University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh
PA-6: Support for Underrepresented Groups

The University of Wisconsin Oshkosh is committed to nondiscrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnic or national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, ancestry, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, martial or parental status, military status, veteran status, arrest or conviction record, or political affiliation in admissions, educational programs or activities and employment, including employment of disabled veterans and veterans of the Vietnam Era, as required by applicable laws and regulations. UW Oshkosh will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay or other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employers, or (c) consistent with UWO’s legal duty to furnish information. Inquires concerning Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, and the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act of 2008, may be directed to the Director of Equity and Affirmative Action. Director of Equity and Affirmative Action UW Oshkosh 800 Algoma Boulevard Oshkosh, WI 54901 (920) 424-0330 http://equity.uwosh.edu/notice-of-nondiscrimination/

It is the goal of the office to ensure that all members of the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh community are able to engage in academic pursuits, obtain and maintain employment, and utilize university services without experiencing discrimination based upon race, religion, creed, color, sex, gender identity/expression, ancestry, national origin, age, marital status, relationship to other employees, sexual orientation, disability, veteran’s status, membership in the National Guard, state defense force or any other reserve component of the military forces of the United States or this state, arrest or conviction record, political affiliation, or other protected status. In addition, the office is committed to act affirmatively to eliminate under utilization of and increase opportunities for women and members of racial and ethnic minorities that have traditionally experienced discrimination. The University is committed to conducting training and professional development programs to further efforts to promote the career advancement of women, minorities and disabled individuals. The University is committed to sponsorship of community outreach programs with the aim of increasing educational and employment opportunities for women, minorities and disabled individuals. The University ensures physical accessibility to work stations for disabled individuals. The University will provide reasonable accommodations for any person who submits a request to ensure equal access to employment. The University will provide reasonable accommodations for any person who submits a request relating to religious observances and practices. The University has established procedures for providing prompt and fair resolution of complaints alleging discrimination or harassment. These procedures are outlined in the University’s Affirmative Action Plan, which is included in employee handbooks, and copies of which are available, upon request, from the University’s Director of Equity & Affirmative Action. Complaints by employees within a bargaining unit alleging discrimination or harassment are to be presented as a complaint or grievance, as applicable, under the procedures that is specified in the appropriate union contract. The University will appoint a Director of Equity & Affirmative Action and continue to maintain and support an Office of Equity & Affirmative Action. The University Director of Equity & Affirmative Action will report directly to the Chancellor. The Director of Equity & Affirmative Action is responsible for monitoring and evaluating the implementation of the University’s Affirmative Action Plan. The Director of Equity & Affirmative Action shall also serve as a resource and support person to institutional groups that are concerned with Affirmative Action as it relates to all employees, including unclassified and classified. Annually, the Chancellor shall submit an Affirmative Action Plan outlining goals in compliance with the policies of the Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System.

TAP The Titan Advantage Program (TAP) is exclusively for students of color who faced significant academic challenges and needed developmental coursework to succeed at UW Oshkosh. The students of color recruited for TAP are also, predominantly first-generation college students and of low-socioeconomic status. In this way, the TAP was created to serve students with intersectional identities and, thus, address multiple dimensions of diversity. ​By focusing exclusively on students of color, TAP provides UW Oshkosh with an opportunity to increase enrollment of students of color. While the recruitment plan over the last two years of enrolling 25 students each year might seem inconsequential, in fact, increasing the current enrollment of students of color by 25 represents a 10% increase in the number of students of color per academic year. Typically, around 250 students of color enroll each year, except for fall 2012, when there was a 20% decrease in the number of students of color admitted to the University. In turn, TAP makes possible the increased academic success of students of color in their first year both through their preparation within the program and the provision of wrap-around services to students for two years following their participation in the program. Student Support Services TRIO Student Support Services (SSS), a federally funded TRIO program, assists students through intensive and intentional advising. TRIO SSS serves first-generation college students (neither parent has a four-year college degree) and/or students whose families have limited income and guides them through their college career. Weekly learning groups are conducted for first-year students. TRIO SSS students learn what questions to ask and how to successfully navigate University life with the help of their peers and professionals. Precollege Program UW Oshkosh provides a pipeline to college for first generation and underrepresented students through our Precollege Programs. The program offers summer residential programs in the following subject areas: science, technology, engineering, mathematics, teacher education, nursing, business, mass media, social justice, and college preparation. The PreCollege Programs at UW Oshkosh provides a variety of challenging experiences to increase awareness and appreciation for higher learning, build a foundation of better-prepared students and view college as an attainable goal. Our hope is that students who participate in the program will decide to attend UW Oshkosh

The Center for Academic Support and Diversity (http://www.uwosh.edu/acad-supp) assists the University in the recruitment, enrollment, retention and graduation of multicultural and disadvantaged students, through a variety of collaborative programs, services and outreach activities. Multicultural Retention Programs (http://www.uwosh.edu/acad-supp/MRP-index.php) provide academic and student support services to help increase the recruitment, matriculation, enrollment, retention, and graduation of multicultural and disadvantaged students. They provide a number of services and events and activities directly and/or through co-sponsorship or collaboration with other university departments. MRP counselors collaborate with the Multicultural Education Center (MEC; http://www.uwosh.edu/acad-supp/MEC-index.php) and serve as advisors to six student organizations (American Indian Student Association, Asian Student Association, Black Student Union, Hispanic Cultures United, Hmong Student Union, and the MEC Student Board) to develop cultural programs and activities to increase the level of understanding and appreciation for cultural diversity both on campus and in the community. The Women’s Center (http://www.uwosh.edu/womenscenter/) provides programs, resources and education about issues that affect women of the UW Oshkosh community, creates a welcoming place for women to connect and promotes an environment that values diversity. The center includes a computer lab, reading area, a patio and conference rooms. The LGBTQ Resource Center (http://www.uwosh.edu/lgbtqcenter/) offers a safe, supportive and welcoming environment with high-quality support services that contribute to the academic and personal growth of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning campus community and their allies. The Women and Science Program (http://www.uwosh.edu/wis/) promotes campus & classroom climates that attract and retain women and minority students.

The federally-funded Ronald E. McNair Post-baccalaureate Achievement Program (http://www.uwosh.edu/mcnairscholars) prepares 25 UW Oshkosh undergraduates annually for doctoral study by pairing them with faculty mentors who assist the students in designing, implementing, and completing a significant research project. The program seeks to increase the attainment of advanced degrees by students from first-generation, low-income, and underrepresented groups. Additional services and seminars are offered to students throughout their tenure with the McNair program. These include research methodology, writing and oral presentation skills, academic and career development, GRE application and preparation, and graduate school site visits. In the summer following their junior year, McNair Scholars participate in an eight week, research-intensive program that leads to presentation or publication. McNair Scholars also will have the opportunity to speak with UW Oshkosh alumni who are seeking advanced degrees. The Office of Grants and Faculty Development (http://www.uwosh.edu/grants) supports UW Oshkosh academic staff, as well as students, in their creative, scholarly and research endeavors. They assist academic staff in locating, proposing, submitting and administering extramural funding. Their grants can also support UW Oshkosh students through research symposia and collaborative research opportunities.

https://www.uwosh.edu/lgbtqcenter/resources/gender-neutral-and-family-restrooms