Virginia Tech
PAE-8: Support Programs for Underrepresented Groups

Student Success Center -- https://www.studentsuccess.vt.edu/ The Student Success Center offers free academic support, such as tutoring and study skills seminars to undergraduate students at Virginia Tech. We also have programs and activities for students who are already succeeding academically, and simply want to enrich their educational experiences at Virginia Tech. Multicultural Programs and Services -- http://www.mps.vt.edu/ The mission of Multicultural Programs and Services is to promote the academic, personal, and social success of all students, particularly those from under-represented and historically marginalized populations. MPS values diversity and strives to transform the Virginia Tech community through cross-cultural exchange. We will increase multicultural competencies as a means of achieving educational excellence. We accomplish our mission through a combination of programs and services that promote the following areas: • Cultural awareness – Coordinating annual cultural celebrations as a means of community celebration and exposure to a variety of ethnic communities. • Multicultural education – Partnering with campus and community groups to create co-curricular opportunities that help expand cultural knowledge, skills, and competencies. • Retention – Supporting the retention of students through advocacy, mentoring programs, and support groups. • Leadership development – Promoting student leadership development through organization advising and training. • Community building – Maintaining the Cultural Centers as safe and welcoming spaces for its constituent groups and all members of the Virginia Tech community. Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) -- http://www.ssd.vt.edu/ Services for Students with Disabilities exists to assist students with disabilities and problem-solve personal and environmental issues that may interfere with full access to academics and/or hinder academic performance. SSD offers a wealth of services to students with disabilities. Safe Zone Program -- http://www.mps.vt.edu/lgbtq/safezone/index.html The objectives of the Safe Zone Program are to identify a network of allies who are concerned, empathetic, and knowledgeable about lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender questions; to provide evidence of the support of LGBTQ people and their allies within the Virginia Tech community by posting a sign as tangible evidence of that support; to reduce the fear of reprisal and discrimination by LGBTQ people and their allies within the Virginia Tech community; and to assist LGBTQ and allied students in achieving their educational goals by creating an environment in which they can be themselves Cranwell International Center -- http://www.international.vt.edu/ The center is committed to the university's globalization initiatives and serves as the primary support service for the international community. Cranwell International Center promotes intercultural exchange, fosters a welcoming environment, and enhances the experience of all university and community participants. We support the university's focus on teaching and learning, research and discovery, and outreach and engagement through our commitment to quality programming, strong advocacy, collaboration, a dedicated facility, and valuable services. Asian American Student Union (AASU) -- https://gobblerconnect.vt.edu/organization/aasu/about The mission of the Asian American Student Union is to serve the Asian/Pacific Islander American (APIA) community within Virginia Tech. It shall act as an umbrella organization over the branching undergraduate APIA organizations. It shall strive to enhance and further the individual cultural and ethnic diversities that exist in the APIA community. It shall make efforts to address the problems and concerns of the APIA community to the administration and other fellow student organizations. Black Organizations Council (BOC) -- https://gobblerconnect.vt.edu/organization/BOC/about Founded on the Virginia Tech campus in 1985, the Black Organizations Council (BOC) is the umbrella and resource body for the Black student organizations. BOC serves to ensure the betterment of the Black community through providing a unified voice for the Black community in a university population where the Black community lacks adequate representation. BOC also serves as a liaison between the administration, university organizations, and the Black community, provides a forum for the exchange of ideas and dissemination of information, promotes the Black organizations individually and collectively, coordinates events which require the participation of all entities of the Black community and supports the development of campus camaraderie within the university community. BOC has a mission of being the governing, representing, and coordinating body for the primarily African American student organizations. We will also provide activism and advocacy, while meeting the challenge of the social and political forces affecting the Black community. We encourage each representative organization to empower themselves to create a paradigm in the area of leadership and service in the community. Jewish Student Union (JSU) -- https://gobblerconnect.vt.edu/organization/JSU The Jewish Student Union seeks to maximize opportunities