Grad Catalog 08 Social Equity

Office of Graduate Studies and Extended Education
McKelvie Hall, 102 W. Rosedale Avenue
West Chester University
West Chester, PA 19383
610-436-2943
fax: 610-436-2763
gradstudy@wcupa.edu

Revised March 2008

Office of Social Equity

Nondiscrimination/Affirmation Action Policy

West Chester University is committed to providing leadership in extending equal opportunities to all individuals. Accordingly, the University will continue to make every effort to provide these rights to all persons regardless of race, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status. This policy applies to all members of the University community, including students, faculty, staff, and administrators. It also applies to all applicants for admission or employment and all participants in University-sponsored activities.

This policy is in compliance with federal and state laws, including Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendment of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and Executive Order of the Governor of Pennsylvania. Any individual having suggestions, problems, complaints, or grievances with regard to equal opportunity or affirmative action, or to request a translation of this publication into a language other than English, is encouraged to contact Ms. Richeleen Dashield, director, Office of Social Equity, 13/15 University Ave., 610-436-2433.

Sexual Harassment Policy

West Chester University is committed to equality of opportunity and freedom from discrimination for all of its students and employees. Because sexual harassment is a form of discrimination based on sex, the University will not tolerate it in any form.

Upon official filing of a complaint, immediate investigation will be made culminating in appropriate corrective action where warranted, which may include termination of the relationship with the University.

Sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature occurring when:

1. submission to the unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an individual's employment, or of a student's academic status or treatment;

2. submission to or rejection of the unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature by an individual is used as the basis for academic or employment decisions affecting such an individual; or

3. the unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature is sufficiently severe, persistent, or pervasive to limit an individual's ability to participate in, benefit from, or perform at extracurricular activities, work, academic or educational programs, or to create a hostile or abusive living, working, or academic environment.

A complete copy of the University's Sexual Harassment Policy document, inclusive of the Sexual Harassment Complaint Procedure, may be obtained from the Office of Social Equity.

Individuals who believe themselves to be the victims of sexual harassment, or who have questions about the University's policy on this matter should contact Ms. Richeleen Dashield, director, Office of Social Equity, 13/15 University Ave., 610-436-2433.

ADA Policy and Accommodations

In keeping with West Chester University's commitment to equality of opportunity and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the University has established procedures and designated offices to provide accommodations for all people with disabilities. A complete copy of the ADA Policy Statement, as well as appropriate offices, appears on page 24 of this catalog. Individuals needing accommodations should make their needs known to the responsible office at least a week in advance. This publication is available on the Web site (www.wcupa.edu). A disk version for those needing accommodations is available from the Office of Graduate Studies, 610-436-2943.