Saint Mary's College of California
PA-6: Support for Underrepresented Groups

The Intercultural Center is the primary vehicle for addressing the needs of historically underrepresented groups. The IC strives to create a safe and supportive learning environment that values diversity and builds inclusive community. Through co-curricular programs and services, the IC educates the campus for cultural competence and social justice. A separate office - the Student Engagement and Academic Success - is staffed SEAS Specialists are sensitive to the diversity of differences and unique characteristics which each student brings. The SEAS Specialists strive to connect with specific student populations by providing: Advising Academic achievement opportunities Training Support interventions More info can be found at http://www.stmarys-ca.edu/academics/academic-resources-support/student-engagement-and-academic-success Primary Goals of the IC Develop and implement co-curricular programs and services that foster intercultual competency. Provide a safe space for all students to engage their multiple, intersecting, and evolving identities. Advocate for and empower historically underrepresented and traditionally marginalized groups. Support student leaders to be change agents for social justice. Build connections to help create a community that values diversity in all of its forms. Additional URLs http://www.stmarys-ca.edu/counseling-center-psychological-services/services/support-groups-group-counseling

Saint Marys Bias Incident Response Team (BIRT) strives to promote a safe, hate-free environment where all people can live, work, and learn. BIRT’s primary roles are to recommend preventative education as well as report and respond to bias incidents and hate crimes. In addition, Campus Assault Resources and Empowerment (formerly Sexual Assault Crisis Response Team) provides a 24 hour, confidential hotline, and work with victims and liaison to public safety and Moraga police department. Actions of the past three years include: BIRT - online,anonymous hotline. Team meets within 24 hours to develop plan and strategy, email to community, facilitate floor meeting with advisor, post laminated letters explaining events that have taken place to increase awareness. (review past reports) The Team operates on the basis of the Lasallian Core Principles to promote understanding, respect, civility, and education. The team operates towards the following objectives 1. Assist students who report bias incidents and support students who report bias incidents. 2. Keep annual statistical records of bias incidents on campus. At the end of each year compile a statistical summary of the reports received during the year. 3. Promote conversation about diversity issues and meet with student groups to engage in or moderate discussions about diversity on our campus.

Transgender students are accommodated through dialogue with the housing office and selection for housing option selected by student based on gender preference for living arrangement. Because SMC requires that all first year students live on campus, the institution has a policy that requires housing consideration be given to students who are either transgender or transitioning. In the succeeding years, a transgender student can request the same consideration if they are successful in the housing draw.