Overall Rating Gold
Overall Score 78.69
Liaison Lindsey Kalkbrenner
Submission Date Feb. 14, 2023

STARS v2.2

Santa Clara University
PA-7: Support for Underrepresented Groups

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 3.00 / 3.00 Raymond Plaza
Director
Office for Diversity and Inclusion
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

Does the institution have a publicly posted non-discrimination statement? :
Yes

The non-discrimination statement, including the website URL where the policy is publicly accessible:

Santa Clara University's fundamental principles of academic excellence through diversity and inclusion are central to our Jesuit Catholic values. These principles and values require us to provide a workplace and educational environment free from discrimination, harassment, and sexual misconduct. In its admission, educational, and employment practices, programs, and activities, the University does not discriminate and prohibits discrimination against any individual based on race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, age, gender, gender expression, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, registered domestic partner status, veteran or military status, physical or mental disability (including perceived disability), medical condition (including cancer-related or genetic characteristics), pregnancy (including childbirth, breastfeeding, and related medical conditions), or any other basis prohibited under applicable federal, state, or local laws.

SCU’s University Statement on Nondiscrimination is publicly accessible here: https://www.scu.edu/hr/employee-resources/policies-and-guidelines/staff-policy-manual/policy-103---notice-of-nondiscrimination/


Does the institution have a discrimination response protocol or committee (sometimes called a bias response team)?:
Yes

A brief description of the institution’s discrimination response protocol or team:

The Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX oversees the University’s equal opportunity programs and provides assistance in resolving and investigating complaints of discrimination, harassment, sexual harassment, and sexual misconduct (including sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, sexual exploitation, and stalking). Reporting parties are under no obligation to utilize any services or resources offered and are free to opt-in or out at any time. Beyond facilitating the impartial investigation and prompt resolution of any formal complaints, the office assists through:

• Meeting with all parties involved to discuss the options and resources available to them.
• Referring parties to resources that can provide further support and guidance, such as the Wellness Center, Counseling and Psychological Services, or outside agencies.
• Implementing supportive measures to address the health and safety of all parties involved and facilitate continued access to their educational program and employment, as appropriate.
• Connecting parties with an advisor, who will assist them with navigating the investigation and resolution process and will pose questions on their behalf during any formal hearing proceedings.

The Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX also provides members of the SCU community with several avenues to learn what they need to stay informed and active in the ongoing pursuit of creating a respectful learning and working environment free from discrimination, harassment, and sexual violence. The Equal Opportunity and Title IX team provides annual training to students, faculty, and staff. In addition, the office frequently collaborates with other departments, including the Wellness Center and student organizations, to promote campaigns and initiatives that increase awareness of issues related to discrimination and harassment and help prevent sexual violence on campus.

The Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX is ultimately responsible for ensuring, in all cases, that reports are handled equitably and with care and concern for all parties involved. In doing so, the Director and members of the Equal Opportunity and Title IX team serve in a neutral role, acting with independence and authority that is free from bias and conflicts of interest. The Director works to ensure that all faculty and staff involved in the University's response and resolution process act with objectivity and impartiality. Prior to engaging in the resolution process for a case, each party involved will have an opportunity to assess and bring up any concerns about potential conflicts of interest and personal bias with the decision-makers involved. In addition, annual training is provided to all advisors, investigators, hearing officers, panelists, and appeals officers on how to serve impartially and without bias, as well as how to protect the safety of victims and promote accountability throughout the entire investigation and resolution process.

SCU’s Discrimination, Harassment, And Sexual Misconduct Policy outlines response and resolution procedures in detail: https://www.scu.edu/media/offices/eeo/SCU-Discrimination-Harassment-Policy-2020.pdf


Does the institution have programs specifically designed to recruit students from underrepresented groups?:
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

A brief description of the institution’s programs to recruit students, academic staff, and/or non-academic staff from underrepresented groups:

SCU offers four scholarships specifically designed to recruit students from underrepresented groups.
• The SCU Bronco Scholarship is awarded to selected individuals who improve the characteristics of the entering class and foster inclusive excellence as measured by geographic, gender, economic, and ethnic diversity.
• The Alberto Hurtado, S.J. Scholarship covers the cost of a 4-year undergraduate education at SCU and is set aside for students who have met the initial acceptance requirements of the university and who are considered most needy by terms of Federal eligibility. The Alberto Hurtado, S.J. Scholarship currently exists to support undocumented students who are ineligible for traditional established fund avenues for higher education.
• The Black Excellence Scholarship Fund, established in the aftermath of the murder of George Floyd in May 2020, is designed to help recruit, retain, and educate Black undergraduate students, to further diversify the Santa Clara campus community, and to catalyze systems that allow for greater solidarity with students of color. This is a need-based scholarship with priority granted to Black first-generation college students. The first scholarship was awarded in Fall of 2021.
• The Ohlone & Muwekma Ohlone Student Scholarship Fund helps to recruit, retain, and educate Indigenous undergraduate students, to further diversify the Santa Clara campus community and honor and support our Ohlone partners. This is a need-based scholarship with priority granted to Ohlone and Muwekma Ohlone students, though open to all Native students whether from a federally recognized tribe or non-federally recognized tribe.

