Overall Rating Gold - expired
Overall Score 74.27
Liaison Konrad Schlarbaum
Submission Date Feb. 15, 2018
Executive Letter Download

STARS v2.1

University of Colorado Colorado Springs
PA-6: Support for Underrepresented Groups

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 2.00 / 3.00 Andrea Herrera
Associate Vice Chancellor of Inclusion and Academic Engagement
Inclusion and Academic Engagement
"---" 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:
The University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) is committed to maintaining a positive learning, working, and living environment. The University of Colorado does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, creed, religion, sexual orientation, or veteran status in admission and access to, and treatment and employment in, its educational programs and activities. (Regent Law, Article 10, amended 11/8/2001). UCCS will not tolerate acts of discrimination or harassment based upon Protected Classes, or related retaliation against or by any employee or student. For purposes of this policy the term “Protected Classes” refers to persons who are protected under federal, state, local or Regent law on the basis of particular characteristics and includes the characteristics of race, color, national origin, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, creed, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or veteran status. This Policy: (1) provides a definition of discrimination and harassment based upon Protected Classes and related retaliation; (2) prohibits discrimination and harassment based upon Protected Classes and related retaliation; and (3) sets out procedures to follow when a member of the UCCS community believes a violation of the Policy has occurred. The University of Colorado policy prohibiting sexual harassment is set forth in the Administrative Policy Statement entitled, "Sexual Harassment Policy and Procedures." Individuals who violate this Policy shall be disciplined or subjected to corrective action, up to and including termination or expulsion. https://www.uccs.edu/vcaf/sites/vcaf/files/inline-files/300-017.pdf The UCCS Office of Institutional Equity is charged with enforcing the discrimination and harassment policy. University of Colorado Regent Policies: APS 5014- Sexual Harassment Policy Policy 10A: Discrimination/Affirmative Action–General Policy Statement and Long-Range Goals Policy 10B: No Affiliation With Discriminatory Organizations Policy 10C: Social Organizations that Discriminate Placed on Probation Policy 10D: No Discrimination in Intercollegiate Athletics https://www.cu.edu/regents/regent-policy-0

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):
Office of Institutional Equity https://www.uccs.edu/equity/ To achieve the UCCS mission of upholding a positive learning, working, and living environment, the Office of Institutional Equity (OIE) conducts fair, unbiased and impartial investigations into reports of sexual misconduct, protected class discrimination or harassment, or related retaliation. OIE treats all individuals who request our assistance with respect and dignity. In addition to conducting investigations involving students and employees, OIE coordinates the provision of interim protective measures as appropriate and is responsible for implementing training on UCCS policy and related matters for the entire campus. A detail for each year regarding reports and actions can be found here: https://www.uccs.edu/Documents/equity/OIE%202016%20Annual%20Statistics.pdf Inclusiveness Campus Action Team, ICAT, is part of the Associate Vice Chancellor's Office for Diversity and Inclusion Purview for ICAT is: 1. develop programming that builds awareness and capacities to support inclusiveness. 2. register and follow-up on inclusiveness concerns that are not complaints about specific identified individuals. 3. channel complaints regarding specific individuals to appropriate authorities for investigation and resolution. 4. facilitate communication with community members who raise inclusiveness concerns and follow up on cases referred for action. https://www.uccs.edu/diversity/campus-action-team/icat-overview.html To register an inclusiveness concern refer to the website below. https://www.uccs.edu/diversity/campus-action-team/to-register-an-inclusiveness-concern

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:
Students Strategic Plan 2012-2020 https://www.uccs.edu/Documents/chancellor/strategic%20plans/Diversity%20and%20Inclusiveness%20Group%20Sub-Plan.pdf Students: MOSAIC Gateway Program The MOSAIC Gateway program provides holistic admission review and learning communities for students who face particular academic and social challenges but show strong potential to succeed in college. Nominations to the program are made by UCCS admissions committees upon review of a UCCS application and required support documents. A limited number of students are admitted to the program on a case-by-case basis and are required to participate in the MOSAIC Gateway learning community their first semester. The learning community is designed to provide added layers of support needed to promote academic and social success for MOSAIC Gateway Scholars. MOSAIC provides support with admission, academic coaching, mentoring, and college transition for all students. MOSAIC serves all UCCS students and specializes in supporting students who are ethnically diverse, international, LGBTQ, first generation, and/or non-traditional. Students: The Graduate Opportunity Scholarship is for students within their first year in a graduate program who bring diverse perspectives to UCCS. To qualify, students must have a minimum 3.0 GPA and demonstrate financial need by completing the FAFSA no later than March 1. Award amounts will vary depending on demonstrated financial need. Award amounts will vary from $5,000 to $25,000 for the academic year. Staff and Faculty: Hiring process The Appointing Authority/Supervisor must appoint a committee comprised of no less than three voting members. HR will appoint a Diversity Champion (DC).** All search committee members must complete the SkillSoft course “Search Committee Training: Recruiting Diverse Talent to the University” which must be current within the past 2 years. **To support diversity within search committees a trained non-voting DC from a different department will be assigned by Human Resources. All DCs must attend face-to-face Diversity training. https://www.uccs.edu/hr/employee-relations/compliance

