Overall Rating Silver - expired
Overall Score 62.47
Liaison Chris Frantsvog
Submission Date March 3, 2017
Executive Letter Download

STARS v2.1

Luther College
PA-6: Support for Underrepresented Groups

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 1.00 / 3.00 Maren Beard
Assistant Director, Campus Sustainability
Center for Sustainable Communities
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

Does the institution have a publicly posted non-discrimination statement? :
Yes

The non-discrimination statement, including the website URL where the policy is publicly accessible:

https://www.luther.edu/hr/faculty-staff/policies/non-discrimination-statement/

Luther College is committed to creating and maintaining an atmosphere where all members of the community – students, faculty, staff and visitors – are treated with respect and dignity.

It is the policy of Luther College to provide equal educational opportunities and equal access to facilities for all qualified persons. The College does not discriminate in employment, educational programs, and activities on the basis of age, color, creed, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal or state law. This commitment includes the provision of a campus environment that is free from discrimination and harassment. The College will not tolerate any form of illegal discrimination or harassment and will not condone any actions or words that constitute such.

This policy complies with the Department of Education Administration Regulations for Direct Grant Programs section 75.500 and State Administered Programs section 76.500 on nondiscrimination.


Does the institution have a discrimination response protocol or committee (sometimes called a bias response team) to respond to and support those who have experienced or witnessed a bias incident, act of discrimination or hate crime?:
No

A brief description of the institution’s discrimination response protocol or team (including examples of actions taken during the previous three years):

Luther does not currently have a formal bias response team but there are conversations about creating one in the near future. Currently a restorative justice model is used incidents that are potentially bias related.


Does the institution have programs specifically designed to recruit students from underrepresented groups?:
Yes

Does the institution have programs specifically designed to recruit staff from underrepresented groups?:
Yes

Does the institution have programs specifically designed to recruit faculty from underrepresented groups?:
Yes

A brief description of the institution’s programs to recruit students, staff and/or faculty from underrepresented groups:

Luther College advertises its faculty and staff positions through channels designed to reach applicants of all backgrounds. Every job includes a diversity statement that reads: “Luther College seeks to build a culturally diverse community of faculty, staff, and students. Luther College is an equal opportunity employer. Women and persons of diverse ethnic backgrounds are especially encouraged to apply. We value the input of multiple viewpoints and perspectives to create an academic community that is rich with cultural, social, and intellectual diversity. Candidates are encouraged to identify their strengths or experiences that will contribute to this goal."

We have an admissions counselor specifically designated for recruiting students of color within a certain geographical territory. This position came about because of a recommendation from the Diversity Center.


Does the institution have mentoring, counseling, peer support, academic support, or other programs to support students from underrepresented groups on campus?:
Yes

Does the institution have mentoring, counseling, peer support or other programs to support staff from underrepresented groups on campus?:
No

Does the institution have mentoring, counseling, peer support or other programs to support faculty from underrepresented groups on campus?:
Yes

A brief description of the institution’s programs to support students, staff and/or faculty from underrepresented groups:

The Office of Student Life provides many services to support students through its various offices. The Diversity Center and Student Academic Support Center (SASC) offer many programs such as Student Support Services. SSS is considered a retention program that serves students who are income eligible, first generation, and students with disabilities while they pursue and complete a degree in higher education. Meant to meet the needs of traditionally under-represented and under-served populations, SSS services and activities include academic support, mentoring, and cultural enrichment opportunities. There are also many student organizations that provide student support, such as PRIDE(People for Rights, Inclusion and Diversity of Expression) and the Black Student Union. Luther College Counseling Services is also available for any individual who needs help and support.

New faculty teaching groups, mentoring trios and teaching partnerships are available to all faculty when they begin their work at Luther.


Does the institution have training and development programs, teaching fellowships and/or other programs that specifically aim to support and prepare students from underrepresented groups for careers as faculty members?:
No

A brief description of the institution’s programs to support and prepare students from underrepresented groups for careers as faculty members:
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Does the institution produce a publicly accessible inventory of gender-neutral bathrooms on campus?:
No

Does the institution offer housing options to accommodate the special needs of transgender and transitioning students?:
Yes

The website URL where information about the programs or initiatives is available:
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Additional documentation to support the submission:
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Data source(s) and notes about the submission:

Luther has a list of gender-neutral bathrooms and has worked in recent years to change language on single restrooms to be inclusive. A list is housed in Student Life and Facilities and our hope is that in the coming year it will be made publicly available on the website.

Farwell Hall has one gender-inclusive cluster. In the middle of last year there were conversations about students wanting more housing options that are more flexible relative to gender but we had a tough time filling that small cluster. As demand increases we will continue to look at expanding options.

Within the last year we added a single user bathroom with a shower in one of our first year residence halls. Some students may have a medical need for a private bathroom but this also gives flexibility to gender non-conforming first year students to live in a first year community with option of private restroom.


Luther has a list of gender-neutral bathrooms and has worked in recent years to change language on single restrooms to be inclusive. A list is housed in Student Life and Facilities and our hope is that in the coming year it will be made publicly available on the website.

Farwell Hall has one gender-inclusive cluster. In the middle of last year there were conversations about students wanting more housing options that are more flexible relative to gender but we had a tough time filling that small cluster. As demand increases we will continue to look at expanding options.

Within the last year we added a single user bathroom with a shower in one of our first year residence halls. Some students may have a medical need for a private bathroom but this also gives flexibility to gender non-conforming first year students to live in a first year community with option of private restroom.

The information presented here is self-reported. While AASHE staff review portions of all STARS reports and institutions are welcome to seek additional forms of review, the data in STARS reports are not verified by AASHE. If you believe any of this information is erroneous or inconsistent with credit criteria, please review the process for inquiring about the information reported by an institution or simply email your inquiry to stars@aashe.org.