Temple University
PA-7: Support for Underrepresented Groups

Temple University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all in every aspect of its operations, including employment, service, and educational programs. The University has pledged not to discriminate on the basis of age, color, disability, marital status, national origin or ethnic origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or veteran status.

https://diversity.temple.edu/sites/diversity/files/TEMPLEUNIVERSITYNONDISCRIMINATION_rev021417.pdf

Implementing Temple's nondiscrimination policy and the University's Affirmative Action Program is a cooperative endeavor that extends to every school, college, office, and organization at Temple. The Office of Equal Opportunity Compliance serves as a focal point of Temple's institution-wide efforts for equal opportunity, equal access and affirmative action, providing direction through information, assistance, and complaint investigation.

The Office of Equal Opportunity Compliance is responsible for investigating the complaints of Temple employees and students who believe they have been subjected to unlawful discrimination on the basis of age, color, disability, marital status, national origin or ethnic origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, veteran status and genetic information. The staff will attempt to resolve the complaint informally or formally. If a complaint of discrimination, harassment, and/or retaliation cannot be resolved informally, a formal investigation will be conducted.

https://diversity.temple.edu/eo/report-incident

STUDENTS:

Temple’s Cecil B. Moore Scholars Program creates an academic pathway for Philadelphia public (district or charter) students living in our neighboring North Philadelphia ZIP codes—19121, 19122, 19123, 19125, 19130, 19132, 19133 and 19140. Part of our dedication to this initiative is providing equitable opportunities for underserved and underrepresented students to fully participate in college-level courses and academic enrichment programs.

https://admissions.temple.edu/academics/programs-high-school-students/cecil-b-moore-scholars-program

FACULTY:

The Lewis Katz School of Medicine's Office of Physician/Faculty Recruitment and Retention has a strategic DEI plan to recruit, select and retain faculty that reflect many aspects of diversity including experience, talent, thought, socioeconomic background, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, and gender expression and identity.

https://medicine.temple.edu/about/administrative-offices/office-physicianfaculty-recruitment-and-retention

STAFF:

IDEAL's Community Outreach & Hiring Initiative was designed to ensure a mutually beneficial future for both Temple and its neighbors by increasing employment opportunities at Temple and its business partners.

https://community.temple.edu/programs-and-initiatives/workforce-initiatives

Temple University provides a variety of support mechanisms for students in underrepresented groups on campus. The university's Tuttleman Counseling Center hosts support groups, including a Gay, Bisexual and Questioning Men's Group, a Black Men Talk: A Support Group.

The university's Disability Resources and Services provides programs and support to individuals with differing abilities.

The Institutional Diversity office (IDEAL) coordinates the Diversity Peer educator program, voluntary student leaders who design and facilitate cultural advocacy programming and dialogues aligned with social justice principles.

IDEAL coordinates several staff affinity groups for peer support and mentoring for underrepresented academic and non-academic staff:

The Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) group is about building the Asian and Pacific Islander community, learning about each other through one-on-one relationships, and finding ways to support one another.

The Pride Professional Network is designed to bring together individuals that have a focus towards increasing the awareness, visibility and advocacy for the LGBTQIA+ community. They host networking events and critical dialogue and conversations.

Temple Women of Color seeks to engage, enrich, and broaden an understanding and awareness of diversity through shared experiences as women, regardless of culture, religious belief or vocation. TU-WoC offers opportunities for scholarly, synergistic and organic “Sister Circles” through activities including brown bags (Women with Purpose), cross-cultural events, book club (Women of Dimensions) and other special projects.

The Future Faculty Fellows (FFF) Program is designed to both attract outstanding students to Temple University and to diversify the American professoriate. While already a national leader in the training of graduate students from traditionally underrepresented groups, including ethnic minorities and women, Temple University is committed to doing all it can to diversify its graduate population and the professoriate. Candidates are newly admitted graduate students from underrepresented groups in the applicant's discipline who show exceptional leadership and/or have overcome significant obstacles in pursuing an academic career.

Updated for FY2023