Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity

At http://www.uni.edu/equity/pres.html, President Koob expresses UNI's commitment to the principles and implementations of a program of nondiscrimination and affirmative action in all employment and academic matters. The University, he says, is:

dedicated to making all employment and academically-related decisions on the basis of relevant employment and academic criteria. Recognizing its unique role as a model for students who will be tomorrow's workforce in education, government, and business, the University remains diligent in its efforts to demonstrate affirmative action wisdom and success. As a community, the University encourages the development of a work and academic environment which enhances affirmative action priorities . . . The University accepts responsibility for compliance with federal and state laws and guidelines concerning civil rights, nondiscrimination, and affirmative action. The University of Northern Iowa is a diverse community . . . with a deep regard for civility. The University is hospitable to all persons regardless of race, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, or sexual orientation.

Affirmative Action
Affirmative action, equal opportunity, and non-discrimination continue to be the responsibility of the Office of the President. The institution's policies and procedures are to be followed by those who are empowered to hire new personnel to the University. Thus, the University continues to maintain its commitments to ethnic, gender, and cultural diversity in its workforce.

The Office of Compliance and Equity Management coordinates the University's commitment to nondiscrimination (equal opportunity) into an effective, organized system using applicable federal and state laws and regulations; develops the affirmative action plan; monitors those policies and practices affecting employment that are under the jurisdiction of government guidelines; and reviews all complaints alleging discrimination. Employees who have been unable to resolve a complaint through the established University procedures or who otherwise choose to do so may contact Compliance and Equity Management or Human Resource Services. UNI's policy statement on non-discrimination and affirmative action can be viewed at http://www.uni.edu/equity/stnd.html.

Americans with Disability
The Office of Disability Services assures that the University is in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) and to assist in identifying concerns in the area of ADA policies and procedures affecting the University. The office works closely with students with disabilities, employees with disabilities, Human Resources, Public Safety, Facilities Planning, the Office of Compliance and Equity Management, and other relevant departments. This office also provides input for positive changes in the area of physical accessibility and student and employee assistance for persons with disabilities.

Harassment and Discriminatory Behaviors
Sexual harassment is illegal and inhibits a healthy and productive working and learning environment. To provide staff and students with a means of redress, the University has established harassment and grievance procedures. These procedures provide appropriate institutional appeal processes to ensure thorough and prompt investigation of allegations of harassment and discrimination. The University's policies prohibiting discrimination and sexual harassment are accessible at http://www.uni.edu/equity/policies.html.

Because education is the most effective tool to combat these behaviors, training programs that inform the campus community regarding these destructive behaviors are scheduled regularly throughout the year and also are offered upon request.

Introduction