Syracuse University
PA-7: Support for Underrepresented Groups

Non-Discrimination and Equal Opportunity Policy

The University does not discriminate and prohibits harassment or discrimination related to any protected category including creed, ethnicity, citizenship, sexual orientation, national origin, sex, gender, pregnancy, reproductive health decisions, disability, marital status, political or social affiliation, age, race, color, veteran status, military status, religion, sexual orientation, domestic violence status, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression or perceived gender1.

Any complaint of discrimination or harassment related to any of these protected bases should be reported to Sheila Johnson-Willis, the University’s Interim Chief Equal Opportunity & Title IX Officer. She is responsible for coordinating compliance efforts under the various laws including Titles VI, VII, IX and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. She can be contacted at Equal Opportunity, Inclusion, and Resolution Services, 005 Steele Hall, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 13244-1120; or by email: titleix@syr.edu; or by telephone: 315-443-0211.
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1 Title IX prohibits harassment or discrimination based on sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender expression, or gender identity. Titles VI and VII prohibit harassment or discrimination based on race, national origin, or color. Sections 503 and 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act prohibit discrimination or harassment because of disability. In addition, New York law prohibits discrimination or harassment based on these and other protected categories.

https://policies.syr.edu/policies/university-governance-ethics-integrity-and-legal-compliance/non-discrimination-and-equal-opportunity-policy-statement/

STOP Bias is a University-wide effort managed by the Division of Student Affairs. It provides the campus community with resources to help those who have been impacted by bias-related incidents on and around campus. Here you will be able to report bias, find support, and get involved with other community members to create a safe and welcoming environment for everyone.

By recognizing, reporting and preventing bias-related or hate incidents, we can foster an even more inclusive campus community where all members feel welcomed and supported.

A new managers position was created and filled to advance the academic and student experience.

A STOP BIAS Reporting Tool was created to ensure students have a place to report any incident.

STOP Bias reporting is a victim-driven process and focuses primarily on educational and support resources. Once a report is made to the University, an automatic acknowledgement of the submission will go to the email provided, followed by contact from the University, if requested, within three business days. The person will be contacted by either the Office of Equal Opportunity, Inclusion, and Resolution Services, Office of Student Living, the Dean of Students Office, Fraternity and Sorority Affairs, the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities, or the Department of Public Safety depending on the nature of the reported incident. Additional University departments, such as the Office of Diversity and Inclusion and, Title IX, the Barnes Center at The Arch will be notified, as appropriate. Your University contact will work with you to gather more information about the incident and identify next steps, which can include a disciplinary process or appropriate intervention.

https://www.syracuse.edu/life/accessibility-diversity/stop-bias/?_ga=2.220019483.367473076.1634915016-2077562529.1630003100

https://www.syracuse.edu/assets/documents/Appendix-F-Independent-Advisory-Panel-Report.pdf?redirect

Student Recruitment Underrepresented Groups

Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP)
The Arthur O. Eve Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP) was established by the New York State Legislature in 1969 to provide access to independent colleges and universities for economically and educationally disadvantaged students from New York State. Economic eligibility is based on state-mandated low-income guidelines. HEOP is an avenue through which any student meeting both academic and economic guidelines can obtain a bachelor’s degree.

High School for Leadership and Public Service (HSLAPS)
Syracuse University’s Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, in collaboration with the New York City Board of Education, developed HSLAPS for high school students. The goal is to develop a generation of leaders from urban areas by providing a rigorous academic curriculum and opportunities for leadership and public service.

KIPP
Syracuse University partners with KIPP to offer a financial aid award package striving to meet the full need of students. The KIPP Foundation has public charter schools that operate in accordance with a license agreement with the Foundation. Students are from low-income families and are eligible for federal free or reduced-price meal program. KIPP’s goal is to support students as they navigate high school, prepare for college entry, and their college journey. KIPP teachers and leaders help students achieve their dreams by preparing them for a life of choices: which college to attend, which career path to pursue, and how to use their talents to contribute to their communities and improve the world.