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?:
Yes

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

A brief description of the institution’s programs to support students, staff and/or faculty from underrepresented groups:
Sources of support for students, faculty, and staff https://www.uccs.edu/equity/resources.html Students: The UCCS Mental Health Services maintains confidentiality for all clients seen in the center. Counseling records are kept separate from academic and student health records and cannot be accessed by faculty, staff, parents or non-counseling staff without written consent. https://www.uccs.edu/recwellness/mental-health-services Faculty: The Faculty Minority Affairs Committee (FMAC) is a standing committee of the Faculty Assembly dedicated to social justice issues and institutional change. In accordance with the Diversity Strategic Plan, FMAC works collaboratively with faculty, administrators and staff to cultivate an inclusive campus culture as an integral piece for academic excellence for all member of the UCCS committee, especially those from under represented groups. As a standing committee of the Faculty Assembly, each fiscal year FMAC allocates funds for research and campus activities that promote diversity and inclusiveness, with emphasis on racial/ethnic issues in research, community engagement, and teaching. Funding is open to all UCCS faculty and staff. https://www.uccs.edu/fmac/ Students: The LGBT Resource Center @ MOSAIC exists as part of UCCS's on-going commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive atmosphere for everyone here on campus. The LGBTRC is designed to provide resources and information to LGBT students, advocate for LGBT interests throughout campus, conduct outreach and education, and to ensure LGBT voices are represented among the campus at large. There are no limits on services. Student Groups supported by MOSAIC African Student Association (ASA) Asian Pacific Islander Student Union (APISU) Black Student Union (BSU) UNIDOS (DREAMers group) Indian Student Alliance (ISA) International Buddy Club (IBuddy) Latino Student Union (LSU) Native American Student Union (NASU) Saudi Student Club (SSC) Spectrum (LGBTQ Alliance) Transmission at UCCS (Transgender Alliance) MOSAIC International Social Support (ISS) MOSAIC ISS provides International Students with assistance and support in adjusting to life in Colorado Springs and in navigating campus life at UCCS. We provide opportunities throughout the academic year for students to engage in social activities and events aimed at providing opportunities for International Students to connect with each other as well as with domestic students. Our goal is to help create a positive and supportive campus environment and an overall productive and meaningful experience for all International Students visiting our campus from around the world. https://www.uccs.edu/mosaic/international-social-support The MOSAIC and the Associate Vice Chancellor for Diversity and Inclusiveness invite proposals for funding from the CU President's Fund for Student Diversity. The Presidents Fund for Student Diversity supports student programs, events, and travel that contribute to the advancement of campus diversity efforts at the University of Colorado in accord with the UCCS Diversity Strategic Plan. Funds awarded to qualifying student groups or their members are intended to supplement funding obtained through fundraising and financial support (i.e. SGA, department support, etc.). https://www.uccs.edu/mosaic/ The Family Development Center (FDC) offers child-care scholarship for undergraduate or graduate students. This scholarship for UCCS students can be used solely for the purpose of paying child care costs at the Family Development Center. The scholarship amount will vary depending upon individual needs and fund availability.https://www.uccs.edu/fdc/ The Office of First Year Experience and the Multicultural Office for Student Access, Inclusiveness, and Community (M.O.S.A.I.C.) have partnered with staff, faculty, and students to provide mentorship to first-year freshman and transfer students, along with students from diverse backgrounds. These mentorships are specifically designed to help students transition into life at UCCS. This program aims to establish a helpful network of support for our students that can help to assist and guide students throughout their collegiate career. https://www.uccs.edu/fye/ Students: First2Go is a program for first-generation students to see and meet peers, faculty, and staff who are/were also first-generation students. There is a supportive community here for all first-generation students. https://www.uccs.edu/fye/first2go Disability Services Provides students with disabilities the tools, reasonable accommodations and support services to participate fully in the academic environment. Disability specialists also provide information about campus services and resources to faculty and staff with questions related to disabilities, documentation, access and accommodation. Promotes an accessible and culturally sensitive campus through outreach by building partnerships within the university community and beyond. Provides services and/or accommodations primarily to students with disabilities who must submit documentation for review. Serves students and provides consultation, information and referrals to faculty and staff regarding disability related issues. https://www.uccs.edu/disability/ Office of Veterans This office supports the recruitment and retention of veterans to UCCS. It provides a key point of contact for counseling and program information for the veteran/military community on campus, while also developing and maintaining productive relations with off-campus organizations and programs serving veterans. Serves students, staff, and faculty who are currently serving in the military (e.g. active, reserve, guard, etc) or those who have served in the past. https://www.uccs.edu/military/ Just Talk is the Kraemer Family Library's programming series that is designed to promote open and honest dialogue about equity, diversity, and inclusion on the UCCS campus and beyond. https://events.uccs.edu/event/just_talk_international_panel The Ethnic Minority Affairs Committee (EMAC) considers concerns of ethnic minority faculty, including: Assessing the cultural climate of the university as it pertains to opportunities for ethnic minority faculty for academic advancement, productivity and appropriate compensation; Making recommendations for creating an academic environment that fosters the academic success of both ethnic minority faculty and ethnic minority students; Working to assure fairness in the recruitment and retention of ethnic minority faculty and students; Developing support networks and recommending policy to address the needs of ethnic minority faculty and students.

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:
Transitioning at UCCS https://www.uccs.edu/Documents/mosaic/Transitioning%20at%20UCCS.pdf Kraemer Family Library Diversity Plan https://www.uccs.edu/library/sites/library/files/inline-files/KFL%20DiversityPlan2017-2019_FINAL.pdf

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.