University of Texas at Austin
PA-7: Support for Underrepresented Groups
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
3.00 / 3.00 |
Jim
Walker Director of Sustainability, Financial, and Administrative Services University Operations |
Non-discrimination statement
The non-discrimination statement, including the website URL where the policy is publicly accessible:
Reporting for this credit reflects the current state of activities as of summer 2024. See note in PRE-1 regarding impact of Texas Senate Bill 17 on our STARS submittal.
UT Austin Handbook of Operating Procedures 3-3020: Nondiscrimination Policy
The University of Texas at Austin (University) is committed to providing an educational and working environment for students, faculty, and staff that is free from discrimination based on race, color, sex, pregnancy, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, gender expression, religion, age, national origin, ethnicity, veteran status, disability, genetic information, military status, or any other legally protected basis. This Policy prohibits such conduct.
This Policy applies to all University faculty, staff, employees, students, student organizations, visitors, contractors, university affiliates, and applicants for admission to or employment with the University and others conducting business on campus.
Bias response team
A brief description of the institution’s discrimination response protocol or team:
Reporting for this credit reflects the current state of activities as of summer 2024. See note in PRE-1 regarding impact of Texas Senate Bill 17 on our STARS submittal.
The University of Texas at Austin is committed to advancing a fair and just campus culture. As part of that commitment, the University created the Department of Investigation and Adjudication (DIA) to investigate allegations of discrimination, harassment, and other prohibited conduct. These claims can involve students, faculty, staff, contractors, applicants, visitors, and other members of the University community. As a neutral investigator, DIA supports the University in fostering a campus environment that is respectful, and free from discrimination and harassment.
To support the University’s compliance with applicable laws and policies and promote equal opportunity within the workplace and academic environment by providing a centralized, impartial process to:
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INVESTIGATE — thoroughly and with integrity — claims of discrimination or harassment based on protected categories such as race or gender, and complaints alleging unwelcome sexual conduct, retaliation, or other prohibited conduct; and
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ADJUDICATE — through fair and efficient live hearings — allegations of sexual assault, interpersonal violence, stalking, and sexual harassment.
Recruitment programs
Does the institution have programs specifically designed to recruit academic staff from underrepresented groups?:
Does the institution have programs designed specifically to recruit non-academic staff from underrepresented groups?:
If yes to any of the above, provide:
Reporting for this credit reflects the current state of activities as of summer 2024. See note in PRE-1 regarding impact of Texas Senate Bill 17 on our STARS submittal.
STUDENTS
Diverse student recruitment happens on a number of levels as most colleges, schools and departments have student diversity initiatives in addition to those through the Office of Admissions that are focused on First-Generation college students.
FACULTY
UT Austin fosters an environment of inclusive excellence in education, research, and public service that supports individuals with different perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences.
The University of Texas at Austin is an institutional member of the NCFDD. The NCFDD is a nationally-recognized independent organization dedicated to supporting faculty, post-docs, and graduate students in making successful transitions throughout their careers. NCFDD provides online career development, training, and mentoring resources.
NON-ACADEMIC STAFF
Pursuant to Chapter 657 of the Texas Government Code, The University of Texas at Austin is proud to provide preference in employment to:
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veterans, including veterans with disabilities;
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veterans’ surviving spouses who have not remarried; and
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orphans of veterans who were killed on active-duty Individuals who qualify for veteran’s employment preference are entitled to a preference in employment with or appointment to the University over other applicants for the same positions who do not have greater qualifications.
Mentoring, counseling and support programs
Does the institution have mentoring, counseling, peer support or other programs designed specifically to support academic staff from underrepresented groups on campus?:
Does the institution have mentoring, counseling, peer support or other programs to support non-academic staff from underrepresented groups on campus?:
A brief description of the institution’s programs designed specifically to support students, academic staff, and/or non-academic staff from underrepresented groups:
Reporting for this credit reflects the current state of activities as of summer 2024. See note in PRE-1 regarding impact of Texas Senate Bill 17 on our STARS submittal.
All programs designed specifically to support students from underrepresented groups on campus have been discontinued as of Jan 1, 2024.
Resources for first-gen students is handled through the First-Gen Longhorns program.
Counseling for academic and non-academic staff is offered through the Employee Assistance Program and the Faculty and Staff Ombudsman Office.
Support for future academic staff
A brief description of the institution’s programs to support and prepare students from underrepresented groups for careers as faculty members:
Reporting for this credit reflects the current state of activities as of summer 2024. See note in PRE-1 regarding impact of Texas Senate Bill 17 on our STARS submittal.
The UT Austin Graduate School supports several programs.
These programs include the national McNair Scholars Program, which provides opportunities for undergraduates to be mentored by faculty and graduate students to help them prepare for graduate or professional school. The thematic graduate student initiative, McNair Scholars and Intellectual Entrepreneurship provides research opportunities, opportunities to attend academic conferences and opportunities to teach.
Optional Fields
Does the institution offer housing options to accommodate the special needs of transgender and transitioning students?:
Website URL where information about the institution’s support for underrepresented groups is available:
Additional documentation to support the submission:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
Reporting for this credit reflects the current state of activities as of summer 2024. See note in PRE-1 regarding impact of Texas Senate Bill 17 on our STARS submittal.
Many of the programs mentioned in previous UT Austin STARS reports and their connecting websites were managed by the Division of Diversity and Community Engagement which has been discontinued.
https://trecs.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=2a7a8b7c8a9d4072bfbce694976b7dff
The information presented here is self-reported. While AASHE staff review portions of all STARS reports and institutions are welcome to seek additional forms of review, the data in STARS reports are not verified by AASHE. If you believe any of this information is erroneous or inconsistent with credit criteria, please review the process for inquiring about the information reported by an institution or simply email your inquiry to stars@aashe.org.