Binghamton University
PA-7: Support for Underrepresented Groups

It is the policy of Binghamton University to provide an educational and employment environment free from all forms of intimidation, hostility, offensive behavior and discrimination, including sexual harassment. Such discrimination or harassment may take the form of unwarranted/offensive verbal or physical conduct or verbal or written derogatory or discriminatory statements that may result in decisions affecting status, promotions, raises, favorable work assignments, recommendations, class assignments or grades. Such behavior, or tolerance of such behavior, on the part of an administrator, supervisor, or faculty or staff member violates the policy of the University and may result in disciplinary action including termination. The conduct herein described is contrary to University policy and may be illegal under both state and federal law.

https://www.binghamton.edu/diversity-equity-inclusion/policies-and-procedures/discrimination.html

The chief diversity officer of the Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (ODEI) and/or designee is trained in investigating and resolving complaints. The staff is available for assistance in filing the complaint with the University and will remain impartial during an investigation. ODEI does not represent any individual or department, but does advocate on behalf of the University’s goals of equal opportunity and nondiscrimination.
The ODEI staff may receive initial inquiries, reports and requests for consultation and counseling. Assistance will be available whether or not a formal complaint is contemplated or even possible. It is the responsibility of the ODEI to respond to all such inquiries, reports and requests as promptly as possible and in a manner appropriate to the particular circumstances. An individual may refuse to reduce a complaint to writing. However, notwithstanding that refusal, there may be a continuing obligation on the part of the campus to investigate the verbal complaint to the best of its ability and proceed with any action that is warranted. Although in certain instances verbal complaints may be acted upon, the procedures set forth here rest upon the submission of a written complaint that will enable the ODEI to conduct a full and fair investigation of the facts.
ODEI shall solicit information concerning any factors that might prejudice an objective evaluation of the evidence and shall reassign an investigation if a conflict or potential conflict emerges.
https://www.binghamton.edu/diversity-equity-inclusion/policies-and-procedures/discrimination-procedures.html

In addition to referring students to other resources and services, the institution supports those who have experienced or witnessed bias incidents, acts of discrimination or hate crime by investigating those concerns. Each requests form that is filed with DEI invites the complainant to discuss the complaint in detail and is then investigated by a DEI staff member. https://www.binghamton.edu/multicultural-resource-center/programs/report-incident.html

Investigations may involve a host of other campus offices or urge the complainant to participate in either a mediation or restorative justice session when all parties have been identified. This is done through the office of Student Conduct. https://www.binghamton.edu/student-conduct/scdmp/

Schools within Binghamton University have programs focused on attracting/retaining individuals from diverse communities (such as veterans, women, historically underrepresented ethnic populations, students with disabilities, low-income students or first-generation college students). The Thomas J. Watson School of Engineering and Applied Science has appointed a director of diversity and inclusion and developed an ambitious diversity plan. The School of Management has conducted a climate survey to assess diversity and inclusion within its departments and has developed strategies to recruit and mentor students of color. Harpur College has created a diversity committee that has conducted an extensive study of diversity issues in Binghamton University’s largest school.
Binghamton University has the following programs to assist with the recruitment of students from underrepresented groups: There are six TRIO programs, they are Student Support Services, Student Support Services-STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math), both of these programs are designed to improve designed to improve the retention and graduation rates of low-income, first-generation or disabled college students. Ronald McNair Scholars Program-this Post baccalaureate Achievement program prepares qualified undergraduate students that are interested in eventually earning a PhD, for doctoral studies. Educational Talent Search-this program identifies and assists high school students from disadvantaged backgrounds who have the potential to succeed in higher education. Lastly, the Upward Bound and Upward Bound Rural programs serves high school students from low income families and from families in which neither parent holds a Bachelor's degree. Binghamton University's program is one of over 800 programs operating throughout the United States.
The Education Opportunity Program (EOP) enables access and provides academic and financial support to disadvantaged students who have the potential to study at the baccalaureate level and beyond.
SUNY Upstate Bridges to the Baccalaureate Program at Binghamton University provides support to institutions to help students make transitions at a critical stage in their development as scientists. The program is aimed at helping students make the transition from 2-year junior or community colleges to full 4-year baccalaureate programs. The program targets students from groups underrepresented in the biomedical and behavioral research enterprise of the nation and/or populations disproportionately affected by health disparities (targeted groups).
Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation: The SUNY LSAMP is a coalition of 16 institutions within the State University of New York system. The coalition works in collaboration with federal, state and local government agencies; major national laboratories; private industry and foundations; and professional and community organizations. It provides year round academic support and summer research for historically underrepresented minority students majoring in STEM discipline.
Clifford D. Clark Diversity Fellowships, are merit-based fellowships that provide a full array of support, including competitive academic-year stipends, full-tuition scholarships, health insurance, and opportunities for research and travel funding for graduate studies to underrepresented minorities.
The University Undergraduate Curriculum Committee has reviewed the cultural pluralism general education requirement and proposed changes to the Faculty Senate that will broaden the scope of “P” courses to include consideration of gender, sexual orientation, and sexual identity as well as race and ethnicity.
The Office of Undergraduate Admissions has initiated strategies to increase applications from students of color. It is also pursuing strategies designed to yield a higher proportion of underrepresented students who are admitted.
The following programs are geared towards underrepresented faculty and staff:
Binghamton University participates with the SUNY Faculty Diversity program. This highly competitive program provides salary support to SUNY campuses to recruit faculty who will create new synergies between academic excellence and diversity. The program advances diversity by encouraging the recruitment, retention and promotion of outstanding scholars from different backgrounds, including individuals from groups who have historically been underrepresented in higher education