for Virginia Tech students to explore and celebrate life in a Jewish way. JSU strives to serve as a unifying body for its constituent organizations and coordinate their efforts by providing a forum for communication. JSU’s constituent organizations are representative of the Jewish student body at Virginia Tech. Students are empowered to take responsibility for their Jewish identity, whether they wish to participate in a community service project, express themselves artistically, participate in a social event or engage in formal Jewish learning. Any student may participate in JSU sponsored programs – no membership is required. The Jewish Student Union is committed to a pluralistic vision of Judaism. Latino Association of Student Organizations (LASO) -- http://www.laso.org.vt.edu/ The Latino Association of Student Organizations is the umbrella organization encompassing all the Latino student organizations at Virginia Tech. LASO sponsors large venue entertainment and educational programs focused on Latino culture that unite the Latino organizations, community, and promote awareness and knowledge to the general campus community. They also address, support, and promote the issues and concerns of the Latino community and the Latino students. The Latino community is growing at Virginia Tech and LASO takes pride in making the Latino voice heard at Virginia Tech. By coordinating events with its constituents, LASO ensures that the Latino community's presence is felt on campus. Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Alliance (LGBTA) -- http://www.lgbta.org.vt.edu/ The LGBTA is a University Chartered Student Organization advised by the Multicultural Programs and Services. Our mission is to work to promote an environment of equality, understanding, and harmony for people of all sexual orientations, sexualities, gender identities and expressions by providing a LGBT Resource Center and campus-wide programs to raise awareness, community visibility, and increase support. Black Graduate Student Organization (BGSO) -- http://www.bgso.org.vt.edu/index.php Welcome to the Black Graduate Student Organization Web site. BGSO at Virginia Tech was founded to promote a greater sense of community among graduate students of African descent. Our mission includes providing support networks, encouraging research and scholarship, and promoting exposure to information technologies. Our aim is to integrate cultural, educational, and professional development into the lives of the graduate student population here at Virginia Tech. In keeping with these purposes, we have created BGSO Online. We hope to be a resource and a guide for you as you navigate the web. The executive board looks forward to meeting and interacting with you throughout your educational attainment at Virginia Tech. So join BGSO, let us know what you want the organization to do, and get involved! Latino American and Iberian Graduate Students Association -- https://gobblerconnect.vt.edu/organization/laigsa/about LAIGSA is an organization of grad students at Virginia Tech. Its mission is the diffusion of Latin American and Iberian culture by promoting cultural and recreational activities, cultural exchange and mutual support. The benefit to the Virginia Tech community is the awareness the association raises about the Latin American and Iberian Culture. It also provides Latin American and Iberian graduate students at Virginia Tech a way of meeting each other and sharing their experience at the university together. The members of LAIGSA are students, parents and kids from Latin America and the Iberian peninsula. Queer Grads, Professionals, and Allies -- http://qgpavt.wix.com/qgpavt Queer Grads, Professionals, and Allies (formerly QG&A) is a registered Graduate Student Organization that provides resources, support, events, and activities for graduate students at Virginia Tech; both queer and allied. Founded in the Fall of 2010 with just three members, this organization has grown to over fifty five students and faculty from the Graduate School at Virginia Tech, medical students at the Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM), and students at the Veterinary School (VMRCVM). College of Architecture and Urban Studies Ambassadors Program @ CAUS -- http://www.causdiversity.arch.vt.edu/ambassadors.html The College of Architecture and Urban Studies Ambassador Programs supports the recruitment of high school seniors from under-represented groups and provides qualified College of Architecture and Urban Studies students with an extracurricular leadership and public service experience. This year, the ten ambassadors, under the guidance of the College of Architecture and Urban Studies Diversity Committee and John O. Browder, associate dean for academic affairs, created a PowerPoint presentation of student work, visited 20 high schools, reached 219 high school students, and participated in the Montgomery County STEM program. College of Engineering -- http://www.eng.vt.edu/ceed The objectives and goals of CEED are to increase the diversity of students who apply to, enroll, and graduate from the College of Engineering; to increase the awareness of engineering and other technical fields as an exciting and rewarding career path to a diverse population; to provide academic, professional and personal support programs; to provide support to student