Texas Tech University
PA-6: Support for Underrepresented Groups

The university is committed to providing and strengthening an educational, working, and living environment where students, faculty, staff, and visitors are free from any form of unlawful discrimination. The university is dedicated to fostering and supporting a culture of mutual respect and communication. This policy applies to all university students and employees, visitors, applicants for admission to or employment with the university, as well as university affiliates and others conducting business on campus. The university does not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on or related to sex, race, national origin, religion, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected categories, classes, or characteristics. While sexual orientation and gender identity are not explicitly protected categories under state or federal law, it is the university’s policy not to discriminate in employment, admission, or use of programs, activities, facilities, or services on these bases. Discriminatory behavior is prohibited by this policy, as well as by federal laws such as Title VII, which prohibits discrimination in employment, Title IX, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in education programs or activities, the Equal Pay Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Civil Rights Act of 1991, the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974, Title II of the Genetic Information Non-Discrimination Act, and state laws such as Chapter 21 of the Texas Labor Code. Discriminatory behavior is prohibited regardless of the manner in which it is exhibited, whether verbally, in writing, by actions, or electronically displayed or conveyed. The university expects all members of the University Community to comply with the law. May 26, 2016 OP 40.02 Page 2 Members of the University Community who violate university policies and laws may be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment, expulsion from the university, or being barred from university premises and events. While sexual harassment, Sexual Misconduct, and sexual assault may constitute prohibited acts of discrimination, such complaints will be addressed through OP 40.03, Sexual Harassment, Sexual Assault, Sexual Misconduct, and Title IX Policy and Complaint Procedure. https://www.depts.ttu.edu/opmanual/op40.02.pdf

The Student Handbook (http://www.depts.ttu.edu/dos/docs/Student_Handbook_2017-2018.pdf) provides several reporting options and policy references, see sections below. Part I, Section A Student Conduct Mission and Policies 6. Reporting Allegations of Misconduct Part I, Section C Conduct Procedures for Students Part II, Section C Anti-Discrimination Policy Part II, Section E Complaint Process If there is insufficient evidence to support the claim, it will be dismissed. Appeal is possible by submitting a formal request in writing to the Associate Vice-Provost for Student Affairs. This information will be provided to the student at the time of notification that the complaint has been dismissed. TTU does have a specific policy, including a grievance policy (OP 40.04 – Access for Individuals with Disabilities), where student, faculty, or staff member can file a complaint with the university based on an act of discrimination towards them based on their specific disability. https://www.depts.ttu.edu/sds/currentstudents/DiscriminationComplaint.php http://www.depts.ttu.edu/opmanual/OP40.04.pdf http://www.depts.ttu.edu/opmanual/OP40.03.pdf **Support Services** If you, or someone you care about, have been the victim of misconduct such as sexual assault, interpersonal violence, stalking, or harassment, we want you to know that you are not alone. Texas Tech provides resources to students, faculty, and staff, regardless of a decision to pursue a formal investigation. The university is committed to walking you through the process and assisting with your needs. A summary of services is provided below, but we encourage you to call RISE at (806) 742-2110 if you have any further questions or would like to speak to someone in person. Reporting Options Title IX A comprehensive explanation of the university's policies, procedures, and resources related to Title IX can be found on the Title IX homepage, here. You can also file a report online through this page, or set up an appointment to make a report in person. Crisis Helpline Need immediate assistance, especially after hours? Call the Texas Tech Crisis HelpLine at (806) 742-5555 to speak to a licensed mental health professional, 24/7/365. Support Services Process Advisors Staff in the RISE Office are available to assist as Process Advisors for students who have experienced an incident. These Advisors are available to assist students by explaining the process of reporting, making appropriate referrals, and helping a student better understand the processes and the options for them. RISE staff members and the Office of the Dean of Students can help you with remedies and resources, regardless of whether you choose to pursue investigation. You can also share this information with a friend that may be unsure of what to do next. For more information about the remedies and resources the University may be able to provide for students experiencing a crisis or trauma, contact the Dean of Students Office. Student Counseling Center The Texas Tech Student Counseling Center is available for all currently enrolled students. Appointments are available M-F, 8am to 5 pm, and walk-in hours are available daily 12:30-3:30 pm. Website: https://www.depts.ttu.edu/rise/vpr/supportservices.php

