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Diversity, Equity, or Civility Concern (DECC) Guide

In keeping with the University of Central Arkansas (UCA) non-discrimination policy in employment, admissions, and other functions and programs, UCA does not discriminate against a person on the basis of gender, race or color, ethnicity, religion, spiritual beliefs, national origin, age, familial status, socioeconomic background, sexual orientation, disability, political beliefs, intellectual perspective, genetic information, military status, or other factors irrelevant to participation in its programs.

In alignment with UCA’s core values of community, collegiality, integrity, and respect, we believe in processes of shared decision-making based on productive synergistic interactions among our students, faculty, and staff, and disciplines in the pursuit of institutional goals. We support a community and climate of respect and thoughtfulness among students, faculty, staff, and the people of our community, state, nation, and the world. To that end, all individuals are worthy of dignity and value; therefore, communications should contribute to mutual respect, campus collaboration, and positive associations.

DECC is an option for students and campus guests to report acts of discrimination, inequities, or incivility in the UCA community. Reports of discrimination, inequities, or incivility may be made at https://uca.edu/diversity/diversity-equity-or-civility-concern, diversity@uca.edu or 501.450.3135.

DECC PROCESS

  1. The Chief Diversity Officer (CDO) serves as the coordinating unit for DECC.
  2. Any student or community member may submit a concern. Employees submit DECC concerns to Human Resources.
  3. The CDO is not the only place of origin for concerns. Individuals may report their concern(s) to someone they know or any person/office they think may help. Therefore, departments and divisions may address concerns as well.
  4. When the CDO receives a concern, the Office of the General Counsel is informed for inclusion in the resolution approach.
  5. The CDO informs respective Deans/Department Heads, and Vice Presidents of concerns.
  6. The CDO makes the respondent aware of the concern and proceeds based on the findings.
  7. The process may involve interviews with faculty, staff, administrators, and/or students. Therefore, the CDO collaborates with departments so that weekly updates can be provided to the complainant, unless otherwise notified.
  8. Ultimately, the CDO notifies the complainant of recommendations, outcomes, or decisions.
  9. Depending on the nature of the concern, the CDO may refer the concern to the UCA Police Department, Title IX Officer, or the Office of the General Counsel for management and resolution. Should that be the case, the respective office will determine the timeframe of future communications.
  10. The CDO keeps a record of reported concerns and invites departments and divisions to make the CDO aware of concerns and their resolutions.
  11. Please contact the CDO for assistance with this process by phone at 501.450.3135 or by email at diversity@uca.edu.