| Overall Rating | Silver |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 60.35 |
| Liaison | Cody Friend |
| Submission Date | May 6, 2024 |
University of Nebraska at Omaha
PA-7: Support for Underrepresented Groups
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
3.00 / 3.00 |
A.T.
Miller Chief Diversity Officer Office of Diversity, Equity, Access, and Inclusion |
Non-discrimination statement
The non-discrimination statement, including the website URL where the policy is publicly accessible:
Notice of Nondiscrimination, Anti-Harassment, and Non-Retaliation
The University of Nebraska does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation in its education programs or activities, including admissions and employment. The University prohibits any form of retaliation taken against anyone for reporting discrimination, harassment, or retaliation for otherwise engaging in protected activity.
The University is committed to ensuring equal opportunity and access for all persons, and providing academic and employment environments free from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. The University adheres to all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination, including, but not limited to, the following laws:
Age Discrimination Act of 1975 and Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, which prohibit discrimination based on age.
Equal Pay Act of 1963, which prohibits sex-based wage discrimination.
Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008, which prohibits discrimination because of genetic information.
Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978, which prohibits discrimination against women because of pregnancy, childbirth, or a medical condition related to pregnancy or childbirth.
Section 504 of Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and Title II of the Americans with Disability Act of 1990, which prohibits discrimination based on disability. The University will engage in the interactive process with the individual and their health care provider to identify reasonable and effective accommodations.
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination based on race, color, or national origin (including limited English proficiency).
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, and national origin.
Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972, which prohibits discrimination based on sex in education program or activities.
The University is required by Title IX and 34 C.F.R. Part 106 not to discriminate in such a manner. Title IX also prohibits retaliation against reporters of sex discrimination, including but not limited to reports of sex discrimination against administrators and other employees. Inquiries about the application of Title IX may be referred to a University Title IX Coordinator or the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights of the Department of Education or both. The University of Nebraska Board of Regents Policy 2.1.8 prohibits sexual misconduct. University of Nebraska Executive Memorandum 38, Procedures for Sexual Misconduct Reports Against Students and Executive Memorandum 39, Procedures for Sexual Misconduct Reports Against Employees provide the grievance process for complaints alleging sexual misconduct.
Reporting
All individuals, except for individuals designated as confidential resources who are acting in their confidential role, are expected to promptly report discrimination, harassment, or retaliation in violation of this statement to the University via the individuals and/or online reporting options listed below. Reports should be submitted as soon as possible after becoming aware of the conduct, preferably within sixty (60) calendar days after the occurrence of the alleged conduct. Although a report can be submitted anonymously, the University’s ability to investigate and respond to an anonymous report may be limited.
Chief Compliance Officer Drew Nielsen drewnielsen@unomaha.edu 402.554.3715
Title IX Coordinator and ADA/504 Coordinator Sarah Weil sweil@unomaha.edu 402.554.2120
Bias response team
A brief description of the institution’s discrimination response protocol or team:
UNO is committed to creating and maintaining a welcoming and inclusive campus community. Every individual is valued and should feel welcomed and included as a member of this community. The university serves to make sure ALL people at UNO feel safe to be themselves.
How to Report a Bias Incident
The university receives and responds to reports of bias incidents that have been experienced or witnessed. If you, or a friend, believe you have witnessed or experienced a bias-related incident please report it here: Report a concern
Reports will be reviewed promptly. For emergencies, please contact Public Safety at 402.554.2911 or the appropriate police agency.
When reporting an incident you have the option of reporting it as "information only" or "request for follow-up." Information-only reports are intended to give the university information on the student experience at UNO. These reports help keep a pulse on the campus climate.
If you have experienced or witnessed a bias-related incident, please mark it as a request for follow-up. The university will follow up with you to connect you to any resources you may need. The university will inform you of options on campus and in the community to provide you with the support you may need.
