - Office of Student Standards & Conduct, https://www.radford.edu/content/student-conduct/home.html These resources can provide licensed counselors, licensed health care providers, and other needed services and support to stay safe on campus. In addition, The Title IX Coordinator can facilitate other interim measures for support, including but not limited to issuing “no contact” orders, temporary room reassignment, permanent room reassignment, contact with professors or supervisors to support alternative work or class arrangements, and providing or allowing an advisor to students, faculty, or staff for all of the above.

Faculty and Staff: Radford University is a member of higher education recruitment consortium (HERC). HERC works to advance equity and excellence in the higher education workforce and helps Radford University advance diversity, equity and inclusion by helping to recruit faculty and staff from underrepresented groups. Students: The Radford University Office of Admissions collaborates with organizations throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia to effectively reach underrepresented populations. Through partnership with Boys & Girls Club, Partnership for the Future (http://www.partnershipforthefuture.org/), local high schools, and other organizations, the University hosts underrepresented groups on campus and visits them in their community.

The mission of Radford University’s Office of Institutional Equity is to assist Radford University in creating and maintaining diverse, inclusive and safe learning, living, and working environments. Our office not only works toward diverse representation in these environments, but with a goal to providing opportunities for each individual’s full participation and success in the campus community in a climate of mutual respect through education and guidance. The Office of Institutional Equity contributes to these efforts by promoting physical access to University facilities, programs, and services, including collaborations with campus entities and the surrounding community to ensure this access for persons with disabilities. This office oversees the University’s federally mandated affirmative action efforts consistent with its Affirmative Action Plan and fair hiring practices, handles harassment and discrimination complaints and concerns, and provides education and guidance to members of the University. The Office of Institutional Equity coordinates the development of policy, procedures, programs, and services related to equality of opportunity in employment, access, retention, and participation of faculty, staff, and students. The Office further monitors the University’s compliance with all federal laws, state laws, and University policies related to equal opportunity. The Office of Institutional Equity also accomplishes its mission through the implementation of initiatives within the areas of Compliance, Diversity, and Equity Initiatives. Our work is shaped by Radford University’s core values under its Code of Ethics: Respect, Honesty and Integrity, Communication, Stewardship, Excellence, Responsibility and Accountability. Additionally, Radford University provides a number of groups and services to support all students, faculty, and staff, with some programming specifically for underrepresented groups. On-Campus Resources for Students • Office of Institutional Equity - Filing Title IX incidents and complaints. In addition to Title IX training, OIE also provides training on discrimination and bias, working proactively support underrepresented groups. • Center for Accessibility Services: The Center for Accessibility Services (CAS) is committed to providing equal educational opportunities for individuals living with disabilities. The CAS serves and supports students, parents, and visitors seeking reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act. The office is dedicated to the ongoing goal of access and inclusion so that an individual may fully participate in the university experience. https://www.radford.edu/content/cas/home.html CAS is RESPONSIVE, RESILIENT, and REAL by promoting the following objectives: • Promote equal access in curricular and co-curricular activities within the university setting. • Empower students to self-advocate for needed resources. • Create environments that are accessible, diverse, and inclusive. • Center for Diversity & Inclusion (CDI): The office is a resource to all students, staff and faculty through our variety of programs, activities and services. You will find resources and people that will support you in your academics, crafting you as a professional, as well as socially and personally. https://www.radford.edu/content/diversity/home/about.html CDI RESOURCES • Computer Lab and free printing • Conference Meeting Room • Meditation Room • Student spaces (lounge and study areas) • Laptop Loaner Program • Diversity Resource Library • Student Leadership Offices • Supplies and resources for programming • SafeZone Trainings • Social Change Certificate CDI SIGNATURE EVENTS • Welcome Back Bash • Martin Luther King, Jr. week of events • Activity Hour • Drag Show • Cultural month dinners and celebrations • Dine on Diversity • Holiday Cheer • Multicultural Congratulatory Ceremony MULTICULTURAL STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS • Diversity Awareness Programming (DAP) • African Student Alliance (ASA) • Latino Student Alliance (LSA) • P.R.E.T.I.I. Women • Radford University Campus Ministers Association (RUCMA) • Ladies of Leadership (LOL) • Black Student Alliance (BSA) • SPECTRUM: an LGBTQ+ group • BROTHER4Brother • AreUHype Dance Team • Xclusive Division • Ladies of Value and Empowerment (L.O.V.E) • NAACP •REALise: REALising Inclusive Science Excellence: REALISE aims to change faculty and student mindset through developing and implementing engaging and inclusive pedagogies. Peer Role Modeling Program- Students are invited to participate in academic and social events hosted by trained peer role models. The peer role model program develops a network and sense of community among our students. Faculty Development- Faculty have opportunities to participate in professional development opportunities to explore and implement best-practices for inclusive pedagogy and project-based learning. https://www.radford.edu/content/csat/home/realise.html • Diversity Awareness Programming (DAP) The Diversity Awareness Programming Board's purpose is to stimulate interest and heighten awareness of the contributions of the minorities across the world. Radford University's Diversity Awareness Programming Board (DAP Board) sponsors cultural, educational, social and entertainment activities. These activities are offered to students at either a reduced rate or free of charge. Supported through Student Activity Fees and administered entirely by students, the Diversity Awareness Programming Board is open to all Radford University students. DAP Board offers the opportunity to expand interests and abilities while putting personal creativity to work. As a member, students have a variety of leadership opportunities available within the organization. https://www.radford.edu/dap/ • Military Resource Center - Serves student veterans, active military and reserve members, spouses, and military dependents. MRC provides support with Federal military benefits programs, administers scholarships, provides academic advising, and coordinates social groups and access to additional resources. https://www.radford.edu/content/veterans-resources/home.html • Office of Housing and Residential Life (OHRL) - The mission of OHRL is to provide an inclusive living and learning environment that fosters a sense of belonging where students can pursue academic success and cultivate meaningful relationships within well-maintained facilities. Our student centered approach promotes student learning and development while preparing residents to engage in a diverse and changing society. https://www.radford.edu/content/residence-life/home/about/mission.html • Office of Dean of Students - The Office of the Dean of Students responds to the informational and personal concerns of students and oversees the protection of student rights. The office plays a major role in promoting and upholding the shared values and ideals of the Radford University community. https://www.radford.edu/content/dos/home.html On-Campus Resources for Faculty/Staff • Office of Institutional Equity (OIE) - Filing Title IX incidents and complaints. In addition to Title IX training, OIE also provides training on discrimination and bias, working proactively support underrepresented groups. • Center for Accessibility Services (CAS) - The Center for Accessibility Services (CAS) is committed to providing equal educational opportunities for individuals living with disabilities. The CAS serves and supports students, parents, and visitors seeking reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act. The office is dedicated to the ongoing goal of access and inclusion so that an individual may fully participate in the university experience. https://www.radford.edu/content/cas/home.html CAS is RESPONSIVE, RESILIENT, and REAL by promoting the following objectives: • Promote equal access in curricular and co-curricular activities within the university setting. • Empower students to self-advocate for needed resources. • Create environments that are accessible, diverse, and inclusive. • Center for Diversity & Inclusion: The office is a resource to all students, staff and faculty through our variety of programs, activities and services. You will find resources and people that will support you in your academics, crafting you as a professional, as well as socially and personally. https://www.radford.edu/content/diversity/home/about.html CDI RESOURCES • Computer Lab and free printing • Conference Meeting Room • Meditation Room • Student spaces (lounge and study areas) • Laptop Loaner Program • Diversity Resource Library • Student Leadership Offices • Supplies and resources for programming • SafeZone Trainings • Social Change Certificate •REALise: REALising Inclusive Science Excellence: REALISE aims to change faculty and student mindset through developing and implementing engaging and inclusive pedagogies. Faculty Development- Faculty have opportunities to participate in professional development opportunities to explore and implement best-practices for inclusive pedagogy and project-based learning.Peer Role Modeling Program- Students are invited to participate in academic and social events hosted by trained peer role models. The peer role model program develops a network and sense of community among our students. https://www.radford.edu/content/csat/home/realise.html • Military Resource Center - Serves student veterans, active military and reserve members, spouses, and military dependents. MRC provides support with Federal military benefits programs, administers scholarships, and coordinates social groups. https://www.radford.edu/content/veterans-resources/home.html • Center for Assessment and Psychological Services (CAPS): We have a team-based approach to our evaluation and therapy service delivery, with advanced level graduate psychology students providing services under the direct supervision of licensed RU psychology faculty. CAPS has a dual mission: • providing quality psychological services to the RU community and regional community members at reduced fees; and • providing on campus clinical and research training experiences for graduate psychology students in our pediatric/school psychology and counseling psychology graduate programs. Clients do not have to be affiliated with RU. Clients are provided services by appointment only—we do not provide walk-in, crisis or emergency services. Given graduate student involvement in service delivery, we also do not provide services to clients that are currently suicidal or violent or those seeking evaluations for legal purposes (e.g., custody issues). CAPS has a sliding scale and payment plans for evaluation and counseling services. We provide services at a reduced fee—often 2-3 times lower than private practice evaluation services. https://www.radford.edu/content/chbs/home/psychology/services.html • Employee Assistance Program: This plan offers counseling sessions for employees and their dependents with up to four sessions at no charge. EAP counselors are available to assist employees with issues related to: alcohol, drugs, family, health, legal, financial, housing, mental health, child care, elder care, grief, spousal/child/parent abuse, workplace, career planning and retirement. https://www.radford.edu/content/human-resources/home/benefits/employee-assistance-program.html

