University of Maine
PA-6: Support for Underrepresented Groups

“The University of Maine is an EEO/AA employer, and does not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender expression, national origin, citizenship status, age, disability, genetic information or veteran’s status in employment, education, and all other programs and activities. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Sarah E. Harebo, Director of Equal Opportunity, 101 North Stevens Hall, University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469-5754, 207.581.1226, TTY 711 (Maine Relay System).” (https://umaine.edu/eo/disability-access/nondiscrimination-notices-for-umaine-publications/)

The UMaine Bias Response Team works "to monitor, refer and coordinate university responses to bias and hate-related behavior within the campus community and/or that impacts all or a significant portion of the university community" (https://umaine.edu/biasreporting/bias-response-team/).

As co-chairs, the Deputy Title IX Coordinator and the Director of the Office of Multicultural Student Life conduct the initial meeting with complainants, inform complainants of their options, explain possible university responses, maintain ongoing contact with complainants as appropriate, and convene the entire Bias response team to address any larger issues.

The Bias Response Team works with reporting students or community members using the bias procedure checklist, which involves: explaining the limits of confidentiality; encouraging the reporter to connect with Support Services (physical and mental health); encouraging the reporter to seek medical attention and offering assistance locating transportation to do so; advising the reporter to preserve evidence; offering protections; offering initial remedial actions, informing the reporter of her rights; and later following up with the reporting party.

The next step is to discuss with the reporting party what action she would like to take, such as filing a police report, relocation to a new place on campus, a no contact order or filing a student conduct complaint.
In the past three years, the following actions were taken:

- supported the reporting student as there wasn't an identified "offender"
- issued a no contact order letting the other party know that the complaining student wishes to have zero contact with them.
- residence hall programming

For Students:
The Native American Waiver and Educational Program exists to encourage Native American students to participate in public higher education in Maine. Tuition and mandatory fees will be waived for qualified students, both matriculated and non-matriculated, who are enrolled in academic, credit-bearing courses at the undergraduate, graduate, or continuing education level at the campuses of the University of Maine System. At Umaine, this program is supported through the Wabanaki Center (https://umaine.edu/nativeamericanprograms/wabanaki-center/waiver-program/).

For Faculty:
In accordance with the University of Maine’s Affirmative Action Plan, the
University undertakes particular faculty recruitment targeted at women, faculty of color, veterans, and individuals with disabilities. This recruitment is supported by the Equal Opportunities Office and is described in the Faculty Recruitment Handbook (https://umaine.edu/hr/wp-content/uploads/sites/355/2018/05/Faculty-Recruitment-Handout.pdf)

UMaine is also home to the Rising Tide Center for Gender Equity, which works to support the recruitment, retention and advancement of women faculty in STEM/SBS fields at UMaine (https://umaine.edu/risingtide/).

The the Office of Multicultural Student Life offers (from https://umaine.edu/multicultural/):
A safe and welcoming space for relaxation, meetings, and studying
Referrals and connections to campus resources
Educational, cultural and social programs
Leadership development opportunities
On-campus employment referrals
Peer mentorship program
Peer tutoring program
Consultation Services
Class Presentations
Volunteer referrals

The Rising Tide Center for Gender Equity, which works to support the recruitment, retention and advancement of women faculty in STEM/SBS fields at UMaine. It supports events, mentoring, professional development, and research activities on campus.