Identity and Diversity Resources

Career-related resources for international students, individuals with disabilities, students of color and LGBTQ+ students.

Finding "the Dream" Workplace Program

In celebration of K-State's observance of MLK Jr. Week, we have put together a series of videos to help students understand how to identify workplace culture. These videos highlight considerations for, and review available resources to, students of color, students with disabilities, international students, LatinX students, LGBTQ+ students, veteran and military students, allies, and a conversation regarding intersectionalities.

Students with Disabilities

K-State Student Access Center: resource for all K-State students with temporary and permanent disabilities
Disability IN: Disability Equality Index- list of top companies
Gettinghired.com: job search site for individuals and veterans with disabilities
Kansas Employability: resource for individuals with a disability who are searching for employment in the state of Kansas
National Organization on Disability: see a list of companies who have the Leading Disability Employer Seal
Our Ability: connecting individuals with disabilities to jobs using technology
Workforce Recruitment Program: resource which connects individuals with disabilities to federal sector jobs

Workplace Accommodations and Disclosing a Disability

Job Accommodation Network (JAN): resource about employment accommodation
Disclosing a Disability: resource from the Department of Labor's recommendations about disclosing disabilities

FAQs About Disclosing Disabilities

What can employers ask regarding disability before/during a job interview?

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act an employer cannot discriminate against a qualified applicant who has a disability. This means an employer cannot directly ask if you have a disability at any time. An employer may ask if an applicant is able to perform the essential functions of the job either with or without reasonable accommodations.

What are the essential functions of a job?

Essential functions of the job include all the fundamental duties of the position and should be listed in the job description.

What if I am asked to disclose on an optional form?

Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act requires federal entities and companies with federal contracts to track employees with disabilities in order to meet certain diversity requirements. If you are applying to a company which falls in this category, you will be asked to fill out an optional form to disclose your disability. If you choose to disclose, your information will be sent to the human resource department (or a department which serves a similar function) of the company. This information will not be shared with the hiring committee. Therefore, if you choose to disclose on this optional form, you still need to go through the decision process of whether or not to disclose on the job.

What is a reasonable accommodation?

Reasonable accommodations are any modification to the job and/or the work environment that allow a qualified applicant with a disability to perform essential job functions. An employer is only required to make a reasonable accommodation for a known disability. Since employers are not allowed to specifically ask if you have a disability, this is a conversation you need to be prepared to advocate for yourself in. For more information about deciding to disclose your disability (including timing of the disclosure), please consult the Disclosure Options for Employment chart.

What are some examples of reasonable accommodations?

A reasonable accommodation for an interview/job can range from physical modifications to the work environment to ensuring that all written materials are in accessible format. You and your employer can work together to discuss what accommodations are necessary and appropriate for your specific disability. For a comprehensive list of reasonable accommodations for specific disabilities, visit askjan.org.

International Students

K-State International Student and Scholar Services
GoinGlobal (students may log in with their eID and password)
US Department of Labor H1B Disclosure Information
US Citizenship and Immigration Services
International Students and Social Security (PDF)
My Visa Jobs

LGBTQ+ Students

K-State Spectrum Center
Out & Equal: Workplace Equality Fact Sheet, "Out at Work" Video Series and LGBT Terminology
LGBT Map: Equality profiles for each state focusing on state laws concerning employment, housing, public accommodations, state employees, etc.
Human Rights Campaign: See the Corporate Equality Index and "Coming Out at Work" Self-Reflection Questions
U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission: Learn about Title VII protections, Employment Discrimination and Past Legal Decisions
TransEquality: Map allowing users to get information for the process of changing their legal name and/or gender for specific states on state and federal IDs.
Do I list my LGBT club/organization involvement/activism? See amazing examples of including (or not including) such experiences on a resume. Also great sections on using your preferred name, choosing professional attire, coming out in an interview, and evaluating employer culture and fit.