Reports can be filed anonymously which may have may cause a limited response. Every effort will be made to keep your report confidential. However, as administrative agents in an educational institution, adhere to the laws and standards governing the disclosure of information to third parties both within and external to the University. Such information is only disclosed on an administrative need-to-know basis and only according to the relevant laws/policies that govern such disclosure.
What Happens Once a Report is Submitted? Once a report is received, the report will be reviewed by leadership in the Division of Student Success. You may be contacted to provide support and follow-up.
Reports submitted to assist in making UNO a more safe and more inclusive environment.
Policies. The University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) is committed to maintaining an environment for all students, faculty, staff, and visitors, that is fair and responsible – an environment that is based on one’s ability and performance. The University of Nebraska at Omaha declares and affirms a policy of equal education and employment opportunities, and non-discrimination in providing services to the public. Therefore, the University of Nebraska does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation in its programs, activities, or employment. The University of Nebraska at Omaha prohibits sexual harassment, including sexual violence.
Title IX is a federal law that prohibits sex discrimination in federally funded education programs and activities. Title IX applies to students, faculty, staff, or anyone present on campus regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, immigration status, or disability status. The ban on sex discrimination includes sexual harassment, sexual assault, intimate partner violence, and stalking. Report known or suspected incidents immediately to UNO’s Interim Title IX Coordinator, Sarah Weil at 402.554.2120, sweil@unomaha.edu, or via the online reporting form. For more information, please visit UNO’s Office of Equity, Access & Diversity’s website.
https://www.unomaha.edu/student-life/student-safety/help-myself/bias-hate-support.php
Recruitment programs
Does the institution have programs specifically designed to recruit academic staff from underrepresented groups?:
Does the institution have programs designed specifically to recruit non-academic staff from underrepresented groups?:
If yes to any of the above, provide:
UNO & Omaha Public Schools Partnership:
Funding from Omaha Public Schools will support four initiatives at UNO that will create more pathways into the teaching profession and expand professional development for current teachers.
The $14.8 million grant supports teacher development in four areas:
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Teacher Advanced Academics Graduate Program: Provides up to 18 hours of graduate college courses for qualifying high school teachers. Investment in this partnership will help build Omaha Public Schools' capacity to teach dual enrollment courses, which can help students earn college credit before graduating from high school.
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Accelerating Teacher Learning: Provides up to 1,000 teachers with up to nine graduate credit hours of instruction. Investment in this partnership will strengthen Omaha Public Schools' efforts to address strategic district initiatives.
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Teacher-Scholar Academy Program: Provides funding to a group of high-achieving UNO students seeking to obtain teacher certification and promote teacher development in hard-to-fill areas within the Omaha Public Schools. Investment in this ongoing initiative will help recruit, retain, diversify, and maintain a high-quality roster of teachers.
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Teacher Academy Project: Investment in this ongoing initiative will support secondary education certification for individuals who have earned a bachelor’s degree and aspire to become a teacher, which will increase certifications in high-demand areas, including math, science, and language.
In a high-need district such as OPS, this program will allow students from diverse backgrounds to have multiple avenues to higher education; dual enrollment programs, high school-to-college pipelines, and financial assistance once in college will attract students from OPS to UNO to advance their education. Additionally, these programs seek to lessen the strain of the teacher shortage at OPS by recruiting OPS and surrounding Omaha alumni to apply to the UNO Teachers Scholars Academy which provides financial aid, professional development opportunities, and cohort community experiences while in their undergraduate program.
The Urban Health Opportunities Program (UHOP)
Designed to diversify the urban Nebraska medical workforce by identifying and preparing qualified students from underrepresented groups to enter and succeed in medical school. Considered applicants are high school seniors who have a minimum ACT cumulative and math section score of 23, and are Nebraska residents. Selected UHOP scholars will include those considered underrepresented by the Association of American Medical Colleges. UHOP scholars receive full tuition remission at UNO and are guaranteed admission to UNMC's M.D. program after completing UHOP requirements.
