DIVISION OF SPECIAL SERVICES AND EQUITY
Rosemary Gray, Vice President
The Division of Special Services and Equity ensures that all students, faculty, and staff have an equal opportunity to participate in all aspects of University life. McNeese State University does not discriminate with regard to race, color, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, religion, disability, veteran status, ethnicity, or age in employment or the provision of services.
The Division provides supervision and oversight to Human Resources, Services for Students with Disabilities, Student Employment, and Upward Bound. The Vice President of Special Services and Equity is the University’s ADA Coordinator, Title IX Coordinator, and Equal Opportunity Officer, and investigates complaints of discrimination, including sexual harassment. The Division prepares the Affirmative Action Plan for Employment and manages the hiring process, diversity training programs, the applicant tracking system, and assists the University administration on matters relating to institutional compliance. The Division implements and manages compliance with and promotes programs and activities to support the Americans with Disabilities Act As Amended and the Affirmative Action Program.
The Division is committed to diversity, interculturalism, and equity by providing information, services, programs and activities, and training and development opportunities for faculty, staff, and students. Individually and in collaboration with other divisions and departments and community partners, the Division develops and implements training programs and activities to promote a welcoming, nurturing, and equally beneficial campus environment to students, faculty, staff, and visitors.
The Division supports the University’s commitment to student success, academic excellence, University/community alliances, cultural growth, and the cultivation of student skills for critical thinking, effective expression, and understanding of the global community.
Non-Discrimination and Diversity Awareness Policy
McNeese State University does not discriminate with regard to ethnicity, race, color, national origin, sexual orientation, religion, disability, veteran status, age, or sex in admission to or employment or participation in its education programs, services, and activities. The University has adopted The Diversity Awareness Policy to provide for prompt and equitable resolution of discrimination complaints. The Policy describes the grievance procedure for individuals who may have experienced discrimination. The Policy further defines racial discrimination, sexual harassment/ discrimination, gender discrimination, sexual orientation discrimination, age discrimination, and discrimination against individuals with disabilities. The grievance procedures for individuals with disabilities confirms the University’s commitment to providing accessibility to its programs, services, and activities for individuals with disabilities who are otherwise qualified and entitled to an accommodation.
Accessible Participation Policy
McNeese State University, a member of the University of Louisiana System, is an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity/Americans with Disabilities Act As Amended employer committed to excellence through diversity. McNeese State University is committed to providing students, employees, and visitors with disabilities the opportunity to participate in the university’s academic programs and other activities through its McNeese State University Accessible Participation Policy by providing academic adjustments, reasonable accommodations, and accommodations to assure access to University programs, services, and activities.
Individuals who believe they may have experienced discrimination, but are uncertain as to whether a complaint is justified or whether they wish to initiate a formal written complaint may discuss their concerns confidentially and informally with the Vice President of Special Services and Equity and ADA Coordinator.
Services for Students With Disabilities
Tim Delaney, Director
Services for Students with Disabilities serves all students with disabilities. Its goals are to facilitate the transition from high school to college; to assist students in developing the necessary skills to succeed in college; to provide counseling, including career counseling; and to assist in the successful transition from college to employment. Services for Students with Disabilities operates under the guidelines of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act As Amended. Students with a disability should present the appropriate documentation stating his or her disability to the Office of Services for Students with Disabilities.
Student Employment
Derek Fontenot, Administrator
The Office of Student Employment provides qualified students part-time job opportunities to enhance job-seeking skills, gain work experience, and defray college expenses. Student employment gives students opportunities to interact in a global community and prepare for the job market.
Upward Bound
Stella Miller, Director
Upward Bound serves high school students from low-income families and students from families in which neither parent has a bachelor’s degree. Its goal is to provide opportunities for participants to succeed in pre-college performance and higher education pursuits, which will ultimately increase rates of post-secondary enrollment and graduation. Services include an academic year and summer component for high school participants and a summer bridge program for participants who are entering college.
During the academic year, students attend weekly after-school study sessions at the school site and monthly Saturday sessions at the University. The summer high school program allows students to experience different aspects of college life. Students receive academic, financial aid, and personal counseling; exposure to cultural events; information on post-secondary opportunities; and career planning. The summer bridge program assists with the transition from high school to college. Following high school graduation, eligible participants may take up to six hours of college credit and receive free tuition, fees, books, and supplies.
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