organizations that support our mission, including the National Society of Black Engineers, the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, the Society of Women Engineers, and Council for the Advancement of Minority Engineering Organizations; and to foster collaboration between the Center for the Enhancement of Engineering Diversity, the University, industry, and the local community to support our mission. College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences -- http://www.clahs.vt.edu/the-college/college-priorities/diversity/index.html The term “diversity” refers to the desirability and value of many kinds of individual differences while at the same time acknowledging and respecting that socially constructed difference based on certain characteristics exist within systems of power that create and sustain inequality, hierarchy, and privilege. The College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences is determined to eliminate these forms of inequality, hierarchy, and privilege in our programs and practices. College of Natural Resources and College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Minority Academic Opportunities Program (MAOP) -- https://www.maop.vt.edu/index.html The Multicultural Academic Opportunities Program (MAOP), founded in 1993, is an academic success community founded upon the principles of self- efficacy, mentoring, and peer support. Central to the goal of MAOP is the promotion of diversification within the student body of Virginia Tech. Through partnerships with various academic colleges and departments at Virginia Tech, other colleges and universities, governmental entities, and various organizations, MAOP participants are supported with academic guidance, emotional and social support, and financial support. Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Related Sciences (MANRRS) -- https://www.maop.vt.edu/Student_organizations/student_organ_manrrs.html MANRRS seeks to promote careers in Agriculture, Natural Sciences and other related Sciences by: • Encourging research and its dissemination by undergraduate and graduate students • Encouraging scholarly achievement and excellence among members • Recruiting and retaining minorities into professions • Informing students about international, national, state and local trends • Providing a local and national network of support for students enrolled in agriculture, natural sciences, and related sciences MAOP Graduate Scholars Program -- https://www.maop.vt.edu/Graduate_programs/graduate_programs.html The MAOP Graduate Scholars Program (GS) assists with graduate school financing in exchange for assistance to MAOP Administration. Graduate students assist with programming implementation such as mentoring to undergraduate students and assisting with workshops for the undergraduates. Graduate School -- http://graduateschool.vt.edu/diversity The office of Graduate Recruitment and Diversity Initiatives (ORDI) seeks to promote a diverse and inclusive graduate community by acting as an enabler - assisting virtually every graduate program on campus to recruit, retain, and graduate a diverse student body. We follow the model of Inclusive Excellence as a way to improve the diversity of our student body, the success of all students at VT's Graduate School, and improve the climate for all staff, faculty and students involved in graduate education. We want to make Virginia Tech's Graduate School the number one choice for people of diverse backgrounds. - Pamplin College of Business Leadership, Excellence, and Academics at Pamplin (LEAP) -- http://www.cpe.vt.edu/mpd.leap/ LEAP is a five-day program held on the Blacksburg campus during New Student Orientation in July. The program introduces you to other entering freshmen, as well as professors, advisors, college alumni, business professionals, the campus, residence halls, Pamplin Hall, academic resources, fitness facilities, and places to go for fun and relaxation. Also, through LEAP you will become familiar with the bus system that easily transports you to wherever you want to go on campus or in the Blacksburg area. - See more at: http://www.cpe.vt.edu/mpd.leap/#sthash.M6lbliDg.dpuf Pamplin's Undergraduate Mentoring Programs (PUMP) http://www.undergrad.pamplin.vt.edu/peermentor/peermentorindex.html Pamplin's Undergraduate Mentoring Programs (PUMP) assists incoming freshmen and transfer students with their college transition by providing positive academic, professional, and social environments outside of the classroom. PUMP Peer Mentors are selected and trained to offer academic advice and guidance to freshman and transfer students while providing their own student perspective on the Pamplin education. This program provides opportunities to learn about personal and professional leadership as well as other aspects of the business career. Veterinary Students as One In Culture and Ethnicity (VOICE) -- http://www.vetmed.vt.edu/students/voice/ The VA-MD Vet Med chapter of Veterinary Students as One In Culture and Ethnicity (VOICE), founded in September 2010, is a student-run organization that addresses a need for sociocultural awareness that is not part of the current core veterinary curriculum. We are an organized and unified student voice contributing to enhancing the diversity of the profession and the cultural competence of veterinary students.

