South Dakota State University
PA-7: Support for Underrepresented Groups

SUBJECT: Equal Opportunity, Non-Discrimination, and Affirmative Action
NUMBER: 4:3
1. Purpose
This policy sets forth the University’s position on equal opportunity and non-discrimination
among its employees, students, visitors, and other members of the University community and
implements SDBOR Policy 1:19 and related provisions.
2. Policy
a. The University offers equal opportunities in employment and for access to and
participation in education, extension, and other services at the University to all persons
qualified by academic preparation, experience, and ability for the various levels of
employment or academic program or other University service, without discrimination
based on sex, race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, gender, gender
identification, transgender, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, genetic
information, veteran status, or any other status that may become protected under law
against discrimination.
b. The University, in conjunction with state and federal law and applicable SDBOR and
University policies, is committed to the objectives of equal opportunity, nondiscrimination, and affirmative action. Redress for alleged violations of those laws may
be pursued at law, or through the procedures established in University Policy 4:6 through
the University Title IX/EO Coordinator.
i. Title IX/EO Coordinator contact information shall be maintained and made
available in, and disseminated to the University community and general public
by, the University Title IX/EO Coordinator Office located in the University
Office of Human Resources, or successor unit.
c. The University President is responsible for assuring that the principles of SDBOR Policy
1:19 and this policy are communicated effectively to the University community and the
public at large. The Title IX/EO Coordinator is designated as responsible for providing
notice to employees, students, and other members of the University community regarding
equal opportunity at the University. The means may include seminars or other public
service or instructional programming and shall include notices to be posted or otherwise
incorporated into University promotional materials. Such notices will clearly identify
persons who are responsible for the implementation of equal opportunity policies and
should advise readers or listeners of how they might contact the responsible University
official to obtain further information or to express concerns.
Equal Opportunity, Non-Discrimination, and Affirmative Action Page 2 of 2
d. The Title IX/EO Coordinator, upon approval of the University President, may establish
an advisory committee to assist the Title IX/EO Coordinator with the University’s
strategies for addressing equal opportunity, non-discrimination, and affirmative action at
the University.
3. Responsible Administrator
The Title IX/EO Coordinator, successor, or designee is responsible for annual and ad hoc review
of this policy. The University President is responsible for approval of modifications to this policy.
SOURCE: Approved by President on 08/01/2014. Revised (clerical edits only) on 11/16/2018.

https://www.sdstate.edu/sites/default/files/policies/upload/Equal-Opportunity-and-Non-Discrimination.pdf

Human Rights Complaint Policy: https://www.sdstate.edu/sites/default/files/policies/upload/Human-Rights-Complaints.pdf

In FY20, SDSU was one of 20 universities joining a three-year institutional change effort to develop inclusive faculty recruitment, hiring and retention practices. The initiative is Aspire: The National Alliance for Inclusive & Diverse STEM Faculty and is co-led by the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU). This initiative aims to ensure that STEM faculty use inclusive teaching practices and that institutions increase the diversity of their STEM professoriate. The initiative is co-led by the Department Head of the National Resource Management department, and an associate professor in the College of Education and Human Sciences.

Trio Upward Bound prepares high school students for success in college. TRIO Upward Bound helps students by focusing early on developing skills and motivation. Counseling as well as social and recreational activities, expand and encourage confidence our program participants.

Admissions has an American Indian Recruitment Coordinator who specifically recruits Native students.

TRiO/Upward Bound offers programs that support first generation and income eligible students in college access, preparation and success. This program provides proactive support systems that increase the probability of student success and graduation from college. TRIO Student Support Services SSS is designed to provide a supportive community for students in transition to college. Our enthusiastic staff provide various support services to promote each participant`s personal, academic and professional achievement. These supports include advising, academic resources, peer mentoring , career planning and involvement opportunities.

The American Indian Student Center provides a Welcome Week early orientation program in the Fall for new and transfer students and also an early orientation day in January for the Spring semester. The AISC and Wintrode Student Success and Opportunity Center collaborate to provide training for two Native students to become peer mentors for other Native students. The AISC employs Native students to tutor other Native students in Lakota Language, math, and science courses.