Overall Rating Silver
Overall Score 49.88
Liaison Karen Marin-Hines
Submission Date Feb. 29, 2024

STARS v2.2

Texas Tech University
PA-7: Support for Underrepresented Groups

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 2.83 / 3.00 Karen Marin-Hines
Campus Sustainability Officer
Operations
"---" 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:

TTU does not tolerate unlawful discrimination or harassment. TTU's non-discrimination and anti-harassment policy is set forth in Texas Tech University System Regulation 07.10, which can be found here. https://www.depts.ttu.edu/opmanual/op40.02.php


Does the institution have a discrimination response protocol or committee (sometimes called a bias response team)?:
Yes

A brief description of the institution’s discrimination response protocol or team:

"The Student Handbook (https://www.depts.ttu.edu/dos/handbook/) provides several reporting options and policy references, see sections below. Part I, Section A Student Conduct Mission and Policies 6. Reporting Allegations of Misconduct Part I, Section C Conduct Procedures for Students Part II, Section C Anti-Discrimination Policy Part II, Section E Complaint Process If there is insufficient evidence to support the claim, it will be dismissed. Appeal is possible by submitting a formal request in writing to the Associate Vice-Provost for Student Affairs. This information will be provided to the student at the time of notification that the complaint has been dismissed. TTU does have a specific policy, including a grievance policy (OP 40.04 – Access for Individuals with Disabilities), where student, faculty, or staff member can file a complaint with the university based on an act of discrimination towards them based on their specific disability. https://www.depts.ttu.edu/sds/currentstudents/DiscriminationComplaint.php http://www.depts.ttu.edu/opmanual/OP40.04.pdf
http://www.depts.ttu.edu/opmanual/OP40.03.pdf

See notes section before the following.
Texas Tech connects students to appropriate resources and support groups through the Campus Inclusion Resource Team (CIRT). “The CIRT serves to connect students who are negatively impacted by another's words or actions to appropriate University resources and support, and to inform education and outreach efforts that promote a caring, inclusive learning environment for all Red Raiders. The goal of the CIRT is to promote the University's stated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, free speech, and academic freedom.
https://www.depts.ttu.edu/dos/docs/2020_2021handbook/20212F.pdf


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

Does the institution have programs specifically designed to recruit academic staff from underrepresented groups?:
No

Does the institution have programs designed specifically to recruit non-academic staff from underrepresented groups?:
No

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

Student Recruitment - The Raiders Rojos Alumni Network will serve as a viable recruitment tool for Texas Tech University System. It will continue to assist the institution with its goal to maintain the status of a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). This will enable Texas Tech University System to access the pool of federal dollars now available to HSI institutions and further enhance the Mission of the Raiders Rojos Alumni Network. The Raiders Rojos Alumni Network recruits students with their mission to promote the retention and graduation attainment of Hispanic students within the Texas Tech University System by providing a strong support system that includes, but is not limited to, scholarship, mentoring, and networking opportunities. https://www.tturaidersrojos.org/


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

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

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

A brief description of the institution’s programs designed specifically to support students, academic staff, and/or non-academic staff from underrepresented groups:

Mentor Tech
The Lauro Cavazos & Ophelia Powell-Malone Mentoring Program (Mentor Tech) seeks to enhance the quality of the educational experiences of students from underrepresented groups through programs, services, advocacy, and campus and community involvement.

First Generation Transition & Mentoring Programs
Through advising, mentoring, and group interaction, the First Generation Transition and Mentoring Programs strives to improve the retention and success rates of First Generation College (FGC) students at Texas Tech by fostering an environment that supports their academic, social/community, and personal needs.
First Generation College students may continue into the Second Year Success (SYS) program in their second year. Through these uniquely designed programs, the educational achievement gap for FGC students, of all cultures, is addressed by providing academic support, mentoring, and outreach opportunities.
https://www.depts.ttu.edu/mvp/Mentoring.php

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Employees who are experiencing personal problems are encouraged to seek the private and confidential services of the EAP whose staff of trained professionals are committed to providing quality counseling and assistance for individuals, couples, families, and work groups. An employee may seek assistance or learn more about the program by contacting the EAP directly at 743.1327 or 800.327.0328, or by emailing counselingcenter@ttuhsc.edu. The EAP is located in the Counseling Center at TTUHSC, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, 1A300 HSC building. Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Employees who are experiencing personal problems are encouraged to seek the private and confidential services of the EAP whose staff of trained professionals are committed to providing quality counseling and assistance for individuals, couples, families, and work groups. An employee may seek assistance or learn more about the program by contacting the EAP directly at 743.1327 or 800.327.0328, or by emailing counselingcenter@ttuhsc.edu. The EAP is located in the Counseling Center at TTUHSC, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, 1A300 HSC building.
https://www.depts.ttu.edu/hr/EmpBenefits/Health.php
https://www.depts.ttu.edu/opmanual/OP70.33.pdf


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?:
Yes

A brief description of the institution’s programs to support and prepare students from underrepresented groups for careers as faculty members:

The McNair Scholars Program is a two-year program that prepares first-generation and low-income and/or underserved undergraduate students for doctoral studies through involvement in research and other scholarly activities. McNair provides a series of workshops on the research process, culminating in an eight-week research summer program. Scholars work with their Faculty Mentors to complete a research project that simulates graduate-school-level work.

The program also prepares participants for applying to graduate school through a series of workshops on the GRE, writing a personal statement and CV, funding and navigating graduate school culture. McNair provides research funding and travel funding for conferences and graduate school visits. Additionally, scholars receive GRE fee reductions and graduate school application waivers for more than 200 schools nationwide.

The McNair Explorers Program is a year-long exploratory program for first- and second-year first-generation students. It introduces them to undergraduate research, leadership opportunities and graduate school resources while preparing them to apply to the McNair Scholars Program and other undergraduate programs and opportunities at Texas Tech.
https://www.depts.ttu.edu/access-engagement/mcnair-scholars-program/


Does the institution produce a publicly accessible inventory of gender-neutral bathrooms on campus?:
Yes

Does the institution offer housing options to accommodate the special needs of transgender and transitioning students?:
No

Website URL where information about the institution’s support for underrepresented groups is available:
---

Additional documentation to support the submission:
---

Data source(s) and notes about the submission:

Shared Use Restrooms List: https://www.depts.ttu.edu/odpa/ModelODPA-PublicAccessLocationRR.php

In response to Senate Bill 17's passing on July 17, 2023, Texas Tech University's Division of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion was disbanded on or about July 19, 2023. Texas Tech made changes with the guidance of Texas Tech University System leadership, including the Texas Tech University System Office of General Counsel, prior to the end of calendar year 2023. This report covers work done in Fiscal Year 2023, so information regarding the Division of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion is included because the office was operational for approximately 10 of 12 months in Fiscal Year 2023 ending on August 31, 2023. Websites containing information from the division are no longer available online. The Fiscal Year 2024 and subsequent reports will reflect the changes made after the division was disbanded.


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.