University of South Carolina
PAE-8: Support Programs for Under-Represented Groups

There are multiple programs at the University to support under-represented student groups on campus. Most of these programs and services are managed by the Office of Multicultural Students Affairs. These cultural support services contribute to the holistic student development and diversity education for the University of South Carolina. Through cultural programming and diversity education initiatives, the office promotes an inclusive environment while fostering an appreciation for each student’s individuality. The office staff members serve as advisers to several support groups. These organizations are housed in the department and include the Association of African American Students, National Association for Advancement of Colored People, Students Association for Latin America, The Chosen Gospel Ensemble, The Brothers of Nubian Descent, SAVVY, Minority Assistance Peer Program, EMPOWER, Venture Scholars Program, the African American Male Institute, TRIO, Chic Naissance, and the Bisexual, Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Alliance.

The Office of Equal Opportunity Programs and the Office of the Provost both manage programs that help address issues faced by under-represented groups within the faculty at the University of South Carolina.The Office of Equal Opportunity Programs is mandated by the president of the University to develop EEO grievance/complaint processing procedures to ensure that applicants for employment, employees, prospective students, and enrolled students at the University of South Carolina are provided equal opportunity and equal access and are protected against illegal discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, and veteran status. These complaint processing procedures are made available to all faculty, staff, students, prospective students, and the general public online at the Office of Equal Opportunity Programs Web site. Persons who feel that they have been subjected to illegal discrimination or denied equal opportunity in employment or regarding any program, services, or service offered by the University are encouraged to consult the Office of Equal Opportunity Programs. The Office of the Provost manages the University Ombudsman, which manages a Faculty Grievance Committee. This committee considers individual grievances, including grievances regarding salary matters, brought before it by members of the faculty. When a grievance is determined to be well-founded, the committee attempts to resolve the matter through mediation or other appropriate action. This committee consists of nine elected members for staggered three-year terms and one ex-officio member from the Faculty Salary Equity Oversight Committee appointed by the provost.

The Office of Equal Opportunity Programs manages several programs and services to assist under-represented groups within University staff. As mentioned above, there is an established procedure to report grievance and complaint. There are also training and development workshops offered to help develop a culture of acceptance in the workplace. "Diversity in the Workplace” is designed to enhance employees’ understanding and development of cultural competence, the classes are offered each semester. In addition, the staff from the Office of Equal Opportunity Programs presents workshops for individual departments and offices on request and, based upon need, diversity training and development for faculty, staff, and students.