Wake Forest University
PA-6: Support for Underrepresented Groups

The Office of Multicultural Affairs developed the Protégés Mentoring Program (PMP), a peer mentoring program that serves as a resource to students of color by assisting their academic and social transition into the Wake Forest University community. PMP helps students by providing a continuing orientation to the University and community life, as well as inspiring students through a variety of support mechanisms. PMP provides incoming students with an upper-class peer mentor who not only has a genuine concern for the new student, but is also trained to assist him or her in their transition to Wake Forest. New students have this guide to help them learn the ins and outs of Wake Forest, as well as get them actively involved in new and exciting opportunities around campus. The Office of Multicultural Affairs also coordinates M4 Initiative (Making Manhood Mean More) and the Latino Male Initiative to foster support for African American and Latino men, respectively, and the WE3 (Womens' Empowerment) initiative to support black and Latina women. The LGBTQ Center provides support and advocacy to Wake Forest University’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning students, faculty and staff, and education to the entire campus community about issues of gender identity and sexual orientation. Safe Zone training, the center's signature program, is an in-depth, interactive presentation designed to educate Wake Forest faculty, staff, and students about the LGBTQ community. Participants learn what it means to be an ally—a person who supports and stands up for the rights of LGBTQ people—as well as how to create a Safe Zone. The Women’s Center strives to create an educational and professional environment that supports women and promotes gender equity by fostering safe spaces to reflect on individual and collective experiences and identities, developing co-curricular programming around women’s and gender issues, supporting professional development, and identifying and advocating for policies to improve gender climate and inclusive practices at the institution. The center works with and advocates for students, faculty, and staff, and is open to all members of the campus community. Additionally, each graduate and professional school in the university has graduate student organizations designed to provide support to underrepresented students, and the student services offices in each graduate and professional school have staff designated specifically to address the needs of underrepresented students.

The University has developed a Bias Reporting System through which students, faculty, and staff may report bias or hate incidents. Those who have been the targets of, or who witness a hate orresponse bias incident may use this online form to make the University aware of these incidents. Wake Forest University encourages all faculty, staff, students, and volunteers, acting in good faith, to report suspected or actual wrongful conduct. The University is committed to protecting individuals from interference with making a good faith report and from retaliation for having made a good faith report or for having refused to engage or participate in wrongful conduct. All reports are reviewed by the Bias Incident Review Group led by the Dean of Students and the Assistant Provost for Diversity & Inclusion. Upon review of each report, the Review Group will: (a) ensure the report is properly routed for investigation and resolution in accordance with the applicable University policy, (b) assess avenues for minimizing or eliminating the possibility of future harm, (c) and support community healing and educational outreach. The Bias Review Group may appoint a Bias Incident Response Team (BIRT) to provide support to the individual(s) involved. The Review Group may also call upon the BIRT to explore avenues to minimize future harm. Individuals who submit a report and include contact information may be contacted to discuss the event in further detail. Other University offices such as University Police, the Office of Diversity & Inclusion, Student Services, and/or Human Resources, may be consulted to determine an appropriate response.

While a publicly accessible inventory of gender neutral bathrooms on campus is not available at this time, the President's Commission on LGBTQ Affairs has approved the designation of 45 current restrooms as gender neutral and is adding signage this summer. In addition, all new construction will contain gender neutral bathrooms. Information will be made available to the public as part of this initiative to support the LGBTQ community at Wake Forest.