AdvanceVT -- http://www.advance.vt.edu/ The mission of AdvanceVT is to assist Virginia Tech in preparing, recruiting, and retaining high quality and diverse faculty. To accomplish this mission, our programs are designed to facilitate success in scholarship, teaching, engagement and administration for a wide range of audiences. These programs target graduate students preparing for faculty careers, new faculty just starting out, senior faculty preparing for leadership roles, search committees, department heads, and senior administrators. AdvanceVT began in 2003 with a grant from the National Science Foundation to promote and enhance the careers of women in academic science and engineering through institutional transformation. Grant funding continued until August 2010. High impact initiatives continue with support from university partners, and have been expanded to include faculty in all disciplines. College Liaisons -- http://www.provost.vt.edu/faculty_affairs/faculty_recruitment/college_liaisons.html College Liaisons support faculty recruitment efforts in each college by meeting individually with candidates to discuss Virginia Tech’s dual career resources, extend-the-tenure-clock policy, modified duties policy, commitment to diversity, community resources, and to refer candidates to appropriate resources for additional information. The role of the Liaison is designed to meet the unique needs of each college. Dual Career Program -- http://www.provost.vt.edu/faculty_affairs/faculty_recruitment/dual_career_program.html Virginia Tech recognizes that meeting the needs of today’s professional couples is a key factor in recruiting and retaining new faculty. Many prospective candidates for faculty positions at Virginia Tech have spouses or partners who are also seeking employment. The Dual Career Program brings a new level of support to couples and their families when considering employment opportunities with the university and in the surrounding community. Future Faculty Development Program -- http://www.provost.vt.edu/faculty_affairs/faculty_recruitment/future_faculty/future_faculty.html This program brings a select group of doctoral students and post-doctoral scholars interested in pursuing academic careers to Blacksburg for two days of workshops and interaction with host departments. Visiting Scholars -- http://www.advance.vt.edu/resources_links/visiting_scholars.html The Visiting Scholars Program provides funding to departments for short campus visits by potential faculty candidates to attract their interest in future faculty positions. Proposals are accepted throughout the year. Mentoring for Pre-Tenure Faculty -- http://www.provost.vt.edu/faculty_affairs/faculty_development/mentoring.html New tenure-track faculty members may each receive up to $1,500 designated for implementing a project that engages at least one mentor in helping them advance their academic and professional career. Black Faculty and Staff Caucus -- http://vtblackcaucus.webstarts.com/index.html The purpose of the Black Faculty/Staff caucus shall be to promote the well being of Black faculty, staff and students of Virginia Tech; to assertively push for the recruitment of Black faculty, staff and students; to assist in the recruitment and retention of Black undergraduate and graduate students at Virginia Tech; to encourage equitable utilization of Black faculty, staff and students throughout the university community; to be a liaison between the Black faculty, staff and students and the university administration; and to organize and maintain a support network for Black faculty, staff and students at Virginia Tech. Hispanic & Latino Faculty & Staff Caucus -- http://www.hfsc.org.vt.edu/ The Hispanic and Latino Faculty Staff Caucus (the Hispanic Caucus) collaborates with the University Administration for the recruitment and retention of Hispanic/Latino faculty, staff, and students. We also support community efforts that commemorate the diverse cultures in this region. The Caucus aims to enhance the quality of education and life for all faculty, staff and students at Virginia Tech and residents in surrounding communities. The Caucus was first formed in late Spring 2002, and began meeting in Fall 2002. The Caucus has a representative on the University-wide Commission on Equal Opportunity and Diversity, and is involved with the Multicultural Fellows program. The Caucus also works closely with the various Hispanic/Latino student organizations. We also organize the Hispanic/Latino Achievement Ceremony, that recognizes Hispanic/Latin@ graduating students This event takes place in May, before university commencement ceremonies. LGBT Faculty & Staff Caucus -- http://www.vtlgbtcaucus.org/ The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Caucus at Virginia Tech formed in 1992 as an affiliate of the Women's Network. The Caucus purpose is improving the working and learning environment for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender members of Virginia Tech and the surrounding community. LGBT Caucus membership is open to all Virginia Tech faculty, staff, graduate students, and individuals who support the objectives of the Caucus. By bringing concerns about retention, classroom climate, or other issues to the attention of the administration, providing educational programs to the larger community, and partnering with other campus groups like the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Alliance (LGBTA), the undergraduate student group, to host public events, the Caucus aims to foster an atmosphere of understanding at the University, thereby improving productivity and quality of life at Virginia Tech for all employees and students. Asian Faculty & Staff Caucus (under development)

All of the above faculty efforts are also open to university staff.