UNO TRIO Project Achevie
Project Achieve (PA) is a federally funded TRiO Student Support Services (SSS) program open to UNO undergraduates who qualify as first-generation, low-income, and/or disabled. Our three key goals are to ensure students remain in good academic standing, stay in school, and ultimately become UNO graduates.
TRIO programs were the first national college access and retention programs to address serious social, economic, and cultural barriers to education in the United States. TRIO Project Achieve uses a flexible and personalized approach. Each student is encouraged to participate in activities that meet their needs by students and staff working together.
https://www.unomaha.edu/project-achieve/index.php
The Davis Chambers Scholarship
The Davis Chambers Scholarship recognizes academically promising students from diverse backgrounds who often find that the financial requirements of postsecondary education are a major obstacle. Qualified applicants should be graduates of a Nebraska High School and a resident of Nebraska.
The typical award is between $2,000 and $4,000 a year. Each applicant is required to also file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as additional resources may be available to students with financial need.
https://unomaha.academicworks.com/opportunities/13907
Summer Scholars College
Summer Scholars provides college-bound metro area high school juniors the opportunity to enroll in a course at UNO to earn college credits, prepare for college life, and connect with UNO faculty, staff, and students. The goal of the Summer Scholars Program is to expose high school students to the dynamics of a college campus environment through a six-week pre-college summer session. Many participants come from underrepresented backgrounds.
Goodrich Scholarship Program
the Goodrich Scholarship Program to provide affordable quality undergraduate education to bright low-income Nebraska residents who otherwise could not afford it; since then Goodrich has been making crucial differences for the good of Nebraska. Goodrich has produced over 2000 graduates, many of whom now occupy leadership and other productive positions in the public, non-profit, and private sectors of the economy. Goodrich courses are a cornerstone of our scholarship program. The courses allow students to explore their own stories, view the world from different cultural and intellectual perspectives, confront social issues, and better understand their psychosocial development.
First Year
HUMN 1200 (Autobiographical Reading and Writing)
ENGL 1150 (English Composition I) or ENGL 1160 (English Composition II)
HUMN 1110 (Perspectives on USAmerican Culture)
Second Year Courses
GDRH 2110 (Lifespan Development--offered fall semester only)
GDRH 2120 (Social Issues)
PHIL 1010 (Meaning of Life with Dr. Imafedia Okhamafe)
SOWK 2120 (Race, Class and Gender with Dr. Theresa Barron-McKeagney--offered spring semester only)
Faculty/Staff: As part of the new hiring procedures for staff, administrators, managers, supervisors, and faculty are consulted before advertising open positions. Recruitment designed to attract persons of color is discussed; applicant pools are monitored for inclusion of females and persons of color, and the legalities of successful interviews are discussed. http://digitalcommons.unomaha.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1002&context=edadfacproc
Mentoring, counseling and support programs
Does the institution have mentoring, counseling, peer support or other programs designed specifically to support academic staff from underrepresented groups on campus?:
Does the institution have mentoring, counseling, peer support or other programs to support non-academic staff from underrepresented groups on campus?:
A brief description of the institution’s programs designed specifically to support students, academic staff, and/or non-academic staff from underrepresented groups:
Accessibility Services Center
The Accessibility Services Center (ASC) collaborates with disabled students, administrators, faculty, and staff to ensure access to reasonable and appropriate disability accommodations.
