As an institution of higher education, our university welcomes a broad array of expression and thought from many different perspectives. However, behaviors and speech motivated by bias can contribute to an unwelcome learning and working environment, even when the behavior or speech does not violate university policy or the law. USU encourages everyone in the campus community to embrace our principles of community around diversity, human dignity, and social responsibility. Learn more about the Social Climate Support Team. Response to a bias incident is not intended to prohibit or discourage the free exchange of ideas in the campus community or otherwise prohibit protected speech.
The Social Climate Support Team works with students and employees to provide help when an individual or group has experienced a bias incident.
Bias Incident Defined
A bias incident is speech or behiavors motivated by bias against an individual's or group's identity or their perceived identity. A bias incident could include an interaction that occurs in person or online, and it could include a physical interaction or an interaction involving property. An incident motivated by bias may be unintentional or intentional and may be based on such identifying characteristics: race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
How the Team Helps
The Social Climate Support Team may provide referral to on- or off-campus resources and services, as well as information about university policy and ways to report concerning behavior that potentially rises to the level of a policy violation. Information involving alleged crimes or dangerous behavior is shared with University Police. If information shared includes sexual misconduct allegations, it will be forwarded to the university Title IX Coordinator in accordance with policy 340.
Response to a bias incident is not intended to prohibit or discourage the free exchange of ideas in the campus community or otherwise prohibit protected speech.
Team Members
The Social Climate Support Team includes representatives from the following USU offices:
- Division of Diversity, Equity and InclusionÂ
- Statewide Campuses
- Staff Employee Association
- USU Student Association
- Graduate Student Association
- Division of Student Affairs
- University Marketing and Communications
- Aggies Think Care Act
- Counseling and Psychological Services
Contact the Campus Climate Support team with questions.
Relevant Policies
- Respectful Workplace (321)
- Sexual Misconduct
- Discrimination Complaints (305)
- Employee Grievance Procedures (325)
- Violence in the Workplace (342)
- Student Code
Seek Support
Complete this form if you would like to seek support for yourself or another in our university community. Please provide as much detail as possible.
Non-Discrimination Policy
Learn more about USU's policy on discrimination and harrassment based on a protected class.
Report a Student of Concern
Report a student’s behavior that may lead to disruption of classroom or University activity, or that causes concern of threat to oneself or others.
Free Expression at USU
The free exchange of ideas is the foundation of higher education and paramount to innovation. Learn more about how to exercise your free expression rights without violating university policy or the law.