Human Resources Policies
POLICY: AFFIRMATIVE ACTION & EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
POLICY NUMBER: HR-1
Effective Date: July 2002
Revisions: June 2002, July 2000, April 1999, January 1994
Responsible Officer: Senior Vice President of Human Resources and the office of Equality, Disability, and Training
PURPOSE:
This policy was established to comply with Titles VI and VII of the Civil
Rights Act of 1964 (as amended), Title IX of the Education Amendments of
1972, Sections 503/4 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with
Disabilities Act and all other federal, state and local non-discrimination
laws.
I. POLICY:
It is the policy of the University to provide a working and learning
environment in which employees and students are able to realize their full
potential as productive members of the University community. To this end,
the University affirms its commitment to equal opportunity and nondiscrimination
in employment and education for all qualified individuals
regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, sexual
orientation, disability or applicable veteran status or any other
characteristic protected by applicable federal or state law. Further, the
University is committed to taking affirmative action to increase
opportunities at all levels of employment and to increase opportunities for
participation in programs and activities by all faculty, staff, and students.
Affirmative Action is directed toward racial and ethnic minorities, women,
persons with disabilities, and Vietnam-era veterans. All member of the
University community -- faculty, staff, and students – are expected to
cooperate fully in meeting these goals.
II. COMPLIANCE RESPONSIBILITY:
A. The Office of Equality, Disability, and Training has been charged with the
responsibility for ensuring that the University meets its affirmative
action and equal opportunity obligations under federal, state and local
law.
B. The University's coordinator for compliance with Titles VI and VII of the
Civil Rights Act of 1964 (as amended), Title IX of the Education
Amendments of 1972, Sections 503/4 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973,
the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Pennsylvania Human Relations
Act and all other non-discrimination laws is the Senior Associate Vice
President who also serves as the Affirmative Action Officer.
C. Individuals who have questions regarding the University's affirmative
action and equal opportunity policies, or who wish to file a complaint
regarding a possible violation of these policies are encouraged to
contact the Affirmative Action Officer.
D. The department's specific responsibilities with regard to affirmative
action and equal opportunity are to:
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Develop and update policy statements regarding equal opportunity and affirmative action and monitor the University's compliance with the policies
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Develop, implement and update the University's Compliance Plans
and related programs
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Monitor all staff recruitment activities and work with hiring
managers to enhance and support efforts to recruit a highly
qualified, culturally diverse work force
-
Design and implement audit and reporting systems to measure the
effectiveness of the University's equal opportunity programs and
procedures
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Investigate and resolve specific complaints of
discrimination/harassment brought by employees, students,
applicants for employment or admission, and external parties;
-
Assist General Counsel with the investigation and response to
specific complaints of discrimination/harassment filed against the
University by various government agencies
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Compile and submit statistical and other reports as required by
government agencies
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Report on a regular basis to the University administration on
discrimination cases, compliance status, changes in work force
composition and other equal opportunity related issues
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Evaluate requests for accommodations from faculty and staff with
disabilities and, if request is reasonable and appropriate, ensure
that the necessary accommodations are provided
-
Serve as the University's liaison to organizations and community
groups concerned with opportunities for protected class individuals.
Additional Information: Inquiries regarding this policy can be directed to the Office Equality, Diability, and Training.
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