University of Pennsylvania
PAE-6: Diversity and Equity Coordination

The University Council of the University of Pennsylvania is a deliberative and broadly representative forum which exists to consider the activities of the University in all its phases, with particular attention to the educational objectives of the University and those matters that affect the common interests of faculty, staff and students. It may recommend general policies and otherwise advise the President, the Provost, and other officers of the University. It is authorized to initiate policy proposals as well as to express its judgment on those submitted to it by the administrative officers of the University and its various academic divisions. It is also empowered to request information through appropriate channels from any member of the University administration. The Committee on Diversity and Equity is one of seven committees comprising the Council, whose standing charge is as follows: The Committee on Diversity and Equity aids Penn in fostering and taking full advantage of its diversity as well as in strengthening ties across all boundaries to enrich and enliven the campus community. The Committee advises the offices of the President, Provost, and the Executive Vice Presidents on ways to develop and maintain a supportive atmosphere on campus for the inclusion and appreciation of diversity among all members of the University community. The Committee reviews and provides advice regarding the University’s equal opportunity and affirmative action programs and policies. The areas in which the Committee shall report to the Council include diversity within the educational and work settings, integration of staff and faculty into the larger campus community, and ways to foster a campus environment that is inclusive and supportive of difference. The Committee also advises the administration on specific diversity issues that may arise on campus.

CO-CHAIRS (as of April 2014): Dr. Judy Shea, Professor, School of Medicine Susan Sorenson, Professor, School of Social Policy & Practice Liason: Lubna Mian, Director of Faculty Development and Equity, Office of the Provost Staff: Gail Oberton, Manager, Equity and Access Programs Faculty: Dr. Ezekiel Dixon-Roman, Assistant Professor, School of Social Policy & Practice Dr. Nader Engheta, Professor, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences Tulia Falleti, Associate Professor, School of Arts and Sciences Dr. Chenoa Flippen, Assistant Professor, School of Arts and Sciences Dr. Grace Kao, Professor, School of Arts and Sciences Dr. Joe Libonati, Associate Professor, School of Nursing Graduate/professional students: Akeesha Washington Paule Joseph Undergraduate students: Nikhil Kumar Adrienne Edwards PPSA (Penn Professional Staff Assembly): Sharon Bryant, University of Pennsylvania Health System Kayla Crawley Haidara, Alumni Officer, University Life Administration WPSA (Weekly-Paid Professional Staff Assembly): Erin Lemons, Recruiting Coordinator, Career Services Michelle Wells Lockett, Administration, School of Medicine

The mission of the Office of Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Programs is to provide central leadership and support for the University's efforts to achieve an educational and work environment that is diverse in race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected class status as well people of all interests, abilities and perspectives. The office will ensure the implementation of equal opportunity, affirmative action, and nondiscrimination policies through education, training and active partnership with others from the campus and the broader Philadelphia communities. The Office of Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Programs is charged with ensuring that the University meets its obligations as an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer and educational institution. The Office is responsible for implementing and advocating for the University's policies, procedures, and priorities and helping the University realize its vision of a respectful, diverse and inclusive community. To fulfill its mission, the Office carries out a number of activities and services in collaboration with University administrators, faculty, staff and students. The Office works in close collaboration with the Division of Human Resources on issues related to equal opportunity, affirmative action and diversity for staff and applicants for employment. The Office also works in close collaboration with the Office of the Provost on issues related to increasing the diversity of Penn's faculty. The Office of Affirmative Action works in partnership with a number of other campus resource offices to support Penn's aims of becoming a more diverse community. Some of the activities and services provided include: - Overseeing the implementation of the University’s affirmative action programs and nondiscrimination policies and programs and advising members of the University community regarding Penn’s policies and programs that support its commitment to equal opportunity, affirmative action and diversity. - Providing training, education, and information on issues related to equal opportunity, affirmative action and diversity to support Penn's commitment to an inclusive and supportive learning and working environment; - Ensuring that the campus is accessible to people with disabilities, including consulting with faculty, staff, students, and visitors to the campus who have questions or need information about Penn’s policies or its provision of reasonable accommodations, including authorizing use of the Penn Access Transit for faculty and staff; - Assisting in the resolution of concerns related to alleged discrimination or harassment by investigating complaints, providing technical assistance and support to other resource offices and advising members of the community who have questions regarding the University's policies or procedures related to equal opportunity and affirmative action.

http://www.upenn.edu/pennnews/current/node/3434