University of Iowa
PA-7: Support for Underrepresented Groups

The University of Iowa prohibits discrimination in employment, educational programs, and activities on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, pregnancy, disability, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, service in the U.S. military, sexual orientation, gender identity, associational preferences, or any other classification that deprives the person of consideration as an individual. The university also affirms its commitment to providing equal opportunities and equal access to university facilities. The university's Nondiscrimination Statement must be included in all departmental publications, such as brochures, pamphlets, manuals, and guidebooks, describing or inviting participation in programs at the University of Iowa. https://opsmanual.uiowa.edu/community-policies/nondiscrimination-statement 

Persons who believe they have been subjected to discrimination in violation of the policy are encouraged to report it, even if they are not certain whether a violation of this policy has occurred. Protected class harassment is one form of discrimination prohibited by this policy. A complaint that this policy has been violated may be brought to the Office of Civil Rights Compliance (OCRC), 202 Jessup Hall, through informal or formal channels by any member of the university community, a third-party reporter, or the university itself. A complaint must clearly state allegations of discrimination to warrant an investigation. There is no time limit for bringing a complaint; however, it may be difficult to substantiate the allegations if they are made after significant time has passed. Therefore, prompt reporting of complaints is strongly encouraged. In the case of formal complaints, the following administrators will review the findings of the Office of Civil Rights Compliance investigation: The Office of the Provost, if the responding party is a faculty member or other instructional personnel (except graduate assistants); The office of the vice president or dean responsible for the unit employing the person charged, if the responding party is a staff member (including a graduate assistant, in which case the Dean of the Graduate College also must be notified in order to determine whether ramifications apply for the student's academic progress); The Dean of Students, if the responding party is a student (including a graduate student, in which case the Dean of the Graduate College also must be notified in order to determine whether ramifications apply for the student's academic progress). The appropriate administrator above, if the responding party is a unit. The administrator who receives the report shall: Discuss it with OCRC in order to determine, based on OCRC's findings and input, appropriate corrective measures and/or sanctions. If the responding party is a staff member, the administrator will also consult with the Senior Human Resources Leadership Representative in the unit. If the responding party is a faculty member, graduate assistant, or unit, the administrator will also consult with the appropriate dean and departmental executive officer. When a responding-party staff member, faculty member, or graduate assistant is also a student, the administrator and the Dean of Students will also consult with one another in determining what corrective measures or sanctions should be pursued. Implement appropriate corrective measures and/or sanctions consistent with university procedures. The administrator must inform OCRC in writing of the actions that are taken in response to OCRC's findings. Ensure that the impacted party is informed when action is taken. Violations of the Human Rights Policy may lead to sanctions up to and including termination or separation from the university. If the responding party is a unit, sanctions may include changes to unit policies or processes, or other appropriate actions. Sanctions for violations of this policy should be commensurate with the nature of the violation and the responding party's disciplinary history. It is the responsibility of the appropriate administrator to follow up with the parties at a reasonable interval(s) to assess their compliance with the sanctions imposed. More serious sanctions up to and including termination of employment or separation from the university may be imposed in the event that the individual fails to comply with the sanctions initially imposed. 

https://opsmanual.uiowa.edu/community-policies/human-rights 

The Recruitment Ambassadors Program, jointly sponsored by the Department of Human Resources and the Division of Access Opportunity & Diversity, supports the university’s strategic goals for increasing the diversity of our faculty and staff. Recruitment Ambassadors are current or former faculty and staff members who volunteer to help recruit diverse, prospective employees. https://diversity.uiowa.edu/resources/facultystaff-recruitment-manual#appendix

The University has many different programs targeted at the recruitment and retention of a diverse undergraduate population. One example is the Advantage Iowa Award for incoming students who are from historically underrepresented populations. Another example is Iowa Edge, which assists admitted students from underrepresented groups transition to college. Furthermore, there is the Office of Graduate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (Grad-DEI) that is committed to fostering a welcoming environment for graduate student populations that are historically underserved and underrepresented in higher education. https://diversity.uiowa.edu/programs/ 

The Office of Access and Support (OAS) provides pre-college student development, support, and assistance with the enrollment process, programs, and activities to underserved students. Academic Coaches are available to support students throughout all aspects of their college experience to make sure their transition to the university and college experience is better. Their goal is to create an environment where students can thrive and become successful. TRIO Student Support Services is also an Upward Bound Support Service that provides individualized personal and academic counseling and financial literacy advising, graduate school preparation, and career planning. They also offer free peer tutoring to eligible students. They foster the success of first-generation and low-income pre-college and college students. https://diversity.uiowa.edu/daod/oas 

Iowa Edge Program is an exciting four-year mentorship program that aims to ensure a successful transition to their university experience. It is open to all students with an emphasis on African American, Alaskan Native, American Indian, Asian American, Pacific Islander, Latina/o/x, first-generation, and LGBTQ+ college students. Participants are able to meet faculty and campus leaders who will support them during their college experience, build a community with a group of peers before their first semester, and develop leadership skills for success in class, on campus, and in life. https://diversity.uiowa.edu/programs/high-school-hawkeyes/iowa-edge-program#i-will-be-living-off-campus-can-i-still-participate-in-the-iowa-edge-program

Underrepresented Students in Sustainability (USS) is a resource for underrepresented students interested in environmental sustainability. USS will connect students with qualified mentors interested in providing guidance and advocacy for the next generation of leaders in the field. USS has three primary goals: - Bridging the gap between underrepresented students and qualified professionals who share an interest in environmental sustainability.