ASC works with students, staff, and faculty to understand and rectify accessibility issues on campus. Additionally assisting various groups on campus with finding on-campus and off-campus support groups.
https://www.unomaha.edu/student-life/accessibility/index.php
Faculty Development Fellowship
Essential initiatives for the retention of culturally diverse faculty and staff are offered. These strategies are in place during three phases: the recruitment phase, the relocation phase, and the mentoring phase. The recruitment phase includes such things as targeting advertising at conferences, which will be well attended by culturally diverse faculty. The recruitment phase includes initiatives such as scheduling formal and informal events to welcome new faculty. The mentoring phase offers strategies such as reviewing the strategic plan with all new faculty members illustrating our emphasis and commitment to inclusive environments and connections to the community. https://www.unomaha.edu/academic-affairs/faculty-support/faculty-development-fellowship.php
UNO TANDEM Community
'Tandem' is partnering with another in an experience, which is what this program entails - Thoughtful Advice, Nurtured Diversity, and Engaged Mentorship. Building from the 2021-22 Strategic Initiative pilot, the optional program works to provide 2nd and 3rd-year full-time tenure-track and non-tenure-track faculty access to needed support. Intentionally matched mentor partners (based on social identities if interested). Participants receive customized mentorship training and a stipend ($500/mentors; $250 mentees).
https://www.unomaha.edu/faculty-support/_files/mentoring-overview1.pdf
Maverick Food Pantry
The Maverick Food Pantry is an on-campus resource available to students, faculty, and staff with food insecurity. The Maverick Food Pantry provides A selection of food, toiletries, and personal hygiene items available for currently enrolled students at UNO, UNMC, and CSM, Avenue Scholars students, and currently employed faculty and staff members at UNO to choose from by completing a request form.
https://www.unomaha.edu/maverick-food-pantry/
Employee and Dependent Scholarship Program
Resources to support students who are non-native English speakers
UNO Language Lab: The Language Lab is an academic and linguistic support service. Students can make an appointment where they will receive one-on-one support with:
Practicing academic discussions and informal conversations.
-Developing vocabulary and reading strategies.
-Improving listening and grammar skills.
UNO Speech Center: Speech Center consultants can provide an in-class workshop on presentations, reducing anxiety, or using PowerPoint. Faculty can also schedule a consultation to help craft assignments that provide clear expectations and assessment criteria. The Speech Center can support students by:
Helping them understand assignment expectations.
-Discuss differences in cultural norms related to student presentations.
-Assisting in planning and practicing the delivery of an oral presentation.
https://www.unomaha.edu/faculty-support/cfe-faculty-resources/non-native-english-speakers.pdf
UNO Collegiate Recovery Community
The UNO Collegiate Recovery Community (CRC) builds a common and safe space for students in or seeking recovery from addiction and recovery allies to gather, socialize, support one another, and achieve academic success. The Collegiate Recovery Community (CRC) propagates a culture of recovery support throughout the UNO campus and the greater Omaha community by making access to recovery and holistic wellness more readily available. All students are welcome in the CRC - those in recovery, those seeking more information about recovery, and those interested in recovery allyship. The CRC includes and engages students seeking to earn a college degree by offering a supportive system in a potentially high-risk setting In partnership with Housing and Residence Life, students living on-campus have the opportunity to participate in recovery-themed housing. Students living in recovery-themed housing will have direct access to the Collegiate Recovery Community (CRC) and share an apartment with other students in recovery, seeking recovery, or serving as recovery allies.
The CRC offers the following support to students living in recovery-themed housing at UNO:
- Four bedroom, two bathroom, living area, and full kitchen apartment in University Village
- Social support and community with other students living on campus who are in or seeking recovery
- On-campus recovery meetings
- On-campus and off-campus educational opportunities and events
- Leadership opportunities in the CRC student organization
- Referrals to specialized services such as counseling, coaching, and tutoring
https://www.unomaha.edu/student-life/wellness/recovery-community/about.php
UNO Paul Beck Memorial Scholarship
Undergraduate students, currently in their junior year or senior year, and all graduate students, who have one year of coursework are invited to apply for the Paul L. Beck Memorial Faculty/Staff Scholarship for the next academic year. The Faculty Senate of the University of Nebraska Omaha (UNO) has sponsored scholarships for students since 1970 when Paul L. Beck, a long-time member of the History Department, urged faculty and staff to go beyond the classroom to assist capable students in their educational pursuits at UNO. Selection is based primarily on a student’s financial need in addition to academic standing, service to the community and/or university, and letter of faculty support.
