University of the Pacific
PA-7: Support for Underrepresented Groups

In keeping with its long-standing traditions and policies, the university considers students, employees, applicants for admission or employment, and those seeking access to university programs on the basis of individual merit. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex/gender, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, color, language use, religion, religious creed, age, marital status, gender, gender identity, gender expression, cancer-related or genetic-related medical condition, disability, pregnancy, perceived pregnancy, citizenship status, military service status, or any other status protected by law (including Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972). https://www.pacific.edu/about/non-discrimination

The university has a bias response team (BRT). The BRT serves to respond to reports of bias or acts of harassment and discrimination. The team consists of a Core Team of administration and staff who perform case management of complaints as well as an Extended Team who serve specific student populations and particular university offices. Bias response process is: 1. Bias incidents should be submitted using the Bias Reporting Form 2. All incidents are routed to the Dean of Students, VP of DEI, and Title IX Coordinator for review and to determine what campus partners to loop in. 3. Student to student incidents are resolved by the DOS office typically through Care referrals and/or Student Conduct action 4. Incidents concerning faculty are referred to the Provost office for follow up 5. Incidents involving staff are referred to Human Resources https://www.pacific.edu/student-life/student-conduct/bias-and-discriminatory-harassment-policies-and-protocols/bias-response-team

Student Recruitment: The Director of Enrollment Access and Inclusion position was created under the Office of Admission and Enrollment Strategy within the last three years. The Office hosts 3-6 programs/events per semester geared toward the recruitment and yield of students from diverse backgrounds and/or historically underrepresented populations. The initiatives and events serve to ensure future student success and retention by; furthering the development of policy to create alternate methods for reaching underrepresented students and families; streamlining the application process; connecting newly admitted/confirmed students with programs, campus resources and each other. Staff Recruitment The Office of Affirmative Action and Equal Employment Opportunity (OAAEEO) serves as the equal employment opportunity and compliance office for staff (and faculty) recruitment. Additionally, the office works collaboratively across all three campuses to ensure that Pacific is recruiting a diverse pool for new and open positions to identify and implement policies and practices that strengthen Pacific’s hiring practices. Faculty Recruitment & Hiring In efforts to recruit faculty from underrepresented groups and make the application/review process more equitable and inclusive, staff from Diversity, Equity and Inclusion work strategically with academic units throughout the process. Prior to posting faculty positions, job descriptions undergo review by the posting department dean and from Diversity, Equity and Inclusion VP. Prior to search committee members reviewing applicants, they undergo training by the VP of DEI. Additionally, there are trained DEI leads in each school.

Student Support: The Division of Student Life offers a number of programs to support underrepresented students. The Center for Intercultural Student Success has multiple programs to support students from underrepresented groups including students who identify as Asian, Pacific Islander, Desi, Black, LantinX, Native American, gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and/or queer/questioning (LGBTQ+). The Center for Religious and Spiritual Life supports student from various religious groups. Success TRiO is a US Department of Education grant-funded program serving first-generation, underrepresented students. Services for SUCCESS-TRiO students include: include tutoring, direct financial assistance, academic, financial, personal, and career counseling. The Community Involvement Program is a comprehensive, need-based scholarship and retention program for first-generation college students from the Stockton community. The Pacific PROMISE Scholars program helps former foster care and homeless students see higher education as a path toward achieving their dreams. Since 2012, we have worked with students to develop a foundation for success in college through advocacy, assistance and support. Student Life also coordinates Services for Students with Disabilities. Staff There is a mentoring program for non-academic staff in which staff have access to employee resource groups with similar cultural affinity & identity. The university also participates in Pride parades in the cities of San Francisco and Sacramento and All benefit eligible staff have access to face to face counseling sessions via the Employee Assistance Program. Faculty The university has a faculty mentoring program that identifies a seasoned, experienced faculty member and pairs them with a newer, incoming faculty member. The program specifically ensures incoming new faculty from historically under represented groups are paired with an enthusiastic faculty member with more years of service who wants to support the early career success of incoming faculty. The program is run through the Office of the Provost.

Staff recruitment questions can be directed to Deborah Freeman, Director of AA/EEO Student recruitment information from: Christopher P. Ferguson, VP for Enrollment Management Student Support Programs: https://www.pacific.edu/student-life/equity-inclusion