Liberty Partnerships Program
The Liberty Partnerships Program (LPP) is a state-funded program designed to offer strong school and community partnerships that deliver research-based programming to students enrolled in public and non-public schools that are identified as having a high risk of students dropping out of school. The program’s mission ensures that these students “will graduate from high school and be prepared to enter post-secondary education or the workforce.”
In conjunction with the Liberty Partnerships Program, the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarship Programs will award a Liberty Partnerships Scholarship (combined with Syracuse University Merit Scholarship and need-based grant, if applicable) equal to at least one half of tuition to qualified undergraduate students who have participated in the Liberty Partnerships Program.
The scholarship is renewable for four years according to standard scholarship renewal policies at Syracuse University.

On Point for College
Syracuse University has entered into a collaborative agreement with the On Point for College program to enhance community outreach and college opportunity programs for students in the City of Syracuse, Utica, New York City Partnerships-Goddard Riverside Settlement, and New Settlement.
Syracuse University provides a financial aid package that meets full need to admitted, active On Point for College Students with a minimum of full tuition being covered by a combination of Federal Pell Grant, NYS Tuition Assistance Program grant, and Syracuse University scholarship and grants. The scholarship is renewable for four years according to standard scholarship renewal policies at Syracuse University.

Posse Leadership Scholarship
Syracuse University partners with the POSSE Foundation to admit high school students with extraordinary academic and leadership potential from Miami. Selected students receive a full-tuition Syracuse University Posse Leadership Scholarship. Students are identified through the POSSE Foundation and the Syracuse University Admissions Office.

RaiseMe
We're partnering with RaiseMe to offer micro-scholarships to U.S. citizens that recognize your achievements as you progress through high school, allowing you to start earning money for college before you even apply to college. You can earn up to $10,000 per year, and the amount you earn in RaiseMe from Syracuse University will be your guaranteed minimum amount of institutional aid - you may receive even more in your scholarship or financial aid package once we review your completed applications for admission and financial aid.

Student Support Services Program (SSSP)
Through a grant competition, funds are awarded by the U.S. Department of Education (a Federal Trio Program) to institutions of higher education to provide opportunities for academic development, assist students with basic college requirements, and to motivate students toward the successful completion of their postsecondary education.
Students must meet Syracuse University standard admission requirements, and either be first generation college students, or meet federal income guidelines. Those admitted into the program will attend the Syracuse University SummerStart , as this is a mandatory requirement of SSSP. Expenses for the SummerStart program fee is paid by the University and Support Services funds.

Syracuse Challenge
The Syracuse Challenge is a program developed by the Syracuse City School District and Syracuse University. A student enters into an agreement with the school district in the eighth grade and agrees to earn a New York State Regents Diploma with advanced designation, maintain an 85 percent average for each year in high school, and achieve an SAT combined score of at least 1100 (critical reasoning and math) or ACT composite score of at least 23. Students who successfully meet the criteria are guaranteed admission into The College of Arts and Sciences (but may be admitted into other colleges if qualified) and are guaranteed an individualized financial package based on family financial circumstances, to ensure that enrollment at Syracuse University is affordable.

Syracuse University Co-Generation Scholarship
This scholarship was designed to provide selected students in the neighboring University community bounded by South Salina Street, East Castle Street, Renwick Avenue and East Adams Street the financial resources that would enable them to receive a quality education. Students receive full tuition, fees, room and board and a book allowance. Eligible students are identified by the Syracuse Housing Authority and the Syracuse University Admissions Office.

Today’s Students, Tomorrow’s Teachers (TSTT)
Today’s Students, Tomorrow’s Teachers (TSTT) is a career development program for the recruitment and mentoring of high school students, especially students of color, into the teaching profession.
In conjunction with Today’s Students, Tomorrow’s Teachers, the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarship Programs will award a TSTT Scholarship (combined with Syracuse University Merit Scholarships if applicable) equal to at least one half of the cost of tuition.
Scholarship candidates are reviewed by the Director of Metropolitan Admissions for Syracuse University.

