University of Northern Iowa
PAE-6: Diversity and Equity Coordination

Definition: Diversity describes the rich differences that people bring to the University of Northern Iowa community. It can refer broadly to culture, identity and ideology, or more specifically to age, gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, ability, gender identity, socioeconomic status, political affiliation, marital status, national origin, or veteran status. Diversity is a dynamic concept, shaped by history, and changing as our understanding of the world and its people evolves. Vision: Our vision is to create a more welcoming community that celebrates the unique contributions of each person. To this end, we strive to remove obstacles that impede equal opportunity, to embrace vigorous and open dialogue in the search for understanding across differences, to promote cultural plurality and social justice, and to treat each person with respect and dignity. Mission: At the University of Northern Iowa, our mission is to create and maintain an inclusive educational environment which prepares students to thrive in a diverse, global environment.

Gwenne Berry, Chair - Compliance & Equity Mngmt Virginia Arthur - Academic Affairs Kathy Peters - Academic Learning Center Nickole Dillard - Educ. Opportunity Programs Phil Plourde - International Programs Mary Connerley - College of Business Evette Edmister - CHAS Xavier Escandell - CSBS Sara Blanco - College of Education Susan Hill - Graduate College Kerri Clopton - Council of Teacher Education Ty Perkins - Faculty/staff at-large Doug Mupasiri - Faculty/staff at-large Celeste Bembry - Faculty/staff at-large Jim O'Connor - University Relations Freddy Miranda - Admissions Juanita Wright - Student Financial Aid Michael Blackwell - Multicultural Education Drake Martin - Residence Tricia Welter - Veterans Student Services Ashley Brickley - Student Disability Services Melissa Payne, Vice Chair - LGBT Michelle Byers - Human Resource Services Milissa Wright - Public Safety Jean Berger - Athletics Joel Anderson - Students Alicia Jessip - Students

The Office of Compliance and Equity Management at UNI has oversight for all equity and affirmative action issues involving compliance with federal and state laws, as well as Board of Regents and University policies dealing with civil rights issues. Additionally, they work closely with all departments to ensure the University implements a dynamic recruitment strategy for those affected classes underrepresented in the current workforce. Ways in which the Office of Compliance and Equity Management serves the University community: 1. Monitors the University’s recruitment and employment procedures to ensure diversity objectives are met and equal opportunity guidelines are adhered to; 2. Compiles and reviews the University’s statistical analysis and reports concerning the workforce composition by race and gender, including the annual Affirmative Action Plan; 3. Receives reports and complaints concerning alleged violations of civil rights and works toward resolution through investigation, mediation, and other methods (View our brochure, Erasing Discrimination and Harassment in Our Community, for more information); 4. Oversees compliance with various federal and state laws, executive orders, rules, and regulations, including, but not limited to: -Americans with Disabilities Act -Executive Order 11246 -Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 -Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 5. Serves as the University liaison with outside civil rights agencies, including, but not limited to the: -Iowa Civil Rights Commission (ICRC) -Office for Civil Rights (U.S. Department of Education) -Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) -Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) 6. Supports, leads, and participates in efforts toward establishing and maintaining a culture which embraces diversity as a core value.

The position of Assistant to the President for Compliance and Equity Management reports directly to the President of the University and directs the operations of the Office of Compliance and Equity Management. The primary function of the position is as follows: Plans, develops, implements and administers university affirmative action and compliance policies and procedures; develops and implements campus-wide education and training programs to maximize awareness of discrimination issues, diversity and campus culture; serves as liaison with external agencies and internal offices; responds to inquiries and participates in the resolution of complaints and concerns; directs the investigative and mediation processes; and directs related auditing and reporting systems.