Overall Rating Silver - expired
Overall Score 54.80
Liaison Daniel Dixon
Submission Date March 1, 2019
Executive Letter Download

STARS v2.1

University of Maine
PA-6: Support for Underrepresented Groups

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 1.67 / 3.00 Karina Graeter
Sustainability Coordinator
Office of Sustainability
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

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 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/)

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):
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

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?:
No

Does the institution have programs specifically designed to recruit faculty from underrepresented groups?:
Yes

A brief description of the institution’s programs to recruit students, staff and/or faculty from underrepresented groups:
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/).

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?:
No

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:
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.

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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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?:
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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:
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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.