Faculty Recruitment for underrepresented groups:

Diversity Opportunity Hires
To bolster faculty diversity, Syracuse University is increasing funding aimed at competitive recruitment of faculty from underrepresented minority groups for open positions. The Diversity Opportunity Hires initiative builds on the University’s existing efforts within the signature and cluster hires programs to encourage additional hiring of teaching and research faculty from underrepresented groups.

The Diversity Opportunity Hires initiative will provide a rotating fund to support cost-sharing through the Office of Academic Affairs for recruiting underrepresented faculty into open positions across all schools and colleges, including those that are not designated as part of a cluster hire. The program will support 10-15 new positions, with funding split equally between the Office of Academic Affairs and the school or college, and will fully renew approximately every three years.

Financial Incentives to Schools and Colleges for Diversity Hiring
Recent University initiatives have provided financial incentives to schools and colleges for diversity hiring, including an increased cost share from Invest Syracuse for any cluster hire position filled with a candidate from an underrepresented group. An initial review of hires for the 2019-2020 academic year demonstrates tangible progress in hiring these faculty members. The Office of Faculty Affairs has also created a faculty recruitment, retention and professional development plan, created with input from across the University, that emphasizes diversity, inclusion and support of faculty professional development.

Cluster Hiring
Additional central funding is being earmarked to support interdisciplinary cluster hiring when a faculty member from an underrepresented group is hired. For these diversity hires, central funding regularly committed 50 percent of the salary and benefits; schools and colleges covered the rest. With this new initiative, central funds will now cover 70 percent of the total cost for new cluster hires of faculty from underrepresented groups.

Non-Academic Staff Recruitment

Commitment to Supporting and Hiring Veterans

Syracuse University has a long history of engaging veterans and the military-connected community through its educational programs, community outreach, and employment programs. After World War II, Syracuse University welcomed more than 10,000 returning veterans to our campus, and those veterans literally transformed Syracuse University into the national research institution it is today. The University’s contemporary commitment to veterans builds on this historical legacy, and extends to both class-leading initiatives focused on making an SU degree accessible and affordable to the post-9/11 generation of veterans, and also programs designed to position Syracuse University as the employer of choice for military veterans, members of the Guard and Reserve, and military family members.

Human Resources offers an interviewing session to supervisors that included discussion around diversity in hiring and how to look past your

Other programs offered: Enacting Equity-Mindedness - Participants will learn the difference between equality and equity, how to build capacity, and explore a personal commitment to infuse equity-mindedness into individual and organization practice.
Critical and Brave Conversations:
The Office of Diversity and Inclusion will help participants address the realities of having DEIA conversations and examine methods to have these conversations with each other and your sphere of influence.

Moving from Cultural Competency to Cultural Proficiency
The Office of Diversity and Inclusion will help participants learn the five essential elements of cultural proficiency, examine the cultural proficiency continuum, and explore methods to move from cultural competency to cultural proficiency.

Power & Privilege
This workshop will explore the dynamics of power & privilege in its various forms (who has it, how it works for them, and how the misuse of power and privilege become oppression). Methods will be shared on how to use power and privilege for individuals, in support for others, and to cultivate advocacy towards a path of becoming an accomplice. (Prerequisite: Participants must attend the following workshops – ODI Workshops: Enacting Equity-Mindedness, Micro(aggressions) Feel A Little Macro, and Critical and Brave Conversations).

STUDENT
119 Euclid Ave: Black students, faculty, staff and alumni, under the leadership of the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, which oversee the space, were engaged in rethinking the space at 119 Euclid. From quiet study to social gathering spaces, from artwork to furniture, Black students shaped the look and feel of the new 119 Euclid.

Dimensions: To address and generate awareness of issues that impact women from diverse backgrounds through a facilitated mentoring program in which women of color support each other, engage in dialogue about pertinent issues, and acquire leadership and professional development skills.

Dimensions seeks to create a place where women of color feel comfortable and included not only at the university, but also within the larger Syracuse community. Members will have opportunities to enlarge their awareness on global issues that impact women from diverse cultural backgrounds and to engage in projects that influence the well-being of these communities of women.