• Offering a support system and increasing retention for underrepresented students in sustainability-oriented fields.
• Preparing underrepresented students to join the next generation of leaders in sustainability & the environment.
• https://sustainability.uiowa.edu/students/underrepresented-students-sustainability-mentoring-program

TRIO Student Support Services (TRIO SSS) serve students at the University of Iowa who demonstrate academic need and are first-generation, low-income, or have a verified disability. They create a welcoming environment that supports our students and inspires them to reach their fullest potential and be successful in all their academic and personal endeavors through graduation. And they strive to develop all our students into life-long learners by building relationships with them and maintaining strong partnerships with campus and community resources. https://diversity.uiowa.edu/programs/student-support/trio-student-support-services

MISSE Multicultural and International Student Support and Engagement (MISSE) is committed to supporting student success on the University of Iowa campus through planned activities through the five MISSE areas, annual diversity programs, and student organization events. There are over 100 multicultural student organizations at the University of Iowa that provide programming, services, educational programs, and cultural experiences to the campus community. Within MISSE, the four UI Cultural Centers provide a "Home Away From Home" atmosphere for many students and can be utilized by any UI student or reserved for student organization events. The Centers also provide intra-and cross-cultural education, leadership and organizational development opportunities, social justice education, and change. The Centers complement the academic mission of the University by enhancing students' inside and outside of the classroom. https://multicultural.uiowa.edu/culturalcenters

BizEdge. Since 2017, the Tippie College of Business BizEdge program has empowered students of color and first-generation students through mentorship, scholarships, business networking, alumni events, and more. BizEdge is a continuation of the Summer Gateway program for students at the University of Iowa. BizEdge participants meet routinely to get to know each other, upper-level student mentors, and key faculty and staff. Our goals are both academic support and community development. https://tippie.uiowa.edu/undergraduate/beyond-classroom/dei-opportunities/bizedge

SEA Change. The mission of AAAS SEA Change is to inspire, guide, and support the voluntary transformation of diversity, equity, and inclusion in STEM (science, technology, engineering, math, and medicine) fields. SEA Change member institutions commit to the group’s principles to affirm that creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community is a priority. https://diversity.uiowa.edu/programs/sea-change-iowa The Iowa First Nations Program (IFN) provides Native American student high school students the opportunity to live on campus, experience the university setting, explore majors, learn more about the Native American culture, and gain an appreciation for the variety of opportunities at Iowa. Participants attend structured classroom seminars and field trips to various campus departments, enjoy hands-on classroom experiences, and have the opportunity to get involved in social and recreational activities. We aim to provide a space for Indigenous youth to learn about themselves, their community, and the college experience. https://diversity.uiowa.edu/programs/high-school-hawkeyes/iowa-first-nations-summer-program

The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Success Collaborative (DEISC) consists of individuals across the University of Iowa’s campus who are engaged in the diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts within their designated area or areas. This group serves as a place where individuals can network with other leaders, find community, collectively problem-solve, and co-create diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts and initiatives. The group has the potential to be a formal reporting structure that is positioned to support the sustainability of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives at the institutional level. https://diversity.uiowa.edu/campus 

Building University of Iowa Leadership for Diversity - The BUILD initiative is an opportunity for UI faculty and staff to gain strategic knowledge and skills to contribute to a welcoming and inclusive environment for all. By completing a series of workshops, participants will earn a certificate demonstrating their commitment as leaders for diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace and classroom. Relevant skills include best practices for building and supporting diverse teams. https://hr.uiowa.edu/development/learning-and-development/series/building-university-iowa-leadership-diversity-build

The Office of Graduate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (Grad-DEI) at Iowa is committed to fostering a welcoming environment for graduate student populations that are historically underserved and underrepresented in higher education. It sponsors events and programming through our Connecting Communities: Creating Space for Underrepresented Students. They provide training, networking, community building, and celebrating achievements to establish a foundation of support on campus. Furthermore, they collaborate with graduate programs through the Grad DEI Scholars' Table program to build connections and professional networks through graduate lunch or dinner with visiting faculty speakers. While holding space for students who experience isolation, micro-aggressions, and any other factors that may deter a student’s academic mission. And offering the Summer Research Opportunities Program (SROP)—a Big Ten Academic Alliance—which provides underrepresented undergraduate students with research experience to create a gateway to graduate education. https://grad.uiowa.edu/office-graduate-diversity-equity-inclusion 

The UI-MARC (Maximizing Access to Research Careers) is a NIH-funded T34 training program that supports the academic and personal success of underrepresented junior and senior University of Iowa students committed to pursuing a PhD or combined M.D./Ph.D. program after graduation (not the M.D. only). The goal of the Maximizing Access to Research Careers (MARC) research training program is to develop a diverse pool of undergraduates who will transition to research focused, PhD-related careers. UI-MARC serves as a pipeline program to support and prepare students for careers as faculty members.

https://isa.uiowa.edu/programs/ui-marc