Florida International University
PAE-6: Diversity and Equity Coordination

University Access and Equity Committee Florida International University aims to provide every member of its community with equal access to all its programs. The Office of Equal Opportunity Programs and Diversity assists with achieving this goal by coordinating the University Access and Equity Committee (A&E). Committee members are appointed by the president and are charged with monitoring the implementation of the University’s Affirmative Action Plan as well as making insightful recommendations for improvement. The University Access and Equity Committee is comprised of FIU faculty, administrators, and staff from the Modesto A. Maidique, Biscayne Bay, and Pines Center campuses. Its members are men and women, some of whom may have a disability, who reflect the racial and ethnic diversity of the University community. Representatives from Academic Affairs, Human Resources, and Planning and Institutional Effectiveness serve as ex-officio members of the committee. Additionally, some subcommittees include representation of administrators, students, and faculty who, while not official members of the Committee, assist in their areas of interest and expertise. The standing subcommittees include: - Access-Ability Committee - Diversity Committee - Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, and Allies Sub-committee (GLBTA) - Quality of Life & Work - Women and Minorities Initiatives - Title IX Compliance Committee

Dawn Addy—Director, Center for Labor Research Studies Charles Andrews—Director, Academic Advising Center Jesus Arias—Assistant Director, Division of Information Technology Consuelo Boronat—Director, Retention and Graduation Success Cheryl Brewster—Assistant Dean for Diversity Charmaine Defrancesco-- Associate Professor, College of Education Alberto Delgado – Coordinator, Facilities Construction Elizabeth Greb—Director, Analysis and Strategic Planning Cecile Houry—Assistant Vice President, Office of Community Engagement Diana Little—Director, FIU Pines Center Programs Larry Lunsford – Vice President, Student Affairs Marilys Randolph –Associate Professor, Physical Therapy Althea Silvera – Department Head, Digital Collections Center Library Operations Ernest Simms—Director, Pre-Collegiate Programs and Grants Janice Givens—Associate Director, Multicultural Programs and Services Linda Bunton –Associate Professor, College of Education Beverly Trott – Disability Consultant, Disability Resource Center Joan Wynne—Associate Professor, College of Education William Youngblut –Assistant Director, Environment Health and Safety Hassan Zahedi – Associate Professor, Math and Statistical Sciences Judith Bernier—Associate Academic Program Director, Center for Labor Shirlyon J. McWhorter – Director Equal Opportunity Programs & Diversity, DHR

The Office of Equal Opportunity Programs and Diversity strives to maintain an inclusive environment free from discrimination and harassment at Florida International University. Its purpose is to ensure equitable treatment of applicants, employees, and students. They are responsible for advancing, upholding, reaffirming, and monitoring policies and procedures that ensure the University complies with all applicable federal, state, local, and internal mandates. This is achieved by fostering collaboration and cooperation in our community and by encouraging all members to respect each other’s contributions without regard to gender, race, disability, or any other protected category.

The Diversity Officer is responsible for coordinating efforts to establish diversity as a core value throughout all aspects of the University community, business practices and programming in support of the University’s commitment to equal opportunity and affirmative action. The Diversity Officer also coordinates diversity-oriented programs and initiatives, including the development and implementation of a strategic plan for diversity aligned with the University’s strategic plan. Serves as liaison and develops partnerships within the university communities to promote diversity as an essential element of the mission of the University to create a learning and workplace environment that is welcoming and supportive of all students, faculty and staff.