Wake Forest University
PA-6: Support for Underrepresented Groups

http://hr.wfu.edu/files/2016/03/Non-Discrimination-Statement.pdf

Wake Forest University is committed to diversity, inclusion and the spirit of Pro Humanitate. In adherence with applicable laws and as provided by University policies, the University prohibits discrimination in its employment practices and its educational programs and activities on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, disability and veteran status.

The university has developed a Bias Reporting System through which students, faculty, and staff may report bias or hate incidents. Those who have been the targets of, or who witness a hate or bias incident may use this online form to make the university aware of these incidents. Wake Forest University encourages all faculty, staff, students, and volunteers, acting in good faith, to report suspected or actual wrongful conduct. The university is committed to protecting individuals from interference with making a good faith report and from retaliation for having made a good faith report or for having refused to engage or participate in wrongful conduct.

All reports are reviewed by the Bias Incident Review Group led by the Dean of Students and the Assistant Provost for Diversity & Inclusion. Upon review of each report, the Review Group will: (a) ensure the report is properly routed for investigation and resolution in accordance with the applicable University policy, (b) assess avenues for minimizing or eliminating the possibility of future harm, (c) and support community healing and educational outreach.

The Bias Review Group may appoint a Bias Incident Response Team (BIRT) to provide support to the individual(s) involved. The Review Group may also call upon the BIRT to explore avenues to minimize future harm.

Individuals who submit a report and include contact information may be contacted to discuss the event in further detail. Other university offices such as University Police, the Office of Diversity & Inclusion, Student Services, and/or Human Resources, may be consulted to determine an appropriate response.

Student Recruitment programs:

Pathways: Students from underrepresented groups and low-income families are invited to spend one day on the Wake Forest campus to attend classes, meet with staff and administrations, interact with Office of Diversity and Inclusion staff, establish supportive relationships, and learn about the admissions process.

MOSAICS: Students from underrepresented groups who have been admitted are invited to campus for an overnight visit to learn more about opportunities afforded to undergraduates and engage in planned activities to facilitate their preparation for higher education.

The Magnolia Scholars program: This program provides full financial assistance to first-generation, low-income students to attend Wake Forest University. Each incoming class of first-year students has 30 Magnolia Scholars in it, which means there are roughly 120 Magnolia Scholars on campus each academic year. The Magnolia Scholars program also offers programming, support services, and mentoring opportunities to students who are part of the program.

Admissions Office programming: An Associate Dean of Diversity Admissions works to actively recruit students from domestically diverse and international backgrounds. Specifically, this involves visiting college fairs in urban areas, which are statistically more diverse than more suburban and/or rural areas. In addition, this Associate Dean visits Puerto Rico once a year for a nation-wide college fair. Finally, Admissions has relationships with half a dozen community-based organizations (CBOs) responsible for attracting a dozen students from underrepresented groups every academic year.

Faculty Recruitment programs:

The Black Doctoral Network: The institution is a member of the Black Doctoral Network, and hosts meet and greet event at the annual conference.

Inside Higher Education: The institution has a Diversity Profile connected to each job vacancy posted on Inside Higher Education, which speaks to the university's commitment to inclusion and diversity.

Culturally-relevant on-site interviews: Each on-campus interviewee meets with at least one Member of the Office of Diversity and Inclusion team.

The Intercultural Center developed the Protégés Mentoring Program (PMP), a peer mentoring program that serves as a resource to students of color by assisting their academic and social transition into the Wake Forest University community. PMP helps students by providing a continuing orientation to the university and community life, as well as inspiring students through a variety of support mechanisms. PMP provides incoming students with an upper-class peer mentor who not only has a genuine concern for the new student, but is also trained to assist him or her in their transition to Wake Forest. New students have this guide to help them learn the ins and outs of Wake Forest, as well as get them actively involved in new and exciting opportunities around campus.

The Intercultural Center also coordinates the M4 Initiative (Making Manhood Mean More) and the Latino Male Initiative to foster support for African American and Latino men, respectively, and the WE3 (Womens' Empowerment) initiative to support black and Latina women.

The LGBTQ Center provides support and advocacy to Wake Forest University’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning students, faculty and staff, and education to the entire campus community about issues of gender identity and sexual orientation. Safe Zone training, the center's signature program, is an in-depth, interactive presentation designed to educate Wake Forest faculty, staff, and students about the LGBTQ community. Participants learn what it means to be an ally—a person who supports and stands up for the rights of LGBTQ people—as well as how to create a Safe Zone.

The Women’s Center strives to create an educational and professional environment that supports women and promotes gender equity by fostering safe spaces to reflect on individual and collective experiences and identities, developing co-curricular programming around women’s and gender issues, supporting professional development, and identifying and advocating for policies to improve gender climate and inclusive practices at the institution. The center works with and advocates for students, faculty, and staff, and is open to all members of the campus community.

Additionally, each graduate and professional school in the university has graduate student organizations designed to provide support to underrepresented students, and the student services offices in each graduate and professional school have staff designated specifically to address the needs of underrepresented students.

The Employee Assistance Program (EAP), part of the Wake Forest Health Sciences, is a free service where trained counselors provide professional assessment, referral, and follow-up services for faculty and staff.