Appalachian State University
PA-7: Support for Underrepresented Groups

Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation - Appalachian State University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. The University does not discriminate in access to its educational programs and activities, or with respect to hiring or the terms and conditions of employment, on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity and expression, political affiliation, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information or sexual orientation.
Link: https://policy.appstate.edu/Discrimination,_Harassment_and_Retaliation

Equal Opportunity - Appalachian State University is committed to providing equal opportunity in education and employment to all applicants, students, and employees. The university does not discriminate in access to its educational programs and activities, or with respect to hiring or the terms and conditions of employment, on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity and expression, political affiliation, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information or sexual orientation. The university actively promotes diversity among students and employees.
Link: https://policy.appstate.edu/Equal_Opportunity

Campus Climate Support Program (bias and hate incidents) https://diversity.appstate.edu/resources/ccs-program/

AppState’s Campus Climate Support Program is a university-wide initiative designed to educate the campus community on bias and hate and facilitate the timely reporting and successful resolution of bias-related or hate incidents. Our belief is that by recognizing and reporting bias-related or hate incidents, we can cultivate a more inclusive campus culture where all members feel welcome, supported and accountable to one another.

To report a hate or bias-related incident that was experienced firsthand or witnessed on an App State campus (demeaning comment about a person's race/ethnicity, gender or physical disability, or unfair treatment because of a person's political beliefs), individuals are may submit a report through the Campus Climate Support Program or contact the Office of Diversity.

Submitting a report:
This Campus Climate Program Supports faculty, staff and students who have experienced or witnessed hate or bias incidents by:
- referring individuals who report bias-related or hate incidents to appropriate campus offices and programs so that incidents be effectively be responded to in accordance with university core values, policies and principles of expression, and in accordance with local, state and federal laws (when applicable);
- fostering constructive dialogue about the complex intersection of — and healthy tension between — preserving free speech, encouraging diverse viewpoints and creating a welcoming and safe campus environment for every member of our App State Community; and
- cataloging reported incidents and analyzing them to identify trends and patterns that will help App State develop strategies for addressing bias and hate in our university community.

After submitting a report:
Anyone who submits a bias-related or hate incident report (a reporter) will automatically receive information regarding campus support resources.
For reporters who identify themselves, the Office of Diversity will review the report and determine appropriate next steps, which could include:
- Send them additional resources tailored to the nature of the incident.
- Contact them to collaborate on developing and implementing an action plan that addresses the incident.
- Continue to provide them with resources and support throughout the review and resolution processes.
- Let them know when the action plan is completed, including any resolution that occurs with the person(s) alleged to have initiated the incident.

Partner Offices of Support and Response:
Through the Campus Climate Support Program, the Office of Diversity and its campus partners provide faculty, staff and students with numerous resources to help witnesses and those directly harmed navigate a full range of issues, from academic performance and workplace environment to counseling support and legal advice. A link to a comprehensive list of resources: https://diversity.appstate.edu/resources/ccs-program/ccs-resources/

please see: http://diversity.appstate.edu/recruitment/

STUDENTS:
- The ASCEND Program is an engaging, intentional, high-impact supplemental orientation program targeting first time Appalachian State University students from marginalized and historically underrepresented backgrounds. The ASCEND Program is based on Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, and establishes a solid foundation for new students to feel a sense of belonging and community, be empowered to succeed with knowledge, connections and resources, and to explore and give back to their new home-away-from-home.
- Multicultural Prospective Student Day is designed to provide high school seniors with a firsthand view of Appalachian and the vast resources we offer, from small class sizes and quality of academic instruction to first-rate facilities and friendly people. High school seniors come to Appalachian's campus to attend classes and campus events, including Multicultural Club Connection (MCC), mini information sessions, Fall Open House and social events.
- Multicultural Transfer Student Day is a free one-day event for diverse transfer students who want a first-hand look at Appalachian. Participants will experience our beautiful location, learn about our strong academic programs, explore resources for diversity and inclusion, and engage with faculty and current students. Students will have the opportunity to learn about financial aid and student leadership opportunities at Appalachian.

STAFF:
App State is a member of HERC, which is a non-profit consortium of over 700 colleges, universities, hospitals, research labs, government agencies, and related non- and for-profit organizations. Consortium members share a commitment to hiring the most diverse and talented faculty, staff, and executives.

FACULTY:
The Faculty Fellows Program recruits and retains faculty members with life experiences unique to Appalachian's underrepresented student and faculty populations.

App State has several programs that support students, academic staff, and/or non-academic staff from underrepresented groups. A full list of resources available to underrepresented campus community members can be found here: https://diversity.appstate.edu/resources/
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Appalachian Advocates: https://diversity.appstate.edu/strategic-initiatives/milestones/
Hosted by the Office of Diversity, Appalachian Advocates is a program designed to equip, expand and make visible the network of resources and support available to members of the App State and greater Boone communities. Appalachian Advocates are members of the App State community with a wide variety of backgrounds, identities, experiences and knowledge. Their dedication to the university’s strategic goal of advancing diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) promotes a culture of belonging on our campuses that values all members of our university community.

