Overall Rating Gold - expired
Overall Score 78.28
Liaison Hannah Rushing
Submission Date Jan. 26, 2017
Executive Letter Download

STARS v2.1

Sterling College (VT)
PA-6: Support for Underrepresented Groups

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 1.50 / 3.00 Favor Ellis
Dean of Community
Residence Life
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

Non-Discrimination Statement 

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:
STERLING COLLEGE COMMITMENT TO EQUITY We believe that all people deserve to be treated with respect and dignity, and that our community is strengthened through diversity . Sterling College is committed to creating and maintaining a community which: • Is free from racism, sexism, homophobia, and other prejudices • Is free from the weight of hate, discrimination and fear • Promotes and fosters physical and emotional safety • Fosters civil and respectful dialogue http://craftsbury.lmhcmwcxnybygiak.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Community-guidebook_Feb_12_2016.pdf?x94241

Bias Response Team 

Does the institution have a discrimination response protocol or committee (sometimes called a bias response team) to respond to and support those who have experienced or witnessed a bias incident, act of discrimination or hate crime?:
Yes

A brief description of the institution’s discrimination response protocol or team (including examples of actions taken during the previous three years):
An in-depth description of our discrimination policy is on the Sterling College Community Guidebook listed at the web address included here. The response team includes the Dean of Community and two Title IX coordinators. An example from the past three years includes a student using racial epithets in a dormitory common room. Another student overheard and reported to the Dean of Community. The Dean met with the student using the racial epithet, and in the spirit of restorative justice, wrote a full apology to the community, as well as attended ally workshops.

Recruitment Programs 

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

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

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

If yes to any of the above, provide:

A brief description of the institution’s programs to recruit students, staff and/or faculty from underrepresented groups:
Admission has recruiting plans for students of color, LGBTQ students, and veterans. Faculty and staff recruiting has been reviewed so we can get as many underrepresented groups applying for these positions as possible.

Mentoring, Counseling and Support Programs 

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

Does the institution have mentoring, counseling, peer support or other programs to support staff from underrepresented groups on campus?:
No

Does the institution have mentoring, counseling, peer support or other programs to support faculty from underrepresented groups on campus?:
No

A brief description of the institution’s programs to support students, staff and/or faculty from underrepresented groups:
Sterling College has support groups in various departments. A Veteran's Support Services Coordinator assists veterans, which make up a large percentage of the student population. Also, Community Advisors are trained peer support. A Queer Circle and a Women's Circle group also both exist as peer support networks. We also have Dr. Steven Oliver come in once a month to meet with students of color.

Support for Future Faculty 

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?:
No

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

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

The website URL where information about the programs or initiatives is available:
Additional documentation to support the submission:
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Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
We have also been ranked by the Campus Pride Index; our current ranking is here: http://www.campusprideindex.org/campuses/details/203?campus=sterling-college

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.