The University's Human Resources department in partnership with the Office for Diversity and Inclusion hosts monthly Inclusive Search Training that covers SCU’s commitment to diversity, the current diversity profile of the campus, a review search committee process, expectations, and best practices. The training also includes a discussion of implicit bias to ensure an inclusive search in all stages of the recruitment process. Hiring managers and those serving as search committee chairs must renew their training every three years.

The Office for Diversity and Inclusion (ODI) provides support for search committees, department chairs, hiring managers, and deans engaged in faculty and staff searches. ODI support includes consultation on best practice strategies for inclusive searches; demographic statistics, availability analysis, and utilization/underutilization reports for an area of search; research into potential candidates from underrepresented groups who could be contacted regarding upcoming or current searches; assistance drafting proposals for Faculty searches (tenure, adjunct); assistance drafting inclusive search and recruitment plans; and participation in a portion of the interview process on request. ODI also works with academic units and Deans to support potential funding for the following initiatives: informal visits to campus of potential candidates from underrepresented groups; sending additional faculty to conferences to attend talks by potential candidates from underrepresented groups; and bringing additional candidates to campus to enhance inclusion within the search.


Does the institution have mentoring, counseling, peer support, academic support, or other programs designed specifically to support students from underrepresented groups on campus?:
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:

The LEAD Scholars Program is a program for first-generation college students (students whose parents did not graduate from a 4-year college or university) focused on academic success and community engagement. The LEAD Scholars Program provides academic and vocational development opportunities, holistic advising, peer mentoring, and community building through a variety of courses, programs, and support networks. The LEAD Scholars Program begins in the first year at SCU to ensure a smooth transition into SCU from their previous high school or higher education institution. The program continues through their senior year by supporting students' vocational development and connecting them to internships, study abroad, graduate school, and leadership opportunities.

Rainbow Buddies is a mentorship program that pairs out LGBTQ+ faculty and staff mentors with student mentees. Through these trusting one-on-one relationships, mentors and mentees can discuss issues related to gender and sexuality in a safe and supportive environment.

SCU’s Employee Resource Groups (ERG) are voluntary, staff-led groups whose aim is to foster a diverse, inclusive workplace aligned with the organizations they serve. These groups create a welcoming, affirming, and inclusive environment for all staff employees through networking, mentoring, advocacy, professional development, and social gatherings. All staff employees are eligible to participate in an ERG in which they self-identify: Black/African-American ERG, Indigenous/Native American ERG, LatinX ERG, APISA (Asian Pacific Islander and South Asian) ERG, MENA (Middle Eastern and North African) ERG, Rainbow Alliance ERG, and/or Multifaith ERG.

SCU’s Faculty Affinity Groups are voluntary, faculty-led groups that provide opportunities for shared dialogue, support, and mentorship. These groups create a welcoming, affirming, and inclusive environment for all faculty employees through networking, mentoring, advocacy, professional development, and social gatherings. All faculty employees are eligible to participate in an affinity group in which they self-identify: African American Faculty Network, The Jewish Faculty Group (JFG), Latina/o Faculty Group, LGBTQ Faculty Group, and/or Women Faculty Group.

The SCU Disabilities & Chronic Illness Network welcomes all faculty and staff with disabilities. The network meets once or twice per quarter to empower group members, provide a space for mentoring/co-mentoring and advocacy, and facilitate a welcoming environment for faculty and staff with disabilities.

Santa Clara University’s Women of Color Network welcomes all women of color: faculty, staff, and students. The mission of the network is to empower and support members of the network and to provide education and awareness to the campus community. The network is a collaborative effort of the Office for Multicultural Learning, Faculty Development, and the Women's and Gender Studies Program.


Does the institution have training and development programs, teaching fellowships and/or other programs that specifically aim to support and prepare students from underrepresented groups for careers as faculty members?:
Yes

A brief description of the institution’s programs to support and prepare students from underrepresented groups for careers as faculty members:

The College of Arts and Sciences Dean’s Inclusive Excellence (IE) Postdoctoral/Post-MFA Fellowship program supports the early development of teaching scholars who are from historically underrepresented groups. The program serves to increase the diversity of faculty members in the academy and at Santa Clara University. The program utilizes two models in order to provide mentored teaching and scholarship opportunities for Fellows in all disciplines represented in the College of Arts and Sciences. In both models, fellows are paired with faculty mentors who will receive support from the College for their service. All Fellows and faculty mentors are expected to participate in campus conversations regarding inclusion and diversity.


Does the institution produce a publicly accessible inventory of gender-neutral bathrooms on campus?:
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:
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Additional documentation to support the submission:
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Data source(s) and notes about the submission:

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.