San Jose State University
PA-6: Support for Underrepresented Groups

SJSU launched two Task Forces: 1) Chicano and Latino and African American Task Force. n addition, the African American and Chican@/Latin@ Student Success task forces, which have been working hard since 2014 to build a sense of community for underrepresented minority students. The task force members have hosted a multitude of activities, such as the Adelante study breaks and the Essence of Blackness cultural celebration. These task forces began as part of Academic Affairs, but are now moving to Student Affairs where they will be managed by the new AVP for Retention and Transition Services, Debra Griffith. Educations Opportunity Programs (EOP) http://www.sjsu.edu/eop/ Since 1969 the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) has been providing services to retain and graduate students who are first in their family to go to college, especially low-income and educationally disadvantaged students. An EOP student has the potential to perform satisfactorily in the CSU but has not been able to realize this potential because of economic or educational background. The program provides admission, academic, and financial assistance to EOP-eligible undergraduate students. EOP students can expect to receive comprehensive educational services which include academic advisement, personal and career counseling, tutorial services, skills enhancement seminars, adjunct learning courses, as well as referral and advocacy services. Students are also provided with financial aid assistance, as well as encouragement and support. Additionally, these programs are managed the Student Involvement office: LGBT Resource Center http://www.sjsu.edu/lgbtrc/ The mission of the LGBT Resource Center is to support the LGBTIQQA (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Intersex, Queer, Questioning, Ally) students of San José State University. Through dynamic programming and educational outreach the Resource Center seeks to improve the campus climate for LGBTIQQA students and advocate for the respect and safety of all members of the campus community. In collaboration with other campus programs, the Resource Center works to meet the needs of students to promote the successful completion of their educational goals. Activities include sponsoring educational and community building programs. The center also has a library with an extensive collection of books concerning LGBT issues. The space can be used for club meetings, studying, and hanging out. The center networks with campus and San José area organizations in order to build a stronger community and support system for the LGBTIQQA students of San José State University and have offices in the new Student Union Buildings. There are various programs, educational events, social events, and student panels sponsored by the LBGT Resource center. Some of these include: LGBTQQI Discussion Group – This is an informal weekly discussion group related to sexual and gender identity. Topics might include: relationships, coming out, intersection of gender/sexuality and culture, bisexuality, gender variance, relationship between sex and gender, religion/spirituality, prejudice, dating, family concerns, political/activism issues Peers in PRIDE - This is a free mentorship program designed for incoming LGBTQI students. It provides individual support and resources to undergraduate, graduate, and non-traditional students. This program is run in conjunction with the counseling center and provides training to student mentors who in turn provide support and resources for incoming SJSU LGBTQI students. MOSAIC http://www.sjsu.edu/studentaffairs/mosaic/ MOSAIC provides a safe and welcoming environment which honors and celebrates diversity. MOSAIC offers support, advocacy for historically under-represented groups, leadership opportunities, and intentional programming that focus on critical thought, social justice, and cultural empowerment for the SJSU community. MOSAIC collaborates with student organizations, academic departments, staff, residence halls, and members of the surrounding community whose purpose is concurrent with MOSAIC's mission, philosophies, and goals. Services offered by MOSAIC include; a place to gather and talk, programs and events that relate to diversity issues, leadership training and development for students, small resource library, and a speaker resource database. Specifically how MOSAIC supports students: 1. MOSAIC hosts three New Student Welcome Receptions for African American, Chicano/Latino, and Asian and Pacific Islander students at the beginning of each academic year. 2. MOSAIC’s Open House at the start of each academic year welcomes new and returning students, staff, and faculty to find community, build relationships, and connect with the Center. 3. The monthly WORD! Poetry Series, which occurs the first Thursday of each month throughout the academic year, allows students, staff, faculty, and community members to express their talents – spoken word, dance, song, poetry, jokes, and more! 4. MOSAIC hosts weekly workshops for students to engage with one another on issues affecting the community that relate to identity development, diversity, and issues of equity and social justice. Examples from spring 2011 include: Books NOT Guns: Attacks on our Youth, Terror in the Name of God,and Chola or Chicana. Workshops are researched and implemented by student Diversity Advocate Interns who are trained staff who collaborate with student groups, staff, and faculty for these workshops. 5. Leadership Today Retreat offers the opportunity for 40 students to attend a four day retreat off campus that focuses on leadership and social justice, with the focus on one’s lived experiences and the connection to people with different identities, social responsibility, and action for community change. 6. Trainings and workshops are available and offered upon request. Trained staff from MOSAIC can create engaging and topic specific workshops. 7. The monthly E-Newsletter that is created through MOSAIC provides a look into current events happening in the U.S. and globally, while also information on issues of identity (race, class, gender, sexual orientation, religion, etc.). This newsletter is dedicated to bringing light to important issues that raise social consciousness while promoting critical thought. 8. MOSAIC encourages student groups to take advantage of the space by reserving the Center for meetings or gatherings to care for the whole student. 9. MOSAIC welcomes students to spend time in the space to do homework, conduct study groups, spend time with friends, rest, and build relationships with the staff. We have an open door policy and encourage students to come in and ask questions any time.

Human Resources has a process posted on their website for students to complete a form and receive support in this area. The website includes this link http://www.sjsu.edu/hr/students/students_harassment_complaints/index.html and directions: "complete the Student Complaint Form for Discrimination, Harassment, Retaliation & Sexual Misconduct under Title IX (PDF) and return it to Office for Equal Opportunity."

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