C.A.R.E.: Conversations About Race & Ethnicity (C.A.R.E.) is a six-week dialogue space for community members of Syracuse University to engage in meaningful, challenging, and vital conversations about race and ethnicity. C.A.R.E. challenges participants to explore their own racial and ethnic identity, understand the experiences of others, critically identify social systems of oppression, and work towards living a more socially just life.

fullCIRCLE: is a sustainable, multilayered program designed to assist its participants in effectively adjusting to the different challenges of college life, including those that are academic, social, professional and personal in nature, with the goal of retention. The program serves first-year and upper-class students with an emphasis in Black/African American, Asian American/Pacific Islander, Hispanic/Latinx American, and Indigenous/Native American students. fullCIRCLE promotes academic success, identity development, community leadership, and social responsibility.

Native Student Program: Syracuse University’s Native Student Program supports the transition to college for students who are members of state and federally recognized Native American tribes. Located at 113 Euclid Avenue, it serves as a “home-away-from-home” for Native students and a gathering place for those who are interested in exploring Native American culture and history.

The WellsLink Leadership Program: is an academic excellence and leadership program for first-year students who not already sponsored by athletics or state- or federally-funded programs. Through mentoring and a series of structured academic, social, and cultural enrichment activities, WellsLink Scholars are poised for success and leadership at Syracuse University. The goal of the program is to give students an edge in college, offering them the tools necessary to achieve their academic goals, develop professionalism, and expand their awareness of valuable resources and opportunities.

Verbal Blend: Syracuse University’s premier spoken-word program Verbal Blend is designed to enhance students’ confidence in writing and performing original poems. The program is comprised of a seven-week writer’s workshop series, performances, and peer reviews.

Living and Learning Communities: The Multicultural Living Learning Community (MLLC) is the only community of its kind on campus in which a racially and ethnically diverse community is intentionally created so that residents may live and learn in a multicultural environment. The MLLC promotes positive citizenship and social justice through its emphasis on critical multicultural education, self awareness, cross-cultural communication training, and commitment to community activism. The MLLC is a collaborative initiative between the Office of Multicultural Affairs and the Office of Residence Life. There are 20 Living Learning Communities including are Environment Justice Living Learning Community, Indigenous Living Learning Community, LGBTQ+ Living Learning Community, MLLC Community,

Men of Color Initiative (MCI):MCI is a program designed to support, empower, and explore issues unique to, the Black male student experience. MCI, through mentorship by faculty and staff, promotes leadership development, academic support, and service learning opportunities. MCI strives to empower and develop the next generation of leaders on campus and beyond Syracuse University.

The LGBTQ+ Resource Center Connections The Syracuse University LGBTQ+ Resource Center embodies our values of accountability, awareness, community, and social justice. We work to ensure our community understands the full meaning—and effect—of privilege and oppression, and we strive to create a campus that promotes understanding, acceptance, empowerment, and visibility of people with marginalized genders and sexualities.

The Access Mentoring Program: Build community with undergraduate students and staff mentors with disabilities through the Access Mentoring Program! Within an understanding environment and system of support, the program seeks to support undergraduate students with disabilities as they acclimate to campus, explore resources and achieve academic success.

TRIO STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES AT SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY - works to enroll and retain to graduation eligible students. We collaborate with students to make the undergraduate experience a rich and productive one in order to prepare them for success in a changing, diverse, and increasingly global environment. Our program works with the various schools, colleges, and other offices across Syracuse University to cultivate a community of support for SSS participants and to ensure our students are connected with necessary resources. We have over thirty years of experience in developing close relationships with students to identify and achieve their academic, personal, and professional goals. Our staff work diligently with students and their families to ensure they are progressing towards these goals semester after semester. If you bring the dreams, we will work with you on a plan for success.

