Office of Social Equity
The Office of Social Equity supports the University's goal of creating and maintaining a learning environment in which the rights of all are respected. This office encourages the entire University to become personally involved in enriching the campus through support of enhanced diversity and pluralism. The Office of Social Equity reaffirms the University's commitment to equity and diversity through the promotion of understanding, tolerance, and respect for others and ensures that the University community understands and complies with federal and state laws and California University policies with respect to equal opportunity and affirmative action.
Services
The Office of Social Equity helps students resolve concerns and complaints regarding harassment, discrimination and disability. As ombudsperson, the director serves as an advocate for students from diverse backgrounds, offering consultation and support in equity and diversity issues. The Social Equity office strives to help individuals explore their attitudes and behavior regarding equity issues and is available to any student who needs information, assistance or has a concern about justice, fairness and equal opportunity. Support services are provided in the following areas:
Equal Opportunity, Diversity, Compliance and Equity
This area offers access to a resource library consisting of videos, books, pamphlets and other information related to equity and diversity issues. In addition, the special assistant strives to enhance diversity in the University community through work with the Women's Consortium, President's Commission the Status of Women, Frederick Douglass Institute, PEACE Project, SAFE Zone, and the following standing committees of the California University Forum: Safety and Social Equity Committee and Core Values Committee.
Social Equity Complaints
The responsibility for investigating complaints is vested in the Office of Social Equity under the direction of the Special Assistant to the President. Complete information regarding policies, procedures, and the informal and formal complaint processes can be found in the policy statement and compliance procedures on equal employment opportunity and social equity available from this office.
Ombudsperson
As ombudsperson, the director offers consultation, assistance and support in equity and diversity issues. All members of the University community have the right to seek advice and information from the special assistant to the President, who will maintain such consultation in confidence to the greatest extent possible.
Sexual Harassment Education Sessions
As part of new student orientation, the Office of Social Equity provides an education session on sexual harassment awareness. The required student success session is designed to review the California University policy on sexual harassment, discuss issues regarding sexual harassment, notify students whom to contact if they should experience sexual harassment, and inform students that they can seek help and advice without fear of reprisal. In addition to the personal small group training format, the Office of Social Equity offers online training in sexual harassment awareness. All members of the University community have 24-hour access to the program at the following web address: www.newmedialearning.com/psh/cup/index.htm
Location and Hours
The Office of Social Equity is located in South Hall, Room 112. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, and evenings and weekends by appointment. For services or information stop at the office or call 724-938-4014. The web address is www.cup.edu/president/equity.