University at Albany
PA-6: Support for Underrepresented Groups

The University at Albany would like to reaffirm its commitment to the principles of equal opportunity and non-discrimination. The University is committed to maintaining a campus environment free from all forms of discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, veteran status or any other basis made unlawful by Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and all other applicable federal, state and local nondiscrimination laws, ordinances, or regulations. Fostering a community of respect at UAlbany requires a commitment from everyone. All forms of discrimination are an insult to human dignity, impede the academic process and have an adverse effect on the lives of those who study, work and live here. UAlbany encourages all members of the University community to educate themselves about such behavior and to be vigilant in protecting the right to an environment free of unlawful discrimination, harassment, and abuse. To that end, University leadership is committed to providing faculty and staff the opportunity and material necessary for them to continuously engage in professional development and programming towards fostering a more inclusive campus environment. In the spirit of promoting the University’s pledge of vigilance against harassment and abuse, we encourage all University members to take full advantage of these opportunities. For more information, please contact the Office of Diversity and Inclusion. UAlbany strictly prohibits all acts of unlawful discrimination. Upon learning of an incident of unlawful discrimination, the University will initiate a response that is intended to stop such conduct from occurring, to prevent its recurrence, and to remedy the effects of the conduct on the campus community. All members of the University community who believe they have witnessed or experienced harassment or discrimination prohibited by this statement are encouraged to direct their questions or concerns to the Office of Equity and Compliance, located in Building 25, Suite 117, at (518) 442-3800 or via email at OEC@albany.edu. We all should do our part to foster a respectful, harassment and discrimination-free work,living and learning environment. https://www.albany.edu/diversityandinclusionresource/assets/2018-2019_NDN_NOTICE.pdf

The State University of New York university system has implemented a Discrimination Compliant Procedure policy effective April 29, 2015. UAlbany has adopted this policy for the campus. This outlines the process through which complaints about discrimination are handled. The Office of Equity and Compliance oversees complaints related to discrimination. UAlbany has a Title IX coordinator who reviews complaints related to sexual discrimination. It is the responsibility of the VP for Equity and Compliance and Title IX Coordinator to facilitate accommodations to address safety concerns and to support the victims of such a complaint such that academic and professional pursuits my continue unimpeded. These Officers may also provide information on where those effected by discrimination may seek counseling or other assistance provided by the university, state, or other institutions.

The Office of Diversity and Inclusion assists all university departments and offices with the search process. Managing the search process to support efforts to recruit diverse faculty, the ODI approves search recruitment plans, interview questions, and recruiting efforts. All new hire searches are required to utilize at least two diverse recruiting sources. Additionally, our university maintains a partnership with Insight Into Diversity for unlimited job postings through 2019. Our search committees are required to have an “ODI rep” who, in addition to serving on the search committee, will ensure that the Search Committee has a clear understanding of its responsibilities in promoting equal employment opportunity and affirmative action. The ODI Representative will consult with the ODI staff as necessary to support the search process. The Office of Diversity and Inclusion assists with the management of the search process and provides guidance on diversifying the candidate pool. Each search committee is required to select two specialized recruitment publications/websites. Because the needs of committees vary, the recruitment resources vary greatly by committee. Some examples include: Insight into Diversity, IMDiversity, American Association of Blacks in Higher Education, National Society of Black Engineers, and Ability Links in addition to many discipline specific organizations. UAlbany's Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) is the main organization specifically designed to recruit students from underrepresented groups both for undergraduate and graduate degrees. The goal of the program is to make higher education possible for students who lack the normal credentials for college admissions, but who have the potential and motivation for academic success. The program provides supportive services designed to help students who need assistance in academic, financial, social and personal matters. More information on the EOP program can be found at https://www.albany.edu/eop/index.php .

In addition to the training programs and resources available through the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, the University has two campus wide programs: EOP and Multicultural Student Success. The EOP seeks to provide opportunities for economically and educationally disadvantaged students of all races including supportive services designed to help students who need assistance in academic, financial, social and personal matters. EOP runs a variety of programs including an independent orientation for students of underrepresented groups, EOP Tutorial Services, EOP Computer Lab, Skills seminars, and mentorship programs. The Multicultural Resource Center is committed to improve the campus climate for African, Latino, Asian and Native American (ALANA) students, as well as assist in the training and education of all members of the UAlbany community around topics of diversity, inclusion, multiculturalism and cultural competency. The center is a valuable resource for faculty, staff and students looking for information regarding diversity and inclusion or just a great place to network with faculty, staff and scholars. The Organization of Women Faculty (OWF), established in 2006, has a two-fold mission. OWF serves as a campus-based group through which faculty can identify and discuss issues that are especially relevant to women faculty at all stages of their career, such as equity, career advancement, child care, research support, life balance, mentoring or being mentored, and teaching. OWF serves as an important voice to the administration, and members work with the University's leadership to address areas that will improve and enhance the academic workplace at UAlbany. There is also an important professional and social connections component to the organization. OWF regularly brings together faculty from across the University for a variety of events, ranging from reading groups to outside speakers to networking luncheons. Through these activities women faculty at UAlbany have an opportunity to meet and get to know colleagues from across the campus and to learn broadly about the University and the work of others. A faculty steering committee guides the work of the organization.

We have a program for professional licensure or professions in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) but not future faculty

Map of allies https://www.albany.edu/lgbt/42622.php The C-STEP program (Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program) increases the number of historically underrepresented and economically disadvantaged students pursuing careers leading to professional licensure or professions in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). https://www.albany.edu/oaae/cstep.shtml We also have Project Excel which is a federal TRiO program. This is a program for students who are first generation college students, come from low-income households and/or are disabled. Our mission is to help these students achieve their academic and professional goals. Project Excel offers a multitude of services geared toward developing academic excellence, interpersonal skills, and leadership ability, as well as achieving career goals. The staff is committed to the overall well-being and success of its students and is free to all participants. https://www.albany.edu/oaae/project_excel.shtml