Diversity and Harassment Prevention Policy
Under the Higher Education Opportunity Act (2008), New England Culinary Institute must provide information about the student body diversity, including the percentage of enrolled, full-time students in the following categories:
- gender
- self identified members of a major racial or ethnic group
- Federal Pell Grant recipients
Student Body Diversity 2010
| CATEGORY | |
|---|---|
| Total Enrollment | 615 |
| Gender | |
| Female | 39% |
| Male | 61% |
| Race/ethnic subgroups | |
| American Indian or Alaska Native | 1% |
| Asian | 1% |
| Black or African American | 3% |
| Hispanic/Latino | 3% |
| Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander | 0% |
| Nonresident Alien | 3% |
| Race or ethnicity unknown | 14% |
| Two or more races | 7% |
| White | 68% |
| Financial Aid Status | |
| Recipients of a Federal Pell Grant | 41% |
NECI values diversity in its student body and believes that the creation and encouragement of a diverse learning environment is essential to achieving NECI’s educational mission. At NECI, we are committed to providing a supportive educational environment in which the dignity and rights of each individual are respected. We encourage positive interactions among faculty, staff, and students, and value all individuals, regardless of personal differences.
NECI is dedicated to supporting each individual student, as well as a variety of student organizations, programs, and services which promote acceptance within our student population and the greater NECI community. NECI also encourages students to engage in and promote student-run activities, outings, and groups; we strive to provide inclusive opportunities and environments that foster an appreciation for diversity. Additionally, we focus on the understanding of diversity and how it affects our student body through a seminar in which all students participate during their first residency.
Students at NECI share a strong desire to succeed in the exciting food and beverage industry. There are some 500 students enrolled in its programs at any given time at NECI, with representation from all 50 states and more than 15 foreign countries. The student body is approximately 60% male and 40% female, with ages ranging from 18 to well over 40. NECI has a range of loan and scholarship opportunities for students with demonstrable financial need. About half of our students are first-time college students. Others come to NECI with previous college experience and degrees (ranging from associate to doctoral levels), and the desire to pursue a career in the diverse and exciting hospitality industry. While some students are completely new to the industry, others bring recent hospitality experience to our classrooms and kitchens. All students find that their educational experience at NECI is current and industry relevant as well as challenging. Further statistics regarding the diversity of NECI’s student body are available through the Registrar’s Office at RegistrarREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@neci.edu.
NECI’s programs and facilities are generally accessible to persons with learning challenges and physical disabilities. Applicants should review the Essential Program Eligibility Requirements, outlined in the Academic Catalog for each degree and program. Students needing special services should contact the Learning Services Coordinator, who serves as NECI’s disability coordinator, or the Human Resources Director, who acts as the grievance coordinator. Both are committed to working with students to arrive at workable solutions for their particular needs. It is important for students who will need specific services, such as sign language interpreters, to discuss their needs with the Learning Services so that there is adequate time to put the services in place. Students should refer to the Academic Adjustments for Students with Disabilities section of the Academic Catalog, under Academic Practices and Policies.
NECI embraces a diverse student body and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, or disability.
It is the policy of New England Culinary Institute to create a diverse educational environment that is free of all forms of discrimination and harassment. NECI will not tolerate any form of harassment. Harassment is any threat or act that interferes with a student’s education or creates an intimidating, hostile, or demeaning environment because of his or her race, age, ethnic background, religion, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, or disability. Harassment may result in dismissal and/or removal from the residence halls.
Harassment can be verbal or physical. There are two fundamental types of harassment. The first is called “hostile environment.” A hostile environment is created when a person is so bothered by continual acts of harassment that he/she cannot learn, work, or function effectively in class, in student housing, on campus, on internship, or on the job. The second is called “quid pro quo,” which means “something for something.” This is what happens when one person offers another something of value—such as a better grade or a promotion—in return for a favor, usually sexual. Sexual harassment is an unlawful form of sexual discrimination.
Harassment can include, but is not limited to, inappropriate put-downs of individual persons or classes of people, off-color jokes, ridicule, unwelcome sexual flirtations, unwanted touching, and serious physical abuse, including rape. It is coercive and threatening; it creates an atmosphere that is not conducive to teaching, learning, and working. No form of harassment is acceptable at NECI.
Any student who feels that he/she is being harassed should follow the same principles listed in the Grievance and Complaint Procedures section of the Student Handbook to end the harassment. First, the student should tell the person who is harassing him or her to stop the behavior. If this does not resolve the situation, students should report incidents of harassment immediately to the Instructor/Staff Member, Program Chair, Academic Advisor, Cirector of Academic Services, Resident Life Coordinator, Student Community Coordinator, Student Programs Coordinator or the Director of Student Services for informal resolution. If this is not possible due to circumstances, or if the complaint is not resolved, students should report incidents for formal resolution. This includes situations that may arise between two or more students. Response to a complaint will occur within 48 hours from the time of notification and may include the involvement of an administrative board. All steps will be taken to ensure that no further harassment or any form of retaliation occurs to the individual(s) being harassed.
Any student named in a harassment complaint who retaliates against another person who is also involved will be considered to have committed another extremely serious offense. Retaliation may lead to suspension or expulsion.
Written records will be kept and precautions taken to protect the privacy of all parties. The faculty endorses a strong policy prohibiting harassment. Periodic in-service programs are presented to help all members of the community recognize and discourage harassment. Appeals are reviewed by the Chief Executive Officer for final resolution.
