University Policy
IT IS AGAINST UNIVERSITY POLICY for publications that include degree, major, building name, and/or faculty changes, etc., to circulate if those items have not received official approval.
For example, new faculty for the Graduate School are not officially members of the graduate faculty until they have applied to the Graduate School for membership and have been approved; they cannot be included as part of any graduate faculty listing that might appear in publications prior to that approval.
IT ALSO IS AGAINST UNIVERSITY POLICY for academic or other programs to make any guarantees to potential or current students.
For example, programs do not prepare students for careers—programs can help prepare students for careers. Students can learn basic skills; not students will learn basic skills.
This alleviates liability on the part of the University should a student feel that he or she did not “learn” or receive the “preparation” he or she had been guaranteed.
ADA statements
The following ADA alternative-format statement must be included in ALL publications (except formal invitations) in easy-to-read type, directly above the statement of nondiscrimination.
This publication is available in alternative media on request.
The following ADA accommodation statement must be printed in any publication that describes a specific program or special event (except formal invitations). It should be included in the section describing how to register for the program or how to locate further information.
Penn State encourages qualified persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact __________ in advance of your participation or visit.
A contact person’s name and telephone number should be provided in the statement where indicated above.
Statement of Nondiscrimination (affirmative action statement)
All University publications (except formal invitations) must carry a form of the Statement of Nondiscrimination. In general, the complete text of the statement should always be used. However, in certain situations a shortened version may be used. Exceptions to the use of the complete text are to be made by the University Editor or designated representative.
The complete text of the official University nondiscrimination statement is as follows:
The Pennsylvania State University is committed to the policy that all persons shall have equal access to programs, facilities, admission, and employment without regard to personal characteristics not related to ability, performance, or qualifications as determined by University policy or by state or federal authorities. It is the policy of the University to maintain an academic and work environment free of discrimination, including harassment. The Pennsylvania State University prohibits discrimination and harassment against any person because of age, ancestry, color, disability or handicap, national origin, race, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or veteran status. Discrimination or harassment against faculty, staff, or students will not be tolerated at The Pennsylvania State University. Direct all inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policy to the Affirmative Action Director, The Pennsylvania State University, 328 Boucke Building, University Park, PA 16802-5901; Tel 814-865-4700/V, 814-863-1150/TTY.
The shortened version:
Penn State is committed to affirmative action, equal opportunity, and the diversity of its workforce.
Spanish versions
The Spanish version of the ADA alternative-format statement is as follows:
Esta Publicación está disponible en medios alternos de comunicación.
The Spanish version of the ADA accommodation statement is as follows:
La Universidad del Estado de Pennsylvania invita a toda persona con impedimentos que interesen participar de sus programas y actividades. Si necesitas asistencia especial durante una visita a la Universidad o tienes alguna pregunta sobre el acceso físico y/o alojamiento disponible, por favor comunícate con _________ antes de tu visita.
A contact person’s name and telephone number should be provided in the statement where indicated above.
The Spanish version of the ADA statements should be used in the following circumstances: (1) when you are producing a publication written in Spanish; (2) when the target audience of your publication is Latino/Hispanic Americans; and (3) when someone requests to see the statement in Spanish. Any questions, please call the Affirmative Action Office at 814-863-0471.
The Spanish version of the Statement of Nondiscrimination is as follows:
La Universidad del Estado de Pennsylvania (Penn State) se suscribe al acuerdo de que todas las personas deben tener el mismo acceso a programas, facilidades, admisión, y empleo sin distinción de característicos personales no relacionadas a habilidad, rendimiento o cualificaciónes según reglamento de la Universidad y leyes estatales y federales. La Universidad de Penn State no discrimina contra ninguna persona por razones de edad, descendencia, color, impedimento físico, origen nacional, raza, credo religioso, sexo, orientación sexual, o estado de veterano. Dirija sus preguntas sobre el reglamento de no-discriminación a la Directora de Acción Afirmativa, Universidad de Penn State, 328 Boucke Building, University Park PA 16802-5901; tel. 814-865-4700/V, 814-863-1150/TTY.
The Spanish version of the nondiscrimination statement should be used in the following circumstances: (1) when you are producing a publication written in Spanish; (2) when the target audience of your publication is Latino/Hispanic Americans; and (3) when someone requests to see the statement in Spanish. Any questions, please call the Affirmative Action Office at 814-863-0471.
transmitting publications electronically
When you are distributing University publications electronically via e-mail, you must include the ADA statement(s) and Statement of Nondiscrimination. Because the publication is being circulated outside of the University, even though it is not a printed publication, it must include the appropriate statements.