Appalachian State University
PA-4: Diversity and Equity Coordination

The Office of Equity, Diversity and Compliance (EDC) and the Office of Disability Services (ODS) are charged to ensure that equal access to education and employment is guaranteed, respectful treatment is assured, and an appreciation of differences is fostered for all members of the university community. EDC staff guide and monitor search and hiring procedures, affirmative action and equal opportunity compliance, recruitment and admission strategies, and the exit interview process. Complaints about unlawful or impermissible harassment or discrimination from any member of the university community are investigated by EDC staff and brought to resolution. EDC staff provide workshops in harassment prevention and responsible human relations to any on- or off-campus classes, organizations, departments or units. Appalachian State also has a Chief Diversity Officer whose main role is to assess the cultural climate in order to further engage the tenets of diversity and inclusion to broaden the chances for equal opportunities and respectful treatment of all Appalachian’s students, faculty and staff.

Faculty, staff and students participate in implicit bias training, cultural competence, sustained dialogue training, cultural competence training at new faculty orientation, Multicultural Student Development student cultural programming, workshops and courses, The training comes from the Chief Diversity Officer, professors, Multicultural Student Development, Center For Academic Excellence, Student Affairs, Academic Affairs.