University of South Dakota
PA-7: Support for Underrepresented Groups

In accordance with the South Dakota Board of Regents Policy 1:19, the institutions under the jurisdiction of the Board of Regents shall offer equal opportunities in employment and for access to and participation in educational, extension and other institutional services to all persons qualified by academic preparation, experience and ability for the various levels of employment or academic program or other institutional service, without discrimination based on sex, race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, gender, gender identification, transgender, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, genetic information or veteran status or any other status that may become protected under law against discrimination.

The Board reaffirms its commitment to the objectives of equal opportunity and non-discrimination in accordance with the state and federal law. Redress for alleged violations of those laws may be pursued at law or through the procedures established by the provisions of 1:18 of this policy.

https://www.usd.edu/About/Departments-Offices-and-Resources/Human-Resources/EOAA-Title-IX#:~:text=The%20University%20of%20South%20Dakota%20is%20committed%20to%20providing%20equal,%2C%20religion%2C%20age%20or%20disability.

The Title IX Coordinator, a part of the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX, is responsible for responding to any instances of discrimination, sexual assault, sexual harassment, interpersonal violence and stalking and providing supportive measures to involved parties.

Staff and students can report an incident to the Office of Equal Opportunity. After receiving the report, the Title IX Coordinator will follow up with the complainant and offer support. As needed, the Title IX Coordinator can assist the complainant with a range of resources, including academic, work, housing, and safety accommodations as well as guidance through the resolution process, be it legal or institutional. The complainant is assured of their confidentiality and that they are in charge of what happens with their situation.

If the reported incident does not meet the criteria for discrimination, the case is directed to Human Resources. If the case does meet the criteria for discrimination and a formal complaint is filed, an investigator will interview involved parties and report to the Title IX Coordinator for a final decision.

All hiring managers and search committee members are required to complete on-line training regarding the interviewing and selection of candidates, prior to the interview stage of the hiring process. The training is required during the initiation of the hiring process and/or prior to participating on the first search committee.

The admissions office offers a Native American Weekend Visit held in conjunction with the Building Bridges Conference and Tiospaye Student Council's annual traditional Wacipi. Native American Weekend Visit provides Native American high school students and their counselors the opportunity to experience the college setting while gaining an increased awareness about the importance of persistence in education.

The university publishes job postings on a diverse range of job boards, journals, and organizations to attract a wide variety of applicants from diverse backgrounds.

Spectrum: Gender and Sexuality Alliance is a campus student organization that promotes awareness and understanding of LGBTQ+ issues as well as provides a positive campus environment for LGBTQ+ students.

Various students on campus are related to different cultures. These include African Student Association, American Indian Science and Engineering Society, Asain American Student Association, International Club, Jewish Learning Club, Muslim Students' Association, Nepalese Student Association, Tiospaye Student Council, and the Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS).

The First Generation Student Organization provides social, educational, and enrichment opportunities for students who are the first in their families to go to college or anyone interested in supporting first-generation college students.

The Student Veterans Resource Center provides services to veterans, current military, and their families such as benefits, scholarships, free tutoring, counseling, library and research services, peer mentoring, and reintegration support.

TRiO Student Support Services offers supplemental programs to make students more confident in their studies and future. Services include individualized academic guidance, personalized financial, career and social support to ease transitions through college, free tutoring in a variety of courses, and career and postgraduate planning.