University of New Hampshire
PA-7: Support for Underrepresented Groups

Statement of Nondiscrimination
The University of New Hampshire seeks excellence through diversity among its administrators, faculty, staff and students. We are committed to enhancing and sustaining an educational community that is inclusive and equitable, and cherish these values as being inextricably linked to our core mission. We are a public institution with a long-standing commitment to equal employment and educational opportunity for all qualified persons. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status, or marital status. This applies to admission to, access to, treatment within, or employment in UNH programs or activities

UNH’s Bias Response Protocol provides an organized response to bias incidents (including hate crimes), and a mechanism to inform the person or group harmed and the community about the outcomes. Offices including the Affirmative Action and Equity, UNH Police, Community Standards, etc., are designated to receive reports, and respond to incidents and complaints of alleged discrimination and discriminatory harassment. See https://www.unh.edu/diversity-inclusion/sites/default/files/media/2023-04/bias-response-protocol-04-12-23.pdf

The Bias Response Protocol stipulates that the University’s response to bias incidents may include the following (and the University has employed all of these in different combinations in response to incidents over the past several years):

• Initiate an education campaign targeted to either a specific area, or the entire campus, that outlines what happened, why it is being investigated, how information about the incident can be reported and to whom.
• Provide support and information for the person or group harmed. Provide counseling and resources available on campus and in the community at large. Provide information about a safety plan, or programming on safety strategies.
• Reach out to the Deans and appropriate support staff to offer talking points for bringing up incidents that occur in academic buildings. Adapt talking points and share with other staff around campus.
• Provide classroom or group/individual based talking points for follow-up discussions.
• Conduct a threat assessment with UNH or Durham Police. Follow through with safety recommendations.
• Offer mediation through the Community Standards office.
• Establish direct contact with the person or group involved in the incident. This can happen with a member of the VPSAS staff, Associate Dean, Athletic staff, UNH Police, or other University office or authority, as appropriate.
• Write forum article or letter to The New Hampshire editor outlining the incident and campus/community response to it.
• Pursue disciplinary action or investigation by the Affirmative Action and Equity Office, the Director of Community Standards, or Human Resources.

The University Commission on Community, Equity and Diversity, with oversight from the Office of Community, Equity and Diversity, has also created a new Bias Action Response Team. This effort formalizes the informal Bias Review committee under this commission. The initiative which, in addition to evaluating bias incidents and working to bring transparency and awareness about bias back to the larger commission, is charged with creating and implementing new practices and policies that will proactively support movement toward an inclusive, diverse, equitable and just campus climate that is aligned with UNH values, and that is providing accountability to the university to ensure its mission is being met.

The Equity Specialist, who sits within the Civil Rights & Equity Office (CREO), role is tasked with:

1. Being available to community members impacted by incidents which may have been motivated by bias.
2. Being knowledgeable about campus and community resources (i.e. counseling, inclusive community groups, etc.), and encourage and support all community members who may to access those resources.
3. Ensuring that impacted community members remain informed throughout the reporting process, enhancing transparency and accountability on campus
4. Attending adjudication as a neutral third party if an incident is determined to be bias-motivated
5. Supporting parties (i.e. reporting, impacted, and responding) related to incidents occurring across all UNH campuses; Durham, Manchester, Law, and Online.

For more information see:

https://www.unh.edu/diversity-inclusion/sites/default/files/media/2022-10/ddei_annualreport_wbfy22.pdf (pg. 13)

https://www.unh.edu/diversity-inclusion/sites/default/files/media/2023-10/22_23_unh_ddei_ar_.pdf (pg. 15)

STUDENTS

Undergraduate Admissions: The University of New Hampshire Office of Admissions employs several staff members who focus on recruitment of underrepresented students. Two such roles include the Director of Admissions for Multicultural Recruitment and the corresponding Assistant Director for Multicultural Recruitment.  One of the most recent initiatives designed to recruit students from underrepresented backgrounds is the UNH Diversity Ambassador Coordinator program. The Diversity Ambassador program, which began in 2022, centers a cohort comprised of undergraduate student representatives from each of the Durham campus’s five undergraduate degree granting colleges; Business & Economics (Paul College), Engineering & Physical Sciences (CEPS), Health & Human Services (CHHS), Liberal Arts (COLA), and Life Sciences & Agriculture (COLSA). These student ambassadors work with professional Admissions staff to provide outreach and support to prospective first-generation college students, students of color, students with high financial need, and students of other historically underrepresented backgrounds.