Four Faculty Directors of Communities (FDC) roles were established in the summer of 2022. The FDCs work with the Chief Diversity Officer to co-create community partnerships serving within Western North Carolina. They advise and support the work of the Office of Diversity and Inclusion through the lens of their respective community identities by leading and developing professional development experiences, fostering conversation around campus, and managing campus climate issues and special projects.

Dr. Ashley Han, Faculty Director of LGBTQ+ Communities
Dr. Allen Bryant, Faculty Director of Indigenous Communities
Dr. Claudia Cartaya Marin, Faculty Director of Hispanic/Latine Communities
Dr. Shawn Ricks, Faculty Director of The Junaluska Project

Also, in 2021–22, the Office of Admissions hired an assistant director of Hispanic/Latinx recruitment; redesigned the position of assistant director of admissions for special populations so that it focuses on rural and first-generation populations; and created an assistant director position for Black/African American student recruitment. The office also expanded tour offerings and activities for Black, first-generation and Spanish-speaking students.
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The Queer and Trans Staff and Faculty (QTSAF) Affinity Group: https://diversity.appstate.edu/resources/faculty-staff/qtsaf/

This group, founded in May 2021, is a gathering of faculty and staff across the queer and trans/LGBTQIA+ spectrum at Appalachian State University. Their goal is to provide community, support, and advocacy for queer and trans folks on campus and work to make our campus a more inclusive space. (Note: The QTSAF is an affinity group for queer and transgender identified professional staff and faculty and does not currently include involvement opportunities for allies of LGBTQ+ staff and faculty.)
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The Gadugi Partnership
https://diversity.appstate.edu/resources/gadugi-partnership/

Founded in 2013, the Gadugi Partnership is a partnership between App State and Cherokee Central Schools. This partnership began as an initiative to address the critical need for Native American educators but has since expanded to support Indigenous students as they pursue various fields of study. The Gadugi Partnership hosts events throughout the year to educate others while also celebrating the many accomplishments of Native Americans. In the Cherokee language, Gadugi means “working together.”
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APP Unidos supports immigration-affected Mountaineers:
https://appunidos.appstate.edu/

A program designed and administered by APP Unidos is their Immigrant Ally Training Series. Desired outcomes are to:
Establish a network of visible allies that provide immigration-affected Mountaineers access to trustworthy, knowledgeable, and supportive people who provide information and assistance in a safe, nondiscriminatory environment;
Inspire the creation of resources for immigration-affected members at the university and surrounding communities;
Deliver insight for each ally to adopt practices and principles for application in their current role with the university to improve advocacy and overall experience for immigration-affected communities.
https://appunidos.appstate.edu/immigrant-mountaineers-movement/immigrant-ally-training-series

The Intercultural Student Affairs operates three student-led outreach centers:
- LGBT Center https://lgbt.appstate.edu
- Multicultural Center https://multiculturalcenter.appstate.edu
- Women's Center https://womenscenter.appstate.edu

APP Unidos - community, professional welfare, and quality of life issues specific to Hispanic/Latinx faculty, staff, and students https://appunidos.appstate.edu/

APP Unidos offers an Immigrant Ally Training Series - https://appunidos.appstate.edu/immigrant-mountaineers-movement/immigrant-ally-training-series

Added resources for underrepresented faculty and staff --
https://diversity.appstate.edu/resources/faculty-staff/

Campus Climate Support Program (bias and hate incidents) https://diversity.appstate.edu/resources/ccs-program/

Other related policy information:
Harassment and Discrimination policy - Policy 110 in Appalachian State University's policy manual protects campus members from harassment and discrimination and can be found at: Policy 110 in Appalachian State University's policy manual protects campus members from harassment and discrimination and can be found at: https://policy.appstate.edu/Discrimination,_Harassment_and_Retaliation

Two campus offices are responsible for investigating claims of harassment and discrimination, including sexual harassment and interpersonal violence – the Office of Title IX Compliance and the Office of Student Conduct (OSC). Both offices also provide information to affected parties about on-campus and community-based support options such as counseling.

The Office of Title IX Compliance discrimination response: Upon receipt of an oral or written complaint, the Title IX director conducts a preliminary investigation, including interviews with the complainant and the accused individual ("respondent") and any relevant witnesses. If it is appears that immediate action is necessary to protect any/all involved parties from harm, university administrators and immediate supervisors are notified and actions deemed appropriate are taken. If the investigator concludes that the preliminary evidence indicates that university policy or law may have been violated, a full investigation is conducted in consultation with the appropriate supervisors. Witnesses who may have information relevant to the complaint are interviewed. The investigator presents a summary report of the investigation to the appropriate administrator/supervisor. The investigator may make recommendations to the administrator/supervisor, but the administrator/supervisor has the ultimate responsibility to make the decision if disciplinary sanctions are warranted based on the totality of the situation.

OSC response: All cases of student-on-student harassment are heard and resolved by the OSC through informal or formal means. During an informal resolution, the Conduct Review Officer will, in their professional judgment on the basis of the information provided or in consultation with appropriate University officials (e.g., Title IX Coordinator; University Housing; the Dean of Students), propose findings regarding any alleged violation(s) and may specify any sanction(s) described in this Code. Unless an informal resolution is accepted, the Conduct Review Officer refers the case to a hearing for formal The Director may also refer any case directly to a hearing without the option of an informal resolution.