University of South Carolina
PA-6: Support for Underrepresented Groups

The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities on the basis of race, sex, gender, age, color, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, genetics, protected veteran status, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions. Source: http://www.sc.edu/policies/ppm/eop103.pdf

The Office of Undergraduate Admissions actively engages in diverse and inclusive undergraduate recruitment efforts through a variety of programs, initiatives, and special events throughout the year. An Associate Director, Assistant Director and a Coordinator plan and implement outreach and recruitment initiatives to recruit students from underrepresented groups. Programs include but are not limited to, targeted high school visits, college fairs, on- and off-campus events, campus tours, one-on-one counseling, current student engagement and a robust marketing and communication plan. With regard to faculty/staff hiring, HR informs the hiring official if the position they are filling is underutilized and if so, the department is encouraged to supplement recruiting efforts by the Division of HR by using on-line diversity publications or through other sourcing. The administrative areas designate an Affirmative Action Advocate for their department.

There are multiple programs at the University to support underrepresented student groups on campus. Most of these programs and services are managed by OMSA. These services contribute to the student development and diversity education for UofSC. Support programs include Multicultural Assistance Peer Program (MAPP), Black Men Initiatives, and Queer Connections first year experience contributes to a student’s sense of belonging and community at the university and impacts a student’s academic and matriculation success. MAPP boast a 4.5 year graduation rate for 90% of those that participate in the program. Through cultural programming and diversity education initiatives, the office promotes an inclusive environment while fostering an appreciation for each student’s individuality and knowledge of diversity and social justice issues. 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, Latin American Student Organization, Caribbean Student Organization, The Brothers of Nubian Descent, SAVVY, TRANS Student Alliance, Black Honors College, Students Invested in Change, Indian Cultural Exchange, and Individuals Respecting Identities and Sexualities (LGBTQ+ Student Org). There are several affinity groups that provide peer networking and support for underrepresented faculty and staff, including the Black Faculty Caucus, the Black Faculty and Staff Association, the Jewish Faculty and Staff Council, the Latino/a & Hispanic Faculty Caucus, and the Queer Faculty and Staff Caucus. Open to prospective and current doctoral and MFA students, the Grace Jordan McFadden Professors program prepares underrepresented minority students to become professors. The program was created in 1997 to address the underrepresentation of minorities in the professoriate. Originally focused on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), the program has since expanded to include other underrepresented scholars from across multiple disciplines including the arts, humanities, education, social sciences, library science and business. Scholars are provided $24,000 in additional funding over 4 years and receive training specifically designed to help them diversify the professoriate. Source: https://www.sc.edu/study/colleges_schools/graduate_school/opportunities_support/scholarly_initiatives/grace-jordan-mcfadden-professors-program/index.php

Open to prospective and current doctoral and MFA students, the Grace Jordan McFadden Professors program prepares underrepresented minority students to become professors. The program was created in 1997 to address the underrepresentation of minorities in the professoriate. Originally focused on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), the program has since expanded to include other underrepresented scholars from across multiple disciplines including the arts, humanities, education, social sciences, library science and business. Scholars are provided $24,000 in additional funding over 4 years and receive training specifically designed to help them diversify the professoriate. Source: https://www.sc.edu/study/colleges_schools/graduate_school/opportunities_support/scholarly_initiatives/grace-jordan-mcfadden-professors-program/index.php