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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 to the Office of Institutional Diversity and Inclusion at https://uca.edu/diversity/diversity-equity-or-civility-concern, idi@uca.edu or 501.450.3135.

DECC PROCESS

  1. The Office of Institutional Diversity and Inclusion (IDI) 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. IDI 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 IDI receives a concern, IDI informs the Office of the General Counsel for inclusion in the resolution approach.
  5. IDI informs respective Deans/Department Heads, and Vice Presidents of concerns.
  6. IDI 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, IDI collaborates with departments so that IDI can provide weekly updates to the complainant, unless otherwise notified.
  8. Ultimately, IDI notifies the complainant of recommendations, outcomes, or decisions.
  9. Depending on the nature of the concern, IDI 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. IDI keeps a record of reported concerns and invites departments and divisions to make IDI aware of concerns and their resolutions.
  11. Please contact IDI for assistance with this process by phone at 501-450-3135 or by email at idi@uca.edu.