FACULTY

Faculty Mentoring Program: The School of Education’s semi-formal mentoring program for first- and second-year faculty is intended to Build community across the School of Education. Help new members get off to a strong start to a new context. Develop a professional support network for all faculty. Both tenure-track and non-tenure-track faculty are eligible to participate. Mentees are matched with tenured faculty by the Associate Dean for Research with input from the dean, the department chair, and the search chair. The Dean’s Office covers the cost of breakfast, lunch, or coffee for each mentoring pair at least once a semester, and mentoring pairs are encouraged to attend other relevant SOE events together.

Faculty, graduate and postdoctoral scholars: National Center for Faculty Development and Diversity a membership-only organization that gives faculty, graduate and postdoctoral scholars access to tools and services designed to enhance productivity and career success. The center focuses on skills development and support in areas relating to strategic career planning, research productivity, network building and work-life balance.

Mentoring Plans for Tenure-Track Faculty: A mentoring plan is a brief document that includes information necessary to guide an individual’s career and professional development. At a basic level, plans should specify what is to be achieved and when, as well as what resources exist to support progress, how colleagues or others can be helpful in achieving goals, and when revisions are expected. Plans also can be used to memorialize shared understanding between parties about the nature of the mentoring relationship, recognizing that regular and timely availability to the junior faculty member is a key criterion for success. https://provost.syr.edu/faculty-affairs/professional-resources/mentoring-resources/mentoring-plans-for-tenure-track-faculty/

Faculty Mentoring in a Networked World: https://suadvance.syr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Faculty-Mentoring-in-a-Networked-World.pdf

fullCircle mentoring open to faculty and staff mentors

Faculty, Staff and Students
Established an Ombuds Office and official Ombudsperson whose mandate is to serve as an informal, confidential resource for all faculty, staff, and students.

Faculty, Staff and Students
Adopted a university-wide policy on Information and Communication Technology (ICT) accessibility. Within Information Technology Services, hire permanent, full-time staff who focus solely on ICT accessibility and assistive technology.

Faculty and Staff
Care@Work by Care.com
Syracuse University’s partnership with Care@Work by Care.com is ongoing for family care benefits. We know that life is unpredictable, so to help alleviate some of these unexpected challenges, we are providing you with Care.com membership services.

Finding the right ongoing care for your family can be hard, especially when you’re balancing the demands of work. Whether it’s keeping the kids on track with distance learning, ensuring someone is watching the kids while you work from home, after-school care, or the responsibility for aging parents, sometimes you need additional support.

Diversity: Inclusion in the Modern Workplace (EDU) workshop
A diverse campus must also be inclusive. By focusing on key concepts that shape our world and inform our shared values and experiences, this course explores the nature of diversity and provides practical strategies for workplace inclusion.

Faculty, Staff and Students
Equal Opportunity, Inclusion, and Resolution Services: The mission of the Equal Opportunity, Inclusion, and Resolution Services (EOIRS) office is to work with faculty, staff, and students to foster a climate of inclusion, opportunity, and diversity. EOIRS works across all divisions of the University to build community and cultivate a culture of respect, safety, and equity that ensures legal compliance but also goes beyond it, in accordance with the University’s values. Its staff is dedicated to assisting those with concerns or complaints, and to educating members of the University community about their rights and responsibilities with regard to how they are treated and treat others.

Counseling for faculty, staff and students https://ese.syr.edu/bewell/counseling/

McNair Scholars Program
Individual Colleges within Syracuse University have the option to fund McNair Fellowships, with preference given to students admitted for doctoral programs. The fellowships consist of a stipend and a full-tuition scholarship (up to 30 credits for the academic year). To be eligible for consideration, you must be either from an underrepresented group (African American, Hispanic, or Native American) or have been a McNair Scholar at your undergraduate institution. Please indicate your interest in being considered for these fellowships by checking the appropriate box on the graduate application when applying to Syracuse University.

Future Professoriate Fellowship Program

The Office of Academic Affairs has announced a new program designed to increase the number of underrepresented minorities entering the professoriate. The Syracuse University Future Professors Fellowship Program seeks to award five fellowships annually to talented postdoctoral scholars in any academic field.

https://news.syr.edu/blog/2021/02/08/new-future-professors-fellowship-program-seeking-applicants/