The Social Equity of our students, faculty and staff is very important. To provide an effective learning and working environment, we work hard to ensure all community members feel respected and supported.
The Center for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (CDEI) has two major areas of responsibility: campus diversity and social equity.
These major areas support the University's mission, vision and values by supporting
students, faculty and staff with equality and fairness. The University's Chief Diversity
and Inclusion Officer leads these areas and coordinates or leads other institutional
efforts as designated by the University President.
In accordance with the PASSHE Non-Discrimination Statement, PennWest Edinboro will
promote an inclusive culture that supports the academic, cultural, and personal growth
of all members of the University community. PennWest Edinboro values the richness
of diversity and believes that the intentional recruitment, retention, and accommodation
of individuals who differ and are similar will broaden and deepen the educational
experience and the scholarly environment. By respecting pluralistic perceptions, and
continuously assessing and monitoring the campuses and community environments, the
PennWest Edinboro community will foster open communication as students, faculty, staff
and community learn to interact effectively with one another, creating and sustaining
a supportive and respectful climate.
In collaboration with the other campus offices and individuals, the CDEI has University-wide
responsibility for overseeing and assisting in the coordination of campus diversity
efforts.
The Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer provides leadership on institution-wide
diversity efforts. The Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer also co-chairs the President's
University Diversity Council that advises, supports, and makes recommendations to
the President on issues involving campus diversity, inclusion and multiculturalism.
The office updates the University's affirmative action plans, which assess the inclusivity of women, underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, persons with disabilities, and covered veterans in the University's employee workforce. The Office director co-leads and participates in the Equity Scorecard™ inquiry process designed to assist the University in closing achievement gaps of underrepresented and low-income students in the access, retention, completion, and excellence stages of their undergraduate experience.
Respect and integrity are core values of PennWest Edinboro. Prohibited or unlawful discrimination is a form of disrespectful behavior. The Social Equity Investigator is responsible for investigating complaints of unlawful harassment and other forms of prohibited discrimination. Additionally, the Title IX Coordinator and Social Equity Investigator provide education on the University's social equity policies.
PennWest Edinboro receives Federal financial assistance. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in education programs or activities operated by recipients of Federal financial assistance. Sexual harassment, which includes acts of sexual violence, is a form of sex discrimination prohibited by Title IX.
The University's Title IX coordinator oversees compliance with Title IX. The University's
Title IX coordinator works collaboratively with the Director of Athletics on matters
pertaining to gender equity in athletics.