In partnership with the Division of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, Student Affairs has recently formed a Campus Climate Response Team (CCRT) to receive and review any incoming Campus Climate incident reports detailing allegations or bias, discrimination directed toward a specific student, group of students, or student organization based on a protected classification (age, race, gender, sex, etc.). Students may access a link to report incidents electronically via the Dean of Students, Risk Intervention Safety Education (RISE), or Diversity, Equity, or Inclusion web pages. **Mentor Tech** Purpose To enhance the quality of the educational experience of students from underrepresented populations through programs, services, advocacy, and campus and community involvement. Mission Through faculty and staff mentoring and peer group networking, to improve the retention and eventual graduation rates of all students in the Texas Tech University System, with a special focus on those from underrepresented groups, by fostering a campus climate that is conducive to their academic, social, and cultural needs and interests. Program History The program was piloted in November of 2002 with forty-six students and more than 100 mentors. Since that time, Mentor Tech has continued to flourish. A unit within the Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Mentor Tech has grown to more than 600 total participants. Annually, a minimum of 125 new students are accepted into the program. Goals Provide students with information, encouragement and direction while assisting them in reaching their academic, personal, and professional goals. Encourage positive and realistic self-appraisals, intellectual development and clarification of values, appropriate personal choices, wellness, and collaboration. Promote and encourage academic and personal growth and community involvement. Enhance the quality of student adjustment and campus life by identifying environmental conditions that may negatively affect their experience in the Texas Tech University System. Provide leadership in the promotion of multiculturalism, diversity and inclusion. Provide support for initiatives designed to recruit and retain students from underrepresented groups. Promote advocacy for students and their rights. Assure equal access and opportunity for all students. Fact Sheet: http://www.depts.ttu.edu/mentortech/documents/MentorTech_Factsheet_18-19.pdf Website: http://www.depts.ttu.edu/mentortech/About_Us.php Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Purpose: The State Employee Health Fitness and Education Act (1983) of the state of Texas allows state agencies to establish wellness programs in their agency such as an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). The purpose of this Operating Policy/Procedure (OP) is to establish procedures governing use of and referral to the EAP of Texas Tech University Accessing the Employee Assistance Program a. Self-Referral An employee who is experiencing personal problems or whose job performance is affected by personal problems is encouraged to seek help voluntarily from the EAP. EAP records are separate and not a part of an employee's personnel file. An employee's use of EAP services or any other information concerning the nature of the problem is not released to the employer or a supervisor. Confidentiality is regulated by federal guidelines. An employee may seek assistance or learn more about the program by contacting the EAP directly at 743.1327 or 800.327.0328. The EAP is located in the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Department of Psychiatry, 1A122 HSC building. If an employee contacts a supervisor for assistance with a problem with which the EAP can be helpful, the supervisor should assist the employee in contacting the EAP. https://www.ttuhsc.edu/centers-institutes/ Formal Supervisory Referral In situations where an employee's attendance, punctuality, judgment, behavior, or job performance have deteriorated to the point that disciplinary action is being contemplated, a supervisor may formally refer (i.e., mandate) the employee to the EAP as part of the disciplinary process (see attachment). When a formal supervisory referral is made, the employee will be expected to sign a release of information form that permits the EAP counselor to provide four pieces of information to the supervisor. This information includes: (1) If the initial appointment was kept; (2) If the employee is cooperative with the counselor; (3) If the employee is cooperative with the treatment plan; and (4) If additional sessions requiring time away from work will be necessary. All other information will be kept confidential. Source: https://www.depts.ttu.edu/opmanual/OP70.33.pdf The Counseling Center Benefits of EAP Programs for Employers Employee Assistance Programs offer a structured approach for dealing with employees whose performance on the job is costing money, draining administrative energy, and reducing productivity. It is estimated that lost time, decreased employee efficiency, increased medical expenses, and accidents cost American businesses in excess of $18 billion dollars annually. EAP's are aimed at the full range of behavioral problems that decrease employee productivity and increase company or agency