George Mason University
PA-7: Support for Underrepresented Groups

George Mason University is committed to providing equal opportunity and an educational and work environment free from any discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, marital status, pregnancy status or genetic information. George Mason University shall adhere to all applicable state and federal equal opportunity/affirmative action statutes and regulations.

The University is dedicated to ensuring access, fairness and equity for minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, and veterans (as covered by law) in its educational programs, related activities and employment. George Mason University shall thus maintain a continuing affirmative action program to identify and eliminate discriminatory practices in every phase of university operations.

Any employee who becomes aware of sexual harassment or other potentially discriminatory behavior must contact Compliance, Diversity, and Ethics.
Retaliation against an individual who has raised claims of illegal discrimination or has cooperated with an investigation of such claims is prohibited.

https://universitypolicy.gmu.edu/policies/non-discrimination-policy/

Mason takes all incidents of bias and harassment seriously. Concerns or complaints can be reported to the Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Multicultural Education (ODIME) or Campus Police. The police and ODIME oversee Mason’s Bias Incident Reporting process and document all reported bias incidents. Depending on the type of incident and whether the perpetrator is known or not, there are a variety of ways Mason may respond, including enforcing Mason’s Judicial System for Student Conduct and/or Nondiscrimination, Sexual Assault, Sexual Harassment, and Stalking policies. Mason's Counseling and Psychological Services and Employee Assistance Program support those who have experienced an incident through its counselors, support groups, crisis/emergency lines, and online resources.

Reporting Process: https://campusclimate.gmu.edu/report-an-incident/
Counseling and Psychological Services: https://caps.gmu.edu/resources-and-self-help/anti-racism-resources/
EAP: https://hr.gmu.edu/benefits/insurance-and-benefits/employee-assistance-programs/

Early Identification Program (EIP): For over 25 years, Early Identification Program (EIP) has helped steer students towards higher academic ground and encouraged first-generation college-bound students to enroll in colleges and universities. Educating the whole student and recognizing the dynamic nature of a student's life, EIP provides academic, career, and leadership resources, teaches social and emotional skills, and promotes life-long learning.

https://eip.gmu.edu/about-us/

The Diversity Imperative: On May 1, 2016, the Office of Compliance, Diversity and Ethics (CDE) partnered with Human Resources to implement a number of hiring initiatives aimed at improving diversity among Mason's faculty and staff. CDE review and approve all job announcements before posting. CDE staff will work with search committees to provide a “diversity snapshot” of the applicant pool and provide technical assistance to panels. Search committee training, led by CDE and Human Resources, is a requirement for all members of a search committee. Training must have occurred within the 12 months prior to the assignment. Hiring managers and coordinators are also encouraged to attend.

https://diversity.gmu.edu/diversity/hiring-diverse-faculty

Mason Educators and Employees of Color (M.E.E.C.) is a support network that works to address issues affecting Mason faculty and staff. Association is open to all members of the Mason community who champion the group’s central mission: recruitment, retention, engagement and building among multicultural professionals of color at Mason. Through assessment and collaboration, M.E.E.C. provides a centralized professional network that will further enhance and uphold the academic mission of the university, as well as educate the community at large on best practices for supporting and engaging faculty.

https://diversity.gmu.edu/diversity/hiring-diverse-faculty/meec

George Mason University is an Institutional Member of the National Center for Faculty Development and Diversity (NCFDD), a nationally-recognized, independent organization that provides online career development, mentoring resources, and communities of support to faculty, graduate students, and post-docs.

https://diversity.gmu.edu/diversity/faculty-hiring-and-development/national-center-faculty-development-and-diversity

Mason Autism Support Initiative (MASI) is a comprehensive, fee-based program that provides intensive support services to students on the Autism Spectrum who are above the standard accommodations received in higher education. MASI uses a team-based approach to assist students in achieving their scholarly goals by creating an individualized plan of support at the beginning of each academic year.

https://ds.gmu.edu/about-masi/

The Office of Diversity, Inclusion and Multicultural Education (ODIME) + LGBTQ Resources leads the university in creating and sustaining inclusive learning environments where all members of the Mason community are welcomed, valued, and supported.

https://odime.gmu.edu/about-odime/

The Women and Gender Studies Center bridges academic coursework with student development, leadership, and coalition building.

https://wgstcenter.gmu.edu/about-us/