Tufts University
PAE-8: Support Programs for Under-Represented Groups

Major support for under-represented groups within the student body is provided by what is known as the "Group of Six." The Group of Six work collectively and independently to develop knowledge of and appreciation for diversity at Tufts. Staff members at each Center advise and advocate for specific constituencies and serve as resources for all students, faculty, and staff on the Medford Campus. The Group of Six consists of: the Africana Center, the Asian American Center, the International Center, the Latino Center, the LGBT Center, and the Women's Center. For more about the Group of Six, see http://uss.tufts.edu/studentaffairs/groupOf6.pdf. In addition to the Group of Six, the Office of Institutional Diversity (OID) strives to lead a concerted and sustained institutional effort in the advancement, coordination, and development of related programs and policies at Tufts. With the President and Provost, as well as Deans, Vice-Presidents and Managers across divisions and schools, the office works to infuse the campus community with an understanding of the centrality, importance and complexity of diversity within all aspects of University life. The individual graduate and professional schools also have staff and programs dedicated to meeting the needs of their diverse student populations. Support for the diversity of the graduate student population comes through programs such as the Education Department's Urban Teacher Training Collaborative (UTTC), the Urban and Environmental Policy and Planning Department's Neighborhood Fellows Program and the National Consortium for Graduate Degrees for Minorities in Engineering and Science, Inc. (GEM). For a more extensive list, see http://provost.tufts.edu/1178544476276/Provost-Page-prov2w_1257775065326.html. These are just a few of the many resources that under-represented groups have. For a more extensive list, see http://provost.tufts.edu/1178544476276/Provost-Page-prov2w_1257775065427.html

Tufts belongs to the New England Higher Education Recruitment Consortium (NE-HERC). This consortium of universities provides a website for posting faculty and staff positions and information about resources; convenes semi-annual meetings for member institutions that provide information and opportunities for networking; and emphasizes recruiting a diverse workforce.

The Director of the Office of Equal Opportunity (OEO) interprets and implements policy related to best affirmative action and equal opportunity practices in employment and retention. The OEO staff also monitors grievances and compliance issues related to Tufts' non-discrimination policy. (http://oeo.diversity.tufts.edu/) Tufts is also a founding co-signer of the Commonwealth Compact, whose goal is to make Massachusetts a more diverse and welcoming place to live and work.

For a brochure about diversity programs at Tufts, see http://provost.tufts.edu/docs/Embracing_Differences_Enlightening_Minds.pdf. Orientation for incoming First-Year students includes two programs directly concerned with diversity. "Many Stories, One Community" is a panel of returning sophomores, juniors, and seniors from a wide diversity of backgrounds who talk about their experiences at Tufts, and what they have learned about themselves and others. "In the Sack" combines an informational presentation, skits, and accounts of personal experiences to increase awareness of sexual assault and acquaintance rape.