University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
PA-6: Support for Underrepresented Groups

Diversity and College Access Office conducts activities and provides services for multi-cultural students, including scholarship information. The Multicultural Resource Center is designed to meet the specific needs of students from traditionally underrepresented groups. The Native American Center responds to needs of Wisconsin Native American communities. LGBTQ resources include an outreach coordinator, Rainbow Center, faculty and staff allies, and community resources. Members of LGBTQ will coordinate training sessions (Safe Zone Workshops) in a department, division, unit or group. Solid Foundations is a successful retention program serving low income/first generation college students. The Upward Bound Program prepares students who are economically and socially underrepresented in higher education due to their families’ educational background and income level to enter and complete postsecondary education of choice. Non-traditional student services include career services, child care, activities, financial aid information.

DISCRIMINATION-FREE ENVIRONMENT POLICY: UWSP will • foster an environment of respect for the dignity and worth of all students, employees, and guests of the University; • provide an environment which is conducive to the free and open exchange of ideas; and • strive to eliminate bias, prejudice, discrimination, and harassment in all forms and manifestations. The Bias/Hate Crime reporting form is an on-line electronic form that is directly connected into the Dean of Students Office to monitor occurrence of Hate Incidents on and off campus. Reports can be anonymous. Any reports that are submitted are reviewed and investigated for a possible campus response. In each case where a student or staff member wanted to be contacted, they were contacted and steps taken to address the incident. ACTIONS: - Hired a Coordinator of Gender and Sexuality Outreach Services - Dean of Students Office campaign “See Something, Hear Something, Say Something” to get the campus community to report incidents of misconduct and concern. - Several well-attended Coffee and Culture Talks through Student Involvement - Round table discussion "Tuning In" where diversity issues were discussed - Student Government Assocation video campaign to hear people's stores of what life is like at UW-Stevens Point. - Provide Safe Zone Workshops for UWSP faculty, staff, and students. - Dean of Students website provides resources for LGBTQ faculty, staff, and students and victims of bias/hate crime or other behavioral misconduct - Distribute materials to show support for LGBTQ individuals and issues - Sponsor events and activities related to significant LGBTQ dates. - Create social opportunities for LGBTQ faculty, staff, and students - Cooperate with UWSP students’ Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA) on organizing public events to discuss LGBTQ issues in a supportive atmosphere - Bring nationally-recognized speakers to campus to discuss issues relevant to the LGBTQ community - Sponsor a book club to explore LGBTQ issues - Continue our LGBTQ film festival “Out on Screen”