University of Nebraska - Lincoln
PA-6: Support for Underrepresented Groups

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. https://www.unl.edu/equity/notice-nondiscrimination

The Office of Institutional and Equity Compliance: The office investigates allegations of illegal discrimination and harassment. The process involves a neutral assessment of the underlying actions followed by a fair assessment of the situation with suggestions and recommendations for a resolution of the conflict. The focus of these internal investigations is to help facilitate an outcome that will enable individuals to experience an environment where they have an opportunity for success. Institutional Equity and Compliance provides key leadership to the campus community in the development of an inclusive and supportive campus climate. Equity and Compliance serves as the civil rights office of the campus and reports directly to the Chancellor and the head of the office is a member of the Chancellor's Administrative Team, actively participating in the governance of the institution.

Diversity Leadership Symposia: Nebraska's Diversity Leadership Symposia are special events for high school students designed to celebrate and promote leadership in diverse communities. Students who are nominated to attend are eligible for the $2,000 Emerging Leaders scholarship. There are different symposiums for first-generation students, Black leadership, Native American leadership, and Latino leadership. Jackie Gaughan Multicultural Center: The Gaughan Multicultural Center continues the tradition of past UNL Culture Centers, providing a home away from home for underrepresented students, while welcoming all UNL students, faculty, staff, alumni and guests. The Multicultural Center is a stated priority of the Chancellor and an important step in securing and expanding the progress the University of Nebraska-Lincoln has made in our diversity efforts as a campus. This center provides multiple study and lounge spaces as well as student organization offices, meeting and conference rooms, a music room, a kitchen and a computer lab. Diversity Scholarships: UNL has a long list of diversity scholarships aimed at recruiting underrepresented groups. You can find this scholarship list here: https://admissions.unl.edu/cost/#scholarships/D Multicultural Young Professionals Network (MYPN): This group seeks to advocate for an inclusive campus and foster personal and professional growth for its members. Group members are entry- to mid-level staff and faculty at Nebraska. Committee for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Concerns: A dedicated group of faculty and staff members who come together to ensure a university environment that empowers lesbian, gay, bi-/pan-sexual, trans*, queer, asexual, and allied (LGBTQA+) people. There are a large number of student organizations targeting underrepresented populations. Some examples are: Afrikan people's Union, Mexican American Student Association, Spectrum-LGBTQ Allies, Hillel at Nebraska, Vietnamese Student Association, University of Nebraska Inter-Tribal Exchange, and more. https://admissions.unl.edu/specialized-information/diversity/

The following programs are offered for students: OASIS The Office of Academic Support and Intercultural Services is a retention department designed to support all NEBRASKA students, but has a special emphasis on students of color. Housed in the Jackie Gaughan Multicultural Center (opened Spring 2010), staff works with students to create a familiar and comfortable environment to help students finish through to graduation. NU Connections, Study Skills Workshops, academic success labs, and a variety of social events are coordinated through this office http://www.unl.edu/oasis/ NU CONNECTIONS NU Connections is a mentoring program that provides first-year and second-year undergraduate students with a support system consisting of: Academic Resources, Peer Mentors, lunches with faculty/staff, and regular meetings with OASIS Program Coordinators. Students awarded the Nebraska Achievement, Davis/Chambers, SIPS, or Heritage Scholarships are required to participate in this program http://www.unl.edu/oasis/program/nu_home.shtml Student Support Services: Student Support Services is committed to making higher education available to college students with academic need, who are low-income, first generation (neither parent has a bachelor's degree), and/or students with physical disabilities. SSS offers a broad range of opportunities and services to promote the academic success of eligible college students. Studies have found that students who receive comprehensive services from SSS programs are more than twice as likely to stay in school. http://www.unl.edu/trio/ The following programs are open to all members of the university community (faculty, staff, and students): LGBTQ Resource Center The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, Asexual/Aromantic and Ally/Advocate (LGBTQA+) Resource Center advances the mission of UNL by working collaboratively to provide education, resources, outreach and advocacy to help build and sustain a socially just campus community that is welcoming and inclusive of all people of all sexual orientations, gender identities and expression. http://involved.unl.edu/lgbtqa/ UNL Women's Center The Women's Center provides an extensive resource library, a meeting room for discussion groups, a welcoming space for conversations, counseling, studying, or just relaxing. The following program is exclusively for Faculty and Staff: Employee Assistance Program The University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Employee Assistance Program is a confidential service offered to UNL employees and their immediate family members at no charge. Consultation and counseling are available to help faculty and staff with personal or work related problems that can affect general well being, work performance, or academic performance (https://hr.unl.edu/eap/).

UNL has a wide Variety of Programs to help encourage Future Faculty Diversity: McNair Scholars Program: The Ronald E. McNair Program is administered through the Office of Graduate Studies and is funded by a U.S. Department of Education grant, with additional UNL in-kind support. Its aim is to increase numbers of underrepresented students in doctoral programs. UNL's McNair Scholars Program prepares selected undergraduates for graduate study by providing opportunities to define goals, engage in research, and develop the skills and student/faculty mentor relationships critical to success at the doctoral level. W.H. Thompson Learning Community: Recipients of the Susan T. Buffett Scholarship who choose to attend UNL automatically become members of the William H. Thompson Scholars Learning Community. Its goal is to foster the potential and build on the achievements of student members by supporting their academic, personal, and social development through a variety of opportunities, programming, and classroom experiences. http://diversity.unl.edu/access-and-opportunity-programs The OASIS Leadership Program: Diversity and Activism in Action: The OASIS Leadership Program is a year-long commitment for students interested in creating change on campus and in Lincoln while learning about the histories and current events of the numerous communities of color in the United States. Participants will examine these communities as well as various leadership models in order to instigate change and become activists. Participants will also learn about the history of UNL affinity groups and culture centers, social justice, and the social change model. Students in the OASIS Leadership Program will be expected to attend events focused on diversity and regular meetings with their peers in the program. http://www.unl.edu/oasis/oasis-leadership-program

Here is the website with resources for transgender and transitioning students (including information about gender-neurtral bathrooms and housing options): https://involved.unl.edu/trans-guide-0