Diversity Fellowship, is a program designed for post graduate school professionals. The fellows work in University offices on assignments that provide a variety of insight into how the campus runs on a daily basis and provides a pathway to employment at the university for diverse professionals.

Hiring and recruitment training programs are being conducted by the UDiversity Educational Institute within the Division of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion to reduce the impact of unconscious bias in hiring and promotions, and to identify and remove institutional barriers to inclusion and career development.
The Multicultural Resource Center (MRC) and Q-center has been providing support services for students, faculty and staff with a focus on certain populations such as historically underrepresented ethnic populations, the religious student community, the cultural Greek-lettered community, multicultural international students and the LGBTQ community.
The Faculty and Staff of Color Association (FSCA) promotes the recruitment and retention, promotion and tenure, professional development, and career advancement of faculty and staff of color at the University.

The Faculty and Staff of Color Association (FSCA) provides opportunities for mentorship and networking among the faculty and staff of color in order to enhance the cultural diversity within the University, as well as advance and support the academic mission of the University.

The Presidential Diversity Research Grant provides support to faculty of color or historically underrepresented faculty who are in tenure-track positions. The grant supports research endeavors that count towards tenure.

The MRC Translation and Interpretation Program (TIP) aims to provide trained multilingual faculty/staff and student volunteer interpreters and translators to bridge the language and cultural gaps, for students and their families with limited English proficiency and on-/off-campus community agencies in emergency, crises, and non-emergency situations.

Q-Center has a weekly support Group is designed for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and/or Queer students who are seeking a safe and affirming atmosphere to discuss significant issues in their lives. Potential discussion topics include but are not limited to dating and intimate relationships, academic distress, coming out, anxiety/depression or other psychological difficulties, transitioning, family, discrimination and homophobia/transphobia, religion and culture, meeting other LGBTQ individuals, and community resources. In addition provides other programs such as the Rainbow Welcome, Stonewall Mixers, and a Lavender Graduation program which provides opportunities for faculty, staff, and students to come together to start making friends and build community.

Services for Students with Disabilities office offers a variety of personal support services to assist students in making the most of their time at Binghamton University. SSD Personal Counseling, Advocacy, and Referral Services are designed to aid students in addressing disability-related issues and support them in their personal growth and educational development.

Conscious Conversations and Real Talk, a collaboration between the Division of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion and the Office of the Dean of Students that provides focus on the "right now" issues at Binghamton University, nationally and globally. It’s an open style of dialogue that allows free flowing conversation between friends, colleagues, and peers to help develop and nurture an aware and involved community.

Binghamton University has the Clifford D. Clark Diversity Fellowship program. This program
is offered to qualified students who have been newly admitted to graduate degree programs at Binghamton University. It provides a full array of support, including competitive academic-year stipends, full-tuition scholarships, health insurance, and opportunities for research and travel funding. Awardees are appointed as teaching assistants, graduate assistants or research project assistants at one half of the normal workload in order to develop professional skills that will help distinguish them on the job market.

Another program that is offered is the The Ronald E. McNair Post baccalaureate Achievement Program (McNair Scholars Program). The McNair Program is designed to increase the numbers of low-income, first generation and/or underrepresented minority students attending graduate school and receiving their doctorate.

The Presidential Post-Doc Program is designed to place historically underrepresented terminal degree holders in academic research positions.