For more information about UNH’s DEIA Undergraduate Admissions initiatives, please contact the Director, or Assistant Director, of Multicultural Recruitment.

McNair Program: Congress established the Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program in 1986 to honor the memory of the Challenger astronaut and noted laser physicist. This graduate school preparation program is part of the federal TRIO programs and is administered nationally by the U.S. Department of Education (USED). The USED provides monies to selected institutions through competitive grants as part of its efforts to increase the number of individuals from underrepresented groups (low-income, first-generation, and/or racial minority) who are interested in pursuing and obtaining doctoral degrees and careers in academia.

The McNair Program at the University of New Hampshire aims to promote and nurture the next generation of faculty, researchers, and scholars by providing academic and social support services in the form of academic year internships and summer research fellowships. The university has been home to the McNair Scholars Program since 1991. The program’s academic internships and summer fellowships are awarded annually, on a competitive basis, to eligible undergraduates. 

Upward Bound: The University of New Hampshire Upward Bound program is one of over 700 Upward Bound programs nationwide that help eligible high school students achieve their dreams of going on to and being successful in higher education. The students that Upward Bound serves must come from low-income families (with incomes at or below 150% of poverty) and/or are first generation potential college students (neither parent/guardian has earned a bachelor's degree).

The University of New Hampshire has successfully sponsored an Upward Bound project since 1966. A federal TRIO program, UNH Upward Bound is 100% funded by the US Department of Education through a competitive grant competition every four years. As one of only two Upward Bound projects in New Hampshire, UNH Upward Bound serves 91 students in six high schools located in southern and eastern New Hampshire.

The purpose of Upward Bound (UB) is to provide its high school students with the skills and motivation to succeed in and graduate from a college or university of their choice. To that end, UB has both summer and academic year components. 

Educational Talent Search: The University of New Hampshire Educational Talent Search (ETS) program is one of 500 ETS programs nationwide. These programs, which are under the federal TRIO umbrella, help identify eligible middle school students who receive academic support throughout high school. The goal of the program is to assist limited-income students and those who would become first-generation college students. ETS has been available through UNH since 1969. 

UNH 4-U: UNH-4U is part of the federal model demonstration program. Transition and Post-sencondary Programs for Students with INtellectual Disability or TPSID. The UNH Institue on Disability (IOD) NH Vocational Rehab, NH Charitable Foundation and others partnered ont his initative, which is aprt of a network of national inclusive post-secondary programs across the country. Particpant s receive acadmeic and social support while living in campus housing during this 2-year skill building program.

FACULTY

Designed by the UNH ADVANCE GEAR UP (Gender Equity and Recruitment of Underrepresented People) Committee, the Include U (formerly GEAR UP) Faculty Search Committee Training Program provides skills and knowledge to maintain consistent, effective, and unbiased searches, including candidate selection guidance for UNH to attract and retain the best and most representative faculty possible.

The Postdoctoral Diversity Innovation Scholars program is intended to open a pathway to tenure-track faculty positions for talented diverse scholars do research and teach at UNH. It serves as a diversity pipeline program to the professoriate.

The Associate Vice President for Community, Equity, and Diversity in conjunction with the Provost has developed a Diverse Faculty Hiring Procedure with the goal of increasing diversity in faculty pools and ultimately increasing the percentage of diverse faculty hires. This includes general training and new policies, as well as an Opportunity Hire program.

STAFF
As indicated above, the Associate Vice President for Community, Equity, and Diversity is utilizing the Diverse Faculty Hiring Procedure to develop and benchmark methods for diversifying applicant pools and encourage and support diverse staff recruiting as well.

STUDENTS
Connect Pre-Orientation Program for Students of Color: Established in 1993, the program brings together new first-year and transfer students on campus a week before fall orientation. During that week, students meet with faculty and staff and with the help of student Connect mentors become acquainted with the campus and other students of color. The Re-connect Program continues those activities throughout the academic year, providing students with academic and personal support. Upper class Connect students are encouraged to participate in the Diversity Network Program, where they receive mentoring to support them as they identify post-graduation opportunities whether employment, graduate school or professional education.

