Overall Rating Silver - expired
Overall Score 49.94
Liaison Jane Stewart
Submission Date March 3, 2017
Executive Letter Download

STARS v2.1

Washington and Lee University
PA-6: Support for Underrepresented Groups

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 1.33 / 3.00 Elizabeth Knapp
Associate Provost
Provost
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

Does the institution have a publicly posted non-discrimination statement? :
Yes

The non-discrimination statement, including the website URL where the policy is publicly accessible:

https://www.wlu.edu/general-counsel/code-of-policies/discrimination-harassment-and-retaliation/non-discrimination-equal-employment-opportunity-statement

In compliance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and all other applicable non-discrimination laws, Washington and Lee University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran's status, or genetic information in its educational programs and activities, admissions, and with regard to employment.


Does the institution have a discrimination response protocol or committee (sometimes called a bias response team) to respond to and support those who have experienced or witnessed a bias incident, act of discrimination or hate crime?:
Yes

A brief description of the institution’s discrimination response protocol or team (including examples of actions taken during the previous three years):

Statement on Response to Bias Incidents
Washington and Lee University strives to be a diverse and inclusive community. It draws intellectual and social strength from the range of knowledge, opinion, belief, and background of its members, whether of age, ancestry or ethnicity, color, creed, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, immigration or citizenship status, marital status, national origin, race, religion, religious practice, sexual orientation, or veteran's status.

Bias incidents - - incidents that one could reasonably conclude may intimidate, mock, degrade, or threaten individuals or groups because of actual or perceived inclusion in any of the categories or statuses listed above - - can adversely affect the members of our University community and undermine the climate of civility and respect necessary to achieve and maintain a diverse and inclusive community. The University is therefore committed to responding promptly and effectively, as appropriate, to bias incidents reported by members of the University community.

https://www.wlu.edu/general-counsel/code-of-policies/discrimination-harassment-and-retaliation/statement-on-response-to-bias-incidents


Does the institution have programs specifically designed to recruit students from underrepresented groups?:
Yes

Does the institution have programs specifically designed to recruit staff from underrepresented groups?:
No

Does the institution have programs specifically designed to recruit faculty from underrepresented groups?:
No

A brief description of the institution’s programs to recruit students, staff and/or faculty from underrepresented groups:

We are partners with the Quest Scholars Program (https://www.wlu.edu/executive-committee/student-organization-resources/ec-recognized-student-organizations/quest-scholars), and the Bonner Scholar Program (https://www.wlu.edu/shepherd-program/community-based-learning-opportunities/bonner-program). In-house, we have our own Johnson Scholarship Program (https://www.wlu.edu/johnson-program/the-johnson-scholarship) and the Advanced Research Cohort program (https://www.wlu.edu/provost/for-students/the-arc-(advanced-research-cohort)-program)

As for faculty/staff... we do not have an in-house program per se, but we do perform targeted outreach through publications and professional contacts.


Does the institution have mentoring, counseling, peer support, academic support, or other programs to support students from underrepresented groups on campus?:
Yes

Does the institution have mentoring, counseling, peer support or other programs to support staff from underrepresented groups on campus?:
No

Does the institution have mentoring, counseling, peer support or other programs to support faculty from underrepresented groups on campus?:
No

A brief description of the institution’s programs to support students, staff and/or faculty from underrepresented groups:

Support groups for students on campus include:
Finding Our Truth: A weekly confidential support group held off-campus for those questioning or exploring their sexual orientation and/or gender identity. Group is held at 4:00 p.m. on Fridays and is for undergraduates and graduate students alike who are searching for a confidential safe space to gain support and insight from peers seeking their own truths. https://www.wlu.edu/lgbtq-resource-center/resources/confidential-support-group

LGBTQ Peer Counselors: Our trained, friendly peer counselors all identify as members of the LGBTQ community. They are willing to share their experiences on campus and invite you to contact them any time with questions, concerns, or if you just want an ear to bend. https://www.wlu.edu/lgbtq-resource-center/resources/lgbtq-peer-counselors

Multicultural Student Association: The mission of the Multicultural Student Association (MSA) is to assist members of the Washington and Lee student body in developing an appreciation for and interaction with students of different social, ethnic, and racial backgrounds. MSA promotes and encourages diversity through social, recreational, and educational programming designed to bridge the gap between diverse groups on campus. We strive to support the recruitment and retention of qualified students and to provide opportunities to foster their success and happiness. https://www.wlu.edu/executive-committee/student-organization-resources/ec-recognized-student-organizations/msa

Pan-Asian Association for Cultural Exchange: PAACE provides an environment where students can come together to appreciate the different Asian cultures of the world. And in turn, we hope to be able to spread our love and appreciation for Asian culture to the Lexington community. Our primary goal is to reach out to those who are unfamiliar with the Asian culture and allow them to experience a taste of it here in Lexington.
https://www.wlu.edu/executive-committee/student-organization-resources/ec-recognized-student-organizations/paace

Knowledge Empowering Women Leaders: To complement and enhance the presence of women at Washington and Lee, through leadership training, service, programming and participation in Women’s Studies courses. https://www.wlu.edu/womens-gender-and-sexuality-studies-program/related-organizations

Student Association for International Learning: Student Association for International Learning, widely known as "SAIL," is an organization dedicated to addressing international issues within the Washington and Lee (W&L) community and sharing with the W&L campus new and different answers to social, cultural and political questions. Most importantly, SAIL promotes exchange between the diverse cultures represented at W&L. Simply put, "bringing the world to our campus" describes what SAIL does. https://www.wlu.edu/executive-committee/student-organization-resources/ec-recognized-student-organizations/sail


Does the institution have training and development programs, teaching fellowships and/or other programs that specifically aim to support and prepare students from underrepresented groups for careers as faculty members?:
No

A brief description of the institution’s programs to support and prepare students from underrepresented groups for careers as faculty members:
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Does the institution produce a publicly accessible inventory of gender-neutral bathrooms on campus?:
Yes

Does the institution offer housing options to accommodate the special needs of transgender and transitioning students?:
Yes

The website URL where information about the programs or initiatives is available:
Additional documentation to support the submission:
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Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
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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.