board policy on diversity and inclusion

As an institution dedicated to health care, cultural competence, social justice and advocacy, UHSP believes an appreciation of diverse perspectives is critical.

Through its Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, the University is building a welcoming environment on campus and creating educational programming and experiences to prepare students for an interconnected world.

OUR MISSION

In partnership with our campus community, we embrace and value our distinct cultures, worldviews, abilities and experiences to maximize individual and institutional success.

OUR VISION

Foster a diverse and inclusive environment through intentional involvement and empowerment that promotes and sustains a sense of belonging.

Diversity and Inclusion Policy

The University’s Policy on Diversity and Inclusion outlines the University’s dedication to fostering an environment that protects and values differences within a diverse community.

The University strives to be an educational institution that welcomes faculty, staff, and students from diverse backgrounds and situations. The University is committed to providing all members of our community with equal opportunity to participate in our programs and activities, including but not limited to academic programs, social and recreational programs and services, and to promote and enhance the diversity of the college community.

The University does not discriminate against any person based on age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital or familial status, national or ethnic origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status.

For students, this applies to educational programs, residential environments, athletics and other co-curricular programs, social and recreational programs, and student services.

For faculty, staff and student employees, this applies to all employment decisions, including selection, benefits, compensation, tenure, training and educational programs, transfer, promotion/demotion, layoff, return from layoff and termination. In determining whether discrimination or other conduct prohibited under this policy has occurred, what is permissible under applicable laws will be taken into account.

The University firmly embraces the following principles of inclusion to create an environment for equal opportunity and participation in all aspects of the University:

The University will employ proactive recruitment techniques to attract a diverse group of student applicants, including those from underrepresented groups.
The University will devote resources to support students to enhance the likelihood of their successful matriculation, progression and graduation.
In all searches, departments will employ proactive recruitment and advertising techniques to attract a diverse group of applicants, including those from underrepresented groups.
The University will provide faculty, staff and students with training and education on equal opportunity issues and avoidance of problems.
It is a core responsibility of the University President to report on diversity initiatives to the Board of Trustees at the annual meeting.

While equal opportunity and inclusion are the responsibility of all members of the University community, the President has final responsibility for the overall implementation and monitoring of this policy. It will be the responsibility of the President to determine periodically which groups are under-represented for purposes of this policy and to make appropriate adjustments to implementation of this policy. The daily working responsibility for equal opportunity and inclusion is delegated to the chief diversity officer and the director for the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. These individuals have responsibility for implementation of this policy and promulgation of the concept of equal opportunity and inclusion. The University will implement this policy in accordance with applicable law.

diversity, equity and inclusion at UHSP

Have questions? We’re here to help. Contact the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at ODEI@uhsp.edu.

Diversity, equity and inclusion

inclusive spaces

bias incident reporting