Yes. Gender Inclusive Housing The office of Housing and Residential Life is committed to providing an inclusive environment for all students. Gender Inclusive Housing offers students of all gender identities and expression a housing option that supports their identity. This housing option allows for students of any biological sex to live together in the same residence hall room. Regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, our office strongly discourages any students involved in a romantic relationship from living together. If you are interested in participating in this housing option, please indicate your preference on your housing application. Our office will follow up with additional information to ensure an appropriate placement. LGBTQIA+ Ally Roommate Matching To help students who identify as part of the LGBTQIA community or consider themselves an ally of the community request each other as roommates, the Roommate Matching Questionnaire on the Housing Application now allows students to indicate that they consider themselves an ally of the community. When students search for compatible roommates, they will be able to view how potential roommates responded to that question. https://www.radford.edu/content/diversity/home/resources.html https://www.radford.edu/content/residence-life/home/housing-application/GenderInclusiveHousing.html https://www.radford.edu/content/institutional-equity/home/about.html https://www.radford.edu/content/dam/departments/administrative/policies/GeneralPoliciesandProcedures/Discrimination-Harassment-Sexual-Misconduct-and-Retaliation-Policy-10-14-14-Cabinet-approved-hr.pdf https://www.radford.edu/content/institutional-equity/home/training.html https://www.radford.edu/content/residence-life/home/housing-application/GenderInclusiveHousing.html