University of Missouri
PA-6: Support for Underrepresented Groups

Office of Accessibility and ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) Education - The Office of Accessibility and ADA Education works to foster an inclusive and welcoming environment at the University of Missouri for people with disabilities, free of physical, programmatic, informational, and attitudinal barriers. Toward broader goals of inclusion, we emphasize universal design so that University programs, activities, and services are readily available to as many people as possible. In other words, we support the full integration of people with disabilities into all aspects of University life. Asian Affairs Center - The University of Missouri's Asian Affairs Center (AAC) reflects the university's formal recognition of the cultural, strategic and economic importance of the nations of the Pacific Rim. The AAC has a mandate to build upon MU's substantial Asian programs, university and alumni linkages, and teaching and research connections in the region to benefit citizens, government entities, and businesses in Missouri and in the region. Gaines/Oldham Black Culture Center - The Gaines/Oldham Black Culture Center (GOBCC) is dedicated to providing social and educational programs that reflect the history, heritage and culture of the African Diaspora to all students, faculty, staff and the Mid-Missouri community. Additionally, the GOBCC is a willing partner with entities endeavoring to make the University of Missouri a more inclusive and welcoming environment for diverse populations through education, outreach, and collaboration. Lastly, the GOBCC envisions itself as an instrument of orientation and instruction on the issues of race, politics, economics, community, art and culture of the African Diaspora. Chancellor's Diversity Initiative - The Chancellor’s Diversity Initiative’s goal is to expand opportunities for faculty, students and staff to engage and thrive in an increasingly diverse environment. It works with administrators at all levels of the campus to focus on institutional change. The office evaluates the campus climate and develops new programs and strategic planning efforts that foster a diverse and inclusive campus environment. Disability Services - The University of Missouri Disability Center provides services and accommodations that help students to participate fully in the learning experience and be evaluated on the basis of their abilities. It serves as a resource to and partner with the campus community to remove barriers and promote the principles of universal design. MU Equity Office - The MU Equity Office works with MU faculty, staff, and students who believe they may have been subjected to unfair or inequitable treatment for any reason. The office seeks to address bias, including but not limited to discrimination on the basis of considerations prohibited by law or official university policy. We assist individuals who believe they may have been harassed or treated differently from others in the same situation. Intensive English Program - The University of Missouri offers non-native speakers of English a high quality program of intensive English training. It is designed to provide individuals as quickly as possible with the English language skills necessary to successfully study for an academic degree in at a college or university in the United States. LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer) Resource Center -The University of Missouri’s LGBTQ Resource Center respects students as they are; all are welcome. They work to educate about, support, and advocate for sexual and gender minorities at Mizzou. They offer support, events, education, trainings, involvement, leadership, community, and more. Multicultural Center The MU Multicultural Center is a safe and comfortable space for students of all identities and backgrounds. As a place for identity exploration and reclamation, the Center truly works to address the needs of underrepresented populations, providing a safe outlet and home away from home. Student Parent Center The mission of the Student Parent Center is to provide parenting students with the opportunity to achieve higher education through child care services, family support and connection to campus and community resources that support the parenting students’ goals. Adaptive Computing Technology Center The Adaptive Computing Technology (ACT) Center is a part of the University of Missouri's Division of IT. They work to ensure that MU students, faculty and staff needing assistive technology have equal opportunity within the classroom and office. TransAction Team The TransAction Team is comprised of trans* people and their allies at Mizzou (students, faculty, and staff.) They are committed to ensuring all people have access to safe and inclusive spaces at Mizzou. They are also committed to providing up to date information, resources, and support for the trans* community. (*The University of Missouri utilizes trans* as an umbrella term for people who transgress or transcend our normative notions of gender. This term includes but is not limited to those who identify as transgender, transsexual, bigender, gender queer, gender fluid, two spirit, cross dressers, and gender benders.) Women’s Center The Mizzou Women’s Center provides opportunities for learning, service and support for those who seek to further their understanding of social justice. They welcome students, staff, faculty and members of the local community, regardless of their gender identity.

The MU Equity office oversees the response to what are referred to as “bias incidents” on campus. These “bias incident” reports are available with regard to race, religion, language, sexual orientation, color, gender, gender identity, gender expression, ethnicity, nationality, age, political affiliation, group affiliation, socioeconomic class, physical appearance, and veteran status. The reporting process can be completed online, over the phone, or in person. Bias incidents can be reported by students, faculty, or staff. Appropriate action is then taken according to MU’s nondiscrimination policy.