University of Tennessee at Knoxville
PA-4: Diversity and Equity Coordination

The Office of Equity and Diversity fulfills an important compliance function by working with various legal mandates set out by state and federal law and university policies related to civil rights, equal employment, and affirmative action. OED also provides leadership and services that promote the institution’s mission of creating and sustaining a learning environment that is welcoming to all and hostile to none. The OED Serves the main Knoxville campus, Institute of Agriculture, UT Space Institute, UT Athletics, University-wide Administration, and Institute for Public Service to investigate complaints of discrimination; prepare annual compliance reports; monitor and provide training on searches for faculty, administrative and staff positions; provide workshops and training for faculty, staff, and students; and serve as the campus Title VI, Title IX and ADA Coordinators. The University of Tennessee also has a Council for Diversity and Interculturalism. Appointed by the Chancellor, the council advises the campus administration on creating and sustaining a welcoming, supportive, and inclusive campus climate to all groups. Goals for the group include attracting and retaining faculty and staff from under-represented populations; attracting, retaining, and graduating students from historically under-represented populations and international students; and ensuring that undergraduate curricular requirements include significant intercultural perspectives. (http://diversitycouncil.utk.edu/)

The Office of Equity and Diversity offers workshops in the following areas: Affirmative Action and Equal Employment Diversity Experience Search Procedures Training Sexual Harassment Prevention Training Additionally, students participate in various cultural competence activities through orientation and academic courses.