costs. The EAP is a helping program that enhances and encourages a healthy work environment by providing employers/employees opportunities to manage life's problems before they impair work performance and productivity. The U.S. Department of Labor asserts that for every dollar an employer invests in employee assistance programming, the employer will save $5 to $16 dollars. EAP therapists are trained to assess and treat all types of problems that arise in daily living. These problems may include: Depression, Anxiety, and/or other Emotional Problems, Family and Relationship Issues, Alcohol and Drug Abuse, and Stress associated with Legal and Financial Concerns, etcetera. The Texas Tech Employee Assistance Program provides EAP services to over 65,000 employee/family members. EAP Services Offered: Individual, Couple, and Family Assessment Treatment/Counseling Follow-up and Referral 24-Hour Crisis Line Wellness Workshops Employee Orientation Supervisor Training Critical Incident Stress Management Resource for Drug Free Workplace Employee and Departmental Mediation Source: https://www.ttuhsc.edu/centers-institutes/counseling/employer-information.aspx Employee Enrichment Employee Tuition Assistance Program Texas Tech employees are offered a tuition waiver for eligible full-time employees. It exempts employees from tuition and fees for one course per term up to a maximum of four SCH during any fall, spring, or summer term and up to a maximum of ten SCH for any academic year. Source: https://www.depts.ttu.edu/opmanual/OP70.29.pdf Educational Incentive Pay The Educational Incentive Pay program rewards staff employees who take the initiative to increase their job worth by gaining job-related knowledge, behaviors, and personal and professional skills to enhance their value to their department and the university. Source: https://www.depts.ttu.edu/opmanual/OP70.18.pdf Employee Training and Development It is the policy of Texas Tech to encourage the development of employees so that employees may gain job-related knowledge, behaviors, and professional skills to improve job performance and contribute to the long-term improvement of the institution. Therefore, employees may be permitted to enroll in courses and training opportunities. Source: https://www.depts.ttu.edu/opmanual/OP70.41.pdf Employee Dependent Scholarship Texas Tech employees dependents have the option to apply for an Employee Dependent Scholarship provided under IRS Code 117(d)(1) funded by the earnings from the original fund invested in accordance with the investment policies of the TTU/TTUHSC Board of Regents. Source: https://www.depts.ttu.edu/studentbusinessservices/resources/emp_dep_sch.php Awards and Recognition Texas Tech takes pride in its employees and loves to recognize those individuals who have shown their dedication and loyalty to the University. There are several different types of awards that Human Resources gives out each year, including the Distinguished Staff Awards, the Service Excellence Leave Award, and the Length of Service Award. Source: https://www.depts.ttu.edu/hr/AwardsRecognition/ Top Techsan Award The Texas Tech Alumni Association created the Top Techsan Staff Award to acknowledge employees who have shown extraordinary work proficiency and an attitude of team spirit within the Texas Tech family. Source: https://www.texastechalumni.org/s/1422/alumni/start.aspx Mother-Friendly Workplace Texas Tech is recognized as a Mother-Friendly Workplace. We provide a friendly, accommodating environment for new mothers by offering nursing support services Source: https://www.depts.ttu.edu/hr/EmpBenefits/MotherFriendly/ English as a Second Language **Spanish Translation in column below Region 17 Sponsored Open to ALL Texas Tech Staff Open to Staff Campus Wide 2 courses each Semester 40 applicants accepted each semester; space is limited 5-7pm (2X a week) Classes start January 8th and 9th Applications accepted for upcoming semester until Friday, December 22nd Entire Course is FREE! Please click link to access application below. Complete application online, save to your computer and email to pplant.resourceoffice@ttu.edu English is a Second Language Application Must complete application with Adobe Acrobat Reader. Free Download Here: https://get.adobe.com/reader If you have trouble accessing this application or have limited access to a computer, please contact your supervisor or Michelle Vorheis at (806) 834-8591 Source: https://www.depts.ttu.edu/services/adminresources/EmployeeDevelopment/ESL_Program/index.php Faculty & Staff The Division of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion promotes multi-cultural awareness through educational collaborations with faculty and staff to train students for ethical leadership for a diverse and globally competitive workforce. Faculty Search Resources If you have diverse candidates visiting TTU and they wish to meet with our affinity groups of faculty and/or students (i.e., Women's & Gender Studies, Black faculty/students, Hispanic faculty/students, Asian faculty/students, LGBTQIA faculty/students, Native American faculty/students) please reach out to the Division of Diversity at diversity@ttu.edu National Center for Faculty Development & Diversity We are excited to partner with the National Center for Faculty Development & Diversity as an Institutional Member to provide professional development resources and support to our faculty. Source: http://www.depts.ttu.edu/diversity/faculty_staff.php