The TRIO Scholars Student Support Services (SSS) Program is designed to support students throughout their transition to college and once they matriculate into UNH. SSS serves first-generation college students, low-to-modest income students, and students with a disability. Some of the services available to eligible students include career planning, financial planning, tutoring, and graduate school search support.

The Center for Academic Resources (C-FAR) offers a wide range of academic support services. Services are available to all undergraduate students enrolled in at least one course at UNH. The Center also assists faculty and staff in improving the academic skills of undergraduate students. CFAR offers students: peer support for academic and personal concerns, ongoing and individualized learning skills instruction in time management, note-taking, and test-taking, weekly peer-led study groups for select highly-enrolled courses, and much more.

The Aulbani J. Beauregard Center for Equity, Justice and Freedom: The Beauregard Center’s mission is to create opportunities for people to participate in an inclusive community and to explore and understand diversity, injustice and equity. The Center is grounded in understanding diversity, that is includes people of all abilities, ages and ethnicities, genders, nationalities, races, religions/spiritual traditions, socioeconomic classes and sexual orientations. One of The Beauregard Center’s primary goals and the heart of their work is to provide support and development for African American/Black, Latina/o, Native American and Asian/Pacific Islanders, as well as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning students. The ability to contain and develop an office like this Center at UNH provides prospective students and new students with the knowledge that they will have continual support from an on-campus and student-oriented program. Encouraging programs like OMSA help to attract a more diverse campus population. In 2023, the Beauregard Center reimagined its graduation celebration. In addition to the traditional kente cloth stole recognition, a Lavendar stole and a first-generation college student medallion were added.

Safe Zones Program: This program offers training for students, faculty, and staff. This is an educational program to raise awareness of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgendered, Queer, Questioning, Allied issues and contribute to a campus climate of inclusion. 

Northeast Passage: Northeast Passage (NEP) is a service/research program of UNH's Recreation Management & Policy Department and an Affiliate of Disabled Sports, USA. NEP works to create an environment where individuals with disabilities can experience life and recreation with as much freedom of choice and independence as their non-disabled peers. Nationally recognized as a leader in innovative recreation programs for person with disabilities, NEP provides our students with a broad array of excellent practical learning experiences.

Pride and Pancake Breakfast: This breakfast program showcases the mission of the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgender community at UNH. The breakfast features the recognition of individuals who have worked to build a safe and welcoming UNH campus. Kidder Awards were given to those who served as role models in contributing to a campus climate of equity and inclusiveness. The breakfast is an important program that helps to recognize the efforts in fostering understanding and advancing opportunities for those whose sexual orientation, gender identity or expression differ from the majority in our culture. The program is an important aspect of introducing and inviting new and prospective students to the GLBT life on the UNH campus.

Career and Professional Success (CaPS): Employers partnering with UNH can apply to become a Diversity & Inclusion Employer Champion. This program is designed to assist UNH students in finding internship and employment opportunities at organizations that value diversity, equity and inclusion. Employers who meet the criteria receive various recognitions including the addition of a signifier on their Handshake (UNH career services internship/job portal) which will help students to identify DEI as one of their primary organizational values.

Psychological and Counseling Services (PACS): provides counseling and support groups for underrepresented students, non-traditional students, LGBTQ students, etc.

Health & Wellness (formerly Health Services): UNH Durham’s medical center is committed to providing gender affirming services for members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Housing: UNH’s residential campus in Durham has numerous gender inclusive housing options, including the ability for students to provide gender identity information within their roommate matching profile. 

Student Accessibility Services: Student Accessibility Services (SAS) is committed to assuring that students with disabilities receive equitable, effective, and meaningful access to all campus programs, resources, and services. SAS is responsible for ensuring academic and housing accommodations. We recognize the diversity of abilities as a source of excellence, enrichment, and strength for all members of the university community. SAS facilitates and supports student growth and development toward empowerment, self-advocacy, and personal responsibility. These skills enable students to make informed decisions towards meeting or exceeding the standards/expectations both at UNH and beyond. Additionally, we are a source of information and referral, a resource and collaborative partner for the campus community, and a point of support and advocacy regarding access issues in general. In 2024, reiterating that accessibility is a community effort, SAS launched the Accessible UNH website. The goal of the site is highlighting and streamlining accessibility resources at UNH. See also https://www.unh.edu/diversity-inclusion/accessible

Discovery Program: Interdisciplinary course offerings at core curricular level to build transferable skills for student success in a lifetime of learning and creative endeavors as globally focused, socially responsible citizens in the world.

Kidder Lecture: The Kidder Lecture features a lecture/performance which brings an academic focus from the perspective of a person who identifies and/or is advancing the work of the LGBTQIA community. The program takes shape at a podium, forum, roundtable and/or classroom. The purpose of the Kidder Fund is to sponsor and encourage educational efforts that will enhance understanding of and advance opportunities for those whose sexual orientation and/or gender identity differs from the majority in our culture, to foster AIDS awareness, and to demonstrate the constructive contributions this important segment of our society is making.

FACULTY
Through the Office of the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, the Faculty Development Program supports UNH faculty and academic administrators in their ongoing quest for excellence in teaching, research, outreach, and leadership. To accomplish this goal, a broad range of seminars, programs, services, and resources are offered in two programmatic areas:

Faculty Mentoring Program focuses on the needs of pre-tenured and junior faculty
Professional development for Academic Leaders Program targets senior faculty and department chairs for leadership skill enhancement. The Faculty Mentoring Program (FMP) is designed to assist junior faculty in their academic career development through the guidance and support of experienced University faculty members who serve as role models, advisors and mentors. Interactive group mentoring sessions provide opportunities for pre-tenured faculty to dialogue with senior faculty, administrators, and peers about issues, to exchange ideas, pose questions, and to address concerns about navigating the promotion and tenure process at UNH, as well as, discuss challenges faced by faculty from under-represented groups.

Designed by the UNH ADVANCE GEAR UP (Gender Equity and Recruitment of Underrepresented People) Committee, the GEAR UP Faculty Search Committee Training Program provides skills and knowledge to maintain consistent, effective, and unbiased recruitment policies and procedures for UNH to attract and retain the best and most representative faculty possible.

The Professional Development for Academic Leaders Program (PDALP) is a comprehensive program that will offer knowledge-based, skill-enhancing and leadership development seminars to department chairs and senior faculty who mentor, supervise, and evaluate other faculty. The seminars and programs are designed to promote ongoing communication among academic administrators, provide leadership development opportunities, and support campus leaders (deans, chairs, and directors) in their efforts to foster academic excellence and organizational change in their units.

Inclusion Council: The Inclusion Council is comprised of the chairs of Diversity and Inclusion Committees (Equity Advocates) already or recently forged in colleges, Student Affairs and units. The Council works on relevant unit-based inclusivity by exchanging information, discussing obstacles, resources, activities, best practices and creative ideas about inclusive pedagogy, recruiting, retention, and programming.

STAFF
University Commission on Community, Equity and Diversity (UCCED)
The purpose of UCCED is to provide university-wide leadership in support of institutional diversity and a welcoming, inclusive campus. To recognize diversity as a source of excellence, enrichment, and strength for all members of the university community. The Commission’s efforts are to create a welcoming and inclusive campus grounded in mutual respect, nurtured by dialogue, and evidenced by a pattern of civil interaction.

The Commission is formed around a common bond and a commitment to the advancement of historically marginalized/underrepresented groups, challenging stereotypes, eradicating systemic inequalities and oppression, and creating a campus climate of respect for all students, staff and faculty.

McNair Scholars Program: The mission of the McNair Scholars Program is to prepare talented, highly motivated UNH undergraduates for entrance to PhD programs in all fields of study. The program aims to promote and nurture the next generation of faculty, researchers, and scholars by providing academic and social support services in the form of academic year internships and summer research fellowships.

See also: Scholarships for Underrepresented Students: https://www.unh.edu/diversity-inclusion/community-equity-diversity/about/funding-opportunities

Campus Pride Index Rating: https://www.campusprideindex.org/campuses/details/1351?campus=university-of-new-hampshire-main-campus