- Applicants must be enrolled full-time (12 credit hours) to receive the scholarship.
Applicants must be UNO students in good standing with a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or higher. - Applications must upload a one page letter describing their financial need and how this scholarship will help them further their educational needs. Applicants should explain the nature of their financial need.
https://unomaha.academicworks.com/opportunities/15129
Support for future academic staff
A brief description of the institution’s programs to support and prepare students from underrepresented groups for careers as faculty members:
Special Faculty Opportunity Program
For over 20 years, UNO has had a special faculty hiring program that recruits individuals from under-represented communities and sponsors them through their Ph.D. programs into a tenure-track faculty position at the university. We have successfully hired nearly forty faculty members through this sponsorship program and are committed to enrolling two new scholars per year across the university. It has been a great benefit to our faculty diversity. In some cases, these individuals were already pursuing graduate education, but in other cases we have tapped talented community members and encouraged them to pursue Ph.D.'s with institutional sponsorship. The program provides a lightened teaching load and tuition sponsorship, and then mentorship into a permanent tenure-track position. Departments that participate receive central administrative funding support.
UNO Skillbridge Opportunities
From advising to research, and from teaching to technology, UNO, much like the military, needs all kinds of skills and knowledge to operate. We recognize that in addition to technical skills and education, Veterans also have well-developed soft skills that align well with work in higher education. Skillbridge at UNO provides a pathway for Veterans into the various occupations available on our campus and in the NU System.
- Our goal is to help more Veterans transition into careers in higher education, the state of Nebraska, and the NU System.
- UNO's Skillbridge program supports Veterans seeking to gain experience in career fields of their choice in the higher education system or seeking to continue their formal education.
- During the internship, work experience, or through formal education, participants can expect their Skillbridge to provide skills that align with their civilian career of choice and networking opportunities internal and external to the University system.
There are three ways to Skillbridge at UNO. Most of our Veterans enter via an experience internship where they can learn more about the University, and the career opportunities available, and network to find an opportunity to suit them. Others apply directly into open positions and if hired, start via the Skillbridge program, eventually transitioning to paid employment. The final way is via formal education which leads to industry-recognized credentials required for the veteran career of choice.
https://www.unomaha.edu/military-and-veteran-services/community-partners/skillbridge.php
WiSTEM Student Organization
The purpose of this organization is to provide support and networking for underrepresented students in STEM at UNO.
The mission of WiSTEM (Women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) is to promote and maintain an inclusive environment that fosters the education and development of women in the STEM communities at the University of Nebraska Omaha.
WiSTEM encourages all women and men to explore how they may contribute and gain experience in STEM fields. The ultimate goal of this program is to promote gender equality as well as to retain underrepresented persons in STEM fields.
https://www.unomaha.edu/wistem-professional-development/wistem-student-org.php
Optional Fields
Does the institution offer housing options to accommodate the special needs of transgender and transitioning students?:
Website URL where information about the institution’s support for underrepresented groups is available:
Additional documentation to support the submission:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
"https://www.unomaha.edu/project-achieve/index.php https://www.unomaha.edu/office-of-equity-access-and-diversity/index.php
https://www.unomaha.edu/office-of-equity-access-and-diversity/title-ix-information/policy-and-procedures.php
https://www.unomaha.edu/office-of-equity-access-and-diversity/title-ix-information/resources.php
https://www.unomaha.edu/student-life/student-safety/help-myself/bias-hate-support.php
https://www.unomaha.edu/academic-affairs/faculty-support/diversity-inclusion-equity.php
https://www.unomaha.edu/student-life/housing-and-residential-life/prospective-students/inclusive-housing.php
https://www.unomaha.edu/student-life/inclusion/multicultural-affairs/index.php"
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.