Virginia Commonwealth University
PA-6: Support for Underrepresented Groups

https://equity.vcu.edu/discrimination/ Virginia Commonwealth University is committed to providing accessible and equitable living, learning and working environments free from discrimination and harassment [PDF] based on race, color, religion, national origin (including ethnicity), age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions), parenting status, marital status, political affiliation, veteran status, genetic information (including family medical history), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and disability. VCU also prohibits discrimination against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant.

Equity and Access Services at VCU accepts complaints of discrimination/harassment on the basis of age, race, color, national origin, gender, religion, sexual orientation, veteran’s status, political affiliation or disability and by those who believe that they have been subjected to sexual harassment. VCU uses EthicsPoint to provide an anonymous and confidential method for suggestions, concerns, or reports of potential misconduct to be submitted and processed by the Integrity and Compliance Office.

Teh VCU Office of Equity and Access Services coordinates equal employment opportunity and affirmative action compliance for VCU. They help address employment disparities and create an environment of trust for VCU employees. Their role includes creating an annual affirmative action plan, monitoring VCU’s affirmative action and equal employment opportunity compliance, and training employees about employment equity rights and responsibilities. Other organizations and programs that address the recruitment of students, staff, and/or faculty from underrepresented groups include... VCU Black Education Association (BEA) - BEA is a community of scholars at VCU committed to advancing institutional equity and diversity through education, research and administrative efforts. Specifically, the BEA seeks to maximize the scholarly contributions and professional experiences of Black faculty and administrators. VCU Division for Health Sciences Diversity - This division serves as a central resource for the development and implementation of diversity initiatives that support the mission of VCU’s health sciences schools. Institute for Inclusion, Inquiry and Innovation (iCubed) - This institute provides guidance and support to senior administrators, academic deans, department heads, and institute and center directors on the creative integration of multiple communities of knowledge to solve societally relevant challenges.

The VCU Office of Multicultural Student Affairs (OMSA) sponsors two mentoring programs designed to support the academic, professional and cultural needs of VCU’s freshmen and first year transfer students of color to increase retention and graduation rates. OMSA also offers students who need counseling, career and academic advising, and financial assistance direction to appropriate university services. The VCU Division for Inclusive Excellence provides resources, training, mentoring, and support for underrepresented groups, https://inclusive.vcu.edu/resources/ University Counseling Services provides support for all staff, faculty, and students. https://counseling.vcu.edu/services/ https://counseling.vcu.edu/professional-training/ https://provost.vcu.edu/faculty-affairs/faculty-resources/mentoring/ https://thewell.vcu.edu/

The Preparing Future Faculty Program at VCU offers a series of short courses and professional development opportunities for graduate students interested in pursuing careers in higher education. The series is modeled on the national Preparing Future Faculty Program created by the Association of American Colleges and Universities. It introduces graduate students to the roles and responsibilities of higher education and addresses teaching and learning issues in the college classroom.