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INCLUSION & COMMITMENT TO COMMUNITY

We are committed to supporting, developing, and funding all student organizations, while respecting each organization’s values and identities. We embrace the diversity of student organizations and the value they bring to the Duke community. SOFC supports the curiosity, interests, and educational aims of Duke’s student organizations as they relate to enhancing the undergraduate experience. SOFC encourages the unique perspectives brought forth through student events.

Given that Student Organization Finance Committee funds are collected from the undergraduate Student Activities Fee, all requests must be accessible, open, of direct benefit to, and free to all Duke undergraduates. Additionally, Duke undergraduates must be able to access information about your event and feel welcomed in accordance with the university nondiscrimination statement.

SOFC has worked with the Duke Disability Alliance to develop a guide to help student groups make their events more inclusive and accessible. Duke Disability Alliance is a student organization whose mission is to make Duke more inclusive and accessible by fostering conversations about disability issues, expanding accessibility on campus and in the community, encouraging positive perceptions and full appreciation of people with disabilities, and promoting their legal rights.

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ACCESSIBILITY

We echo DDA’s mission which aims to engage the entire Duke community to make Duke a better place for those with and without disabilities.

Here’s how you can make your events more accessible:
 

  • Consider having an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter at large events
    You can apply for SOFC funding to hire an ASL interpreter or reach out to Duke’s ASL club!
     

  • Choose accessible event locations and provide transportation for events
    Select spaces recommended by DDA and avoid inaccessible spaces. A building may be inaccessible if it lacks accessible features like elevators or ramps. Examples of inaccessible buildings include the Languages building on West Campus.

    Additionally, provide and advertise accessible mapping routes to your events. For questions on how to create these routes, email dukedisabilityalliance@duke.edu or visit the Student Disability Access Office’s virtual office hours.

    Note: The Student Disability Access Office provides transportation to events if they are not accessible on OR off campus. Contact the office here for more information.
     

  • Communicate food ingredients and provide alternatives
    When selecting food for an event, take into consideration possible food allergies and dietary restrictions. Consider providing gluten-free and vegetarian options and post signs that detailing food ingredients and allergens.
     

  • Promote accessibility online
    Make social media content more accessible by including subtitles and closed captioning and writing alt text and image descriptions. For instructions on how to do this, see this guide by the University of Rochester. For events on Zoom, add captions. See this guide for help on how to do this.
     

  • Provide sensory warnings before an event
    Flashing lights and loud music can trigger those with sensory sensitivity. If you have questions about the specific sensory warnings your event requires, email sdao@duke.edu.
     

  • Report feedback about event accessibility

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