Strategic Plan
VISION:
The Office of Institutional Equity and Equal Opportunity envisions the University of Kentucky as a community where equal opportunity is afforded to all, and individual contributions are valued and supported in the University's pursuit to become one of America's Top 20 public research institutions.
MISSION:
The Office of Institutional Equity and Equal Opportunity promotes an environment free of discrimination and inequity in accordance with the University Strategic Plan, and with federal and state equal opportunity statutes and regulations.
The Office of Institutional Equity and Equal Opportunity:
- Collaborates with the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education Committee on Equal Opportunity
- Develops and disseminates the University Affirmative Action Plan
- Recommends and monitors the attainment of faculty and staff employment goals
- Handles both internal and external complaints of discrimination
- Trains the University community on equal opportunity and affirmative action issues
- Fosters a diverse and inclusive learning and working environment
The Office of Institutional Equity and Equal Opportