University of Pennsylvania
PA-7: Support for Underrepresented Groups

University of Pennsylvania Nondiscrimination Statement
The University of Pennsylvania values diversity and seeks talented students, faculty and staff with diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. The University of Pennsylvania does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected class status in the administration of its admissions, financial aid, educational or athletic programs, or other University-administered programs or in its employment practices. Questions or complaints regarding this policy should be directed to the Executive Director of the Office of Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Programs, Franklin Building, 3451 Walnut Street, Suite 421, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6106; or (215) 898-6993.

Policies, Handbooks & Procedures: https://oaaeop.upenn.edu/resources/policies-handbooks-procedures 

The University has a number of processes in places to respond to complaints of bias and discrimination. Issues can be raised anonymously or my making a complaint that is investigated by the appropriate fact-finding body. The Division of the Vice Provost for University Life coordinates a group of campus leaders who convene to respond to issues of bias raised regarding undergraduate or graduate students via a case conference process. The relevant Associate Vice Provost (Access and Equity, Student Life, etc.) convenes those meetings as needed. 

The University has also developed a Bias Reporting Form to allow reports of issues and concerns to be made centrally as a supplement to resources available within Schools and administrative units. In addition, complaints and concerns have be submitted anonymously regarding alleged sexual misconduct or general University Policy violations. The University also has confidential resources, including the Office of the Ombuds, Penn Women’s Center, African-American Resource Center, LGBT Center, and the Employee Assistance Program that can provide support and assistance and aid members of the community in making complaints or having their concerns addressed. In addition, they assist in identifying systemic issues and concerns related to bias and discrimination.

The Office of the Associate Vice President and Title IX Officer educates the community on issues related to sexual misconduct and other aspects of Title IX. The Office also convenes a group of campus colleagues to discuss opportunities to prevent and respond to issues of sexual misconduct and to promote healthy relationships.

The University recognizes the right of members of the community to raise questions and pursue complaints of discrimination and adheres to a strict policy that prohibits retaliation for doing so. Questions, complaints of alleged discrimination, or concerns regarding these policies or their implementation may be directed to the Executive Director, Office of Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Programs. The Office also convenes a network of staff affirmative action compliance officers who assist in issue identification and problem-solving.

In addition, there is the University Task Force on Antisemitism. This task force authored Penn’s Action Plan to Combat Antisemitism.

The procedure and steps from filing a complaint to resolution are outlined here: https://oaaeop.upenn.edu/resources/complaint-resolution.

Penn’s strategic vision, The Penn Compact 2022 has three pillars inclusion, innovation and impact . The Penn Compact 2022’s its first pillar, inclusion, has outlines the University’s aspirations and sets forth a number of specific objectives to improve diversity and equity for all members of the Penn community. In support of the Penn Compact 2022, the University’s Schools and Centers have developed numerous initiatives and programs to promote equity and diversity among students, staff, and faculty.

The Admissions Office participates in QuestBridge and has a PennKIPP program to aid in its efforts to recruit a diverse student body. Information for prospective students of color, international, first-generation, low-income, DACA and other populations are readily available on the Office’s website (https://admissions.upenn.edu/node/10). 

Penn also has a number of initiatives to help recruit academic staff from underrepresented groups. The Leadership Academy, a new initiative of Women of Color at Penn, is a leadership development program for women of color who wish to understand, navigate, and develop skills essential for a successful career in higher education. Penn also runs the West Philadelphia Skills Initiative to develop local talent. A great example of this is how Penn Medicine hired 50 Laboratory Assistants for COVID-19 Testing Efforts through this initiative. Penn also has an economic inclusion initiative that sets “targets” participation in construction contracts for West Philadelphia residents, women and people of color on procurement and construction projects with an independent monitor organization that monitors (UAC) Penn’s progress. Penn Libraries run a program called Group on Library Diversity (GOLD). GOLD provides training and informational programs, assists with the recruitment process, and serves as a resource for raising awareness about diversity. Mission and Responsibilities: GOLD works with staff, Administrative Council, and the Libraries Human Resources Office to promote and support a diverse workforce within the Libraries.

The Weingarten Center includes the Office of Student Disabilities Services that provides reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities. The Center also sponsors an annual conference with attendees from around the region who network and learn together how best to support students, faculty and staff with disabilities.

In 2017, the University launched a program for First Generation and Low Income (FGLI) Students to support these underrepresented groups while at Penn and to recruit FGLI students to Penn.

The Mayor’s Scholars program, which dates back to 1910, supports Penn students who graduate from high school in Philadelphia or one of the surrounding counties and have demonstrated financial need. 

The University also has Upward Bound programs that help prepare students for college including a Veterans Upward Bound Program to prepare veterans for college, some of whom articulate at Penn. The University also participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program to provide financial aid and other supports to veterans to assist them with their studies at Penn.