University of Iowa
PA-6: Support for Underrepresented Groups

The University of Iowa prohibits discrimination in employment, educational programs, and activities on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, pregnancy, disability, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, service in the U.S. military, sexual orientation, gender identity, associational preferences, or any other classification that deprives the person of consideration as an individual. The university also affirms its commitment to providing equal opportunities and equal access to university facilities. For additional information on nondiscrimination policies, contact the Director, Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity, the University of Iowa, 202 Jessup Hall, Iowa City, IA 52242-1316, 319-335-0705 (voice), 319-335-0697 (TDD), diversity@uiowa.edu. The university's Nondiscrimination Statement must be included in all departmental publications, such as brochures, pamphlets, manuals, and guidebooks, describing or inviting participation in programs at the University of Iowa. https://diversity.uiowa.edu/policies/non-discrimination-statement

The University of Iowa follows the following policy/procedure in the Protection of alleged victims, complainants, or others: 10.11 Protection of Alleged Victims, Complainants, and Others (Amended 3/07) Alleged victims will be informed of relevant procedural steps taken during the investigation and any interim protective measures taken. Throughout the investigation and resolution of a complaint, reasonable steps will be taken to protect alleged victims, complainants, witnesses, and others from harm associated with the complaint. Retaliation against alleged victims, complainants, and/or witnesses who provide information during an investigation pursuant to this policy is prohibited by II-11 Anti-Retaliation. Reasonable action will be taken to assure that alleged victims, complainants, and/or witnesses suffer no retaliation as a result of their activities with regard to the process. Steps that may be taken to protect alleged victims, complainants, witnesses, and others from continued violence and/or retaliation might include: (1)lateral transfers of one or more of the parties in an employment setting and a comparable move if a classroom setting is involved, and (2)arrangement that academic and/or employment evaluations concerning complainants or others be made by an appropriate individual other than the respondent. Any retaliation against alleged victims, complainants, or witnesses should be reported pursuant to II-11 Anti-Retaliation. Retaliation may result in disciplinary action against the person committing the retaliatory act(s). The Executive Vice President and Provost, a dean, a DEO, or any vice president may, at any time during or after an investigation of a violence complaint, suspend or partially restrict from employment any employee accused of violence if the Executive Vice President and Provost, dean, DEO, or vice president finds that it is reasonably certain that: (1)the alleged violence has occurred, and (2)serious and immediate harm will ensue if the person continues their employment. Similarly, if the respondent is a student, interim sanctions may be imposed pursuant to Section 10 of the Student Judicial Procedure.

The Recruitment Ambassadors Program, jointly sponsored by the Department of Human Resources and the Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity, supports the University of Iowa’s strategic goals for increasing the diversity of our faculty and staff. Recruitment Ambassadors are current or former faculty and staff members who volunteer to help recruit diverse prospective employees. https://hr.uiowa.edu/rap/ The University has many different programs targeted at the recruitment and retention of a diverse undergraduate population. One example is the Advantage Iowa Award for incoming students who are from historically underrepresented populations. Another example is, which Iowa Edge assists admitted students from underrepresented groups transition to college. https://diversity.uiowa.edu/programs/

The Center for Diversity & Enrichment The Center for Diversity & Enrichment provides leadership and coordination for outreach and service to minority communities and students who participate in federally-funded Upward Bound programs. The Center for Diversity and Enrichment provides precollege student development, support and assistance with the enrollment process, programs and activities to the undeserved students. Multicultural Specialists provide guidance and make their transition to the university and college experience better. The Office of Hawk & Eyes is a mentoring program that offers peer relationship-building and support to underrepresented minority undergraduate students at the university. Their goal is to create an environment where students can thrive and become successful. TRIO Student Support Services is also an upward bound and Support Service which provides individualized personal and academic counselling and financial literacy advising, graduate school preparation and career planning. They also offer free peer tutoring to eligible students. They foster the success of first-generation and low-income pre-college and college students. Office of Graduate Inclusion: OGI’s mission is to recruit and retain graduate students from all walks of life and diversity while encouraging academic curiosity and discovery. As a community, OGI students share responsibility; individually and collectively to achieve the goals of inclusiveness with the help of faculty and staff mentors. The Iowa Edge: The Iowa Edge is coordinated by a coalition from UI students, faculty, and staff. Individuals from several academic programs and campus offices plan and implement The Iowa Edge, which is a personal introduction to campus for first-generation and underrepresented college students. The program helps ensure a successful social transition to university life. Celebrating Cultural Diversity Festival: Since 1990, CCDF has given members of the University of Iowa and its surrounding communities an opportunity to learn about each other through food, games, diverse acts, dance, music, literature, storytelling, arts and crafts. It provides a perfect platform for meaningful cross-cultural interactions among students. University of Iowa Undergraduate Scholarships, Fellowships and Grants: The Center for Research by Undergraduates recognizes academic achievement of the underrepresented minority students in the state of Iowa and offer various research based scholarships and fellowships such as 'Alliant Energy/ Enroll B. Davis, Jr. Achievement Award, Iowa Biosciences Academy, Iowa N.E.W. Leadership - Women's Leadership Program. Office of Student Life: OSL is home for four cultural centers and various multicultural student organizations. They are also responsible for MY IOWA, a student summit which strengthens relationships between and among domestic students of color, international students, and other underrepresented groups. It gives an opportunity to the students to build connections and leadership with diverse group of people.

Office of Graduate Inclusion The Graduate College’s Office of Graduate Inclusion (OGI) is focused on helping graduate students from underrepresented populations excel at Iowa. We do this by building and supporting community connections across campus and celebrating the achievements and contributions of underrepresented students. As a group, we thrive on building connections and helping students find community before, during, and after graduate school. OGI is also the proud home of the Summer Research Opportunities Program (SROP), a summer opportunity that connects undergraduates from underrepresented and first-generation backgrounds to graduate level research. Additional gaols include support for a faculty-based effort for recruiting top graduate scholars who are underrepresented ethnic minorities and professional/career development and networking opportunities for OGI students. Building University of Iowa Leadership for Diversity The BUILD initiative is an opportunity for UI faculty and staff to gain strategic knowledge and skills to contribute to a welcoming and inclusive environment for all. By completing a series of workshops, participants will earn a certificate demonstrating their commitment as leaders for diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace and classroom. Relevant skills include best practices for building and supporting diverse teams.