Kean University
PA-5: Diversity and Equity Coordination

"The Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion leads and supports a campus-wide agenda to foster a community that both values and promotes the diversity of all students, faculty, staff, administrators, and beyond. The Office facilitates the implementation of the key principles of inclusive excellence and collaboration in all University endeavors. Further, the Office establishes, implements, and advances academic and administrative policies and practices that reflect Kean’s commitment to access and equity with a goal to prepare each graduate to not only thrive, but climb higher in a diverse world. To that end, the Human Rights Institute at Kean was established to shine a light on human rights issues and violations across the globe, while inspiring the next generation of activists to create a more just and peaceful world.We do this in a number of ways – through coursework and curricula aimed at promoting understanding and tolerance; special events including lectures, book discussions and film screenings; exhibits in our Human Rights Institute Gallery; and our annual International Human Rights Conference. As an institution we also offer a k-12 Diversity Council. The mission of the Diversity Council of Kean University is to promote the development of just and caring individuals in a diverse democratic society. The Council provides professional development for educators and activities for students on multicultural and other diversity issues including Holocaust/genocide education, and human rights. Diversity Council supports the active efforts of its members by providing courses, programs, and resources. The inclusive excellence Council will establish a set of principles in support of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI) work at the University. The plan aims to develop a set of measurable goals, metrics, and priorities to create and sustain a diverse and inclusive environment for all members of the campus community.
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The Transition to Kean (T2K) GE 1000 course is an extension of the New Student Orientation experience. This course is designed to help students adjust to academic and student life at Kean, introduce them to the General Education Program, and emphasize student success skills. This course will identify and explore student strengths and weaknesses while familiarizing students with available University resources to cultivate academic success.

In this one-credit course (formerly called Freshman Seminar), students learn about University programs and services. The Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) for the course are:

Diversity
Active Citizenship
After completing the course students will have nurtured the skills needed to be engaged citizens in their communities. Students also have the opportunity to evaluate their own culture and others' while exploring multiple world views. These SLOs support the University mission to foster an environment where diversity can flourish and community outreach can grow.

Transition to Kean is a graduation requirement for all students who enter the University with fewer than 30 credits. For students who enter Kean with 30 or more credits the Transfer Transitions GE 3000 course is required. All Kean students must successfully complete either GE 1000 or GE 3000.

THE FOLLOWING TRAININGS ARE REASSIGNED TO ALL FULL-TIME EMPLOYEES ON AN ANNUAL BASIS:

Americans with Disabilities Act Overview - This course is designed to provide an overview of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and how it might apply in schools. It covers ADA basics, such as what qualifies as a disability and reasonable accommodation, program accessibility under title II, the differences between the Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act and the ADA, and effective communication in the educational context.

Discrimination Awareness in the Workplace - Although we’ve long understood that discrimination and harassment are unlawful in the workplace, it's clear from news headlines that it’s still prevalent. That’s why it’s critical that employees understand their workplace policies regarding discrimination and know their roles and obligations. This course is designed to provide basic awareness and understanding of discrimination. This awareness can help employees avoid discriminatory behaviors and build a school culture that reflects inclusivity and respect for all.

Discrimination: Avoiding Discriminatory Practices (For supervisors only) - Although we’ve long understood that discrimination and harassment are unlawful in the workplace, it's clear from news headlines that it’s still prevalent. That’s why it’s critical that employees understand their workplace policies regarding discrimination and know their roles and obligations. This course is designed to provide basic awareness and understanding of discrimination. This awareness can help employees avoid discriminatory behaviors and build a school culture that reflects inclusivity and respect for all.

Title IX: Regulations and Roles Overview - While all staff members have some responsibility under Title IX, the Title IX coordinator is charged with managing overall compliance and ensuring all employees and students on campus are aware of their obligations and their protections under Title IX. This course provides administrators with an overview of Title IX requirements and the role of the Title IX Coordinator. Topics include: sexual harassment, methods of awareness and prevention, ways to address sexual harassment and procedures for investigation and grievance processes.

THE FOLLOWING TRAININGS ARE ASSIGNED UPON HIRE OF NEW FULL-TIME EMPLOYEES:

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Practices: Staff to Staff - The goal of this course is to provide staff with an awareness of how a diverse workforce strengthens an organization. The course examines behaviors, both unintentional and intentional, that can discriminate or contribute to a hostile work environment. It also discusses ways to respond or even intervene in discriminatory acts that are in concert with your organization's policies and showcase positive reinforcing behaviors that show respect and appreciation for staff who are different than you.

Implicit Bias and Microaggression Awareness - This course is designed to help course takers gain an understanding of what implicit bias and microaggressions are, the science behind these concepts and how to prevent imposing them on others.

Making Campus Safe for LGBTQ+ Students - This course explores the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ students and provides ways that educators can help create a safe and respectful campus environment.

Sexual Violence Awareness for Employees (Campus SaVE Act) - The goal of this course is to inform employees about the requirements of the Campus SaVE Act. This includes the identification of and response to incidents of sexual violence against students. This course will cover sexual violence awareness, risk reduction and bystander intervention, action to take after sexual violence has occurred, and student disciplinary proceedings, victim protections and sanctions. The content in this course was designed with care and sensitivity; however, some may find certain topics personally upsetting, especially for survivors of sexual abuse or assault. If you feel the need to talk with someone, please contact your building administrator or a related resource in your community.

Title IX and Gender Equity in Athletics (for Athletics staff only) - Over the last 10 years, more new sports opportunities have been added for males than for females, despite the fact that females are still significantly underrepresented in athletic programs. The determination of equality is based on comparing the treatment of all male participants to the treatment of all female participants. This course provides staff members and administrators an overview of Title IX and how it applies to college and university athletics programs. Topics include: the history of Title IX, legal requirements and compliance, equality in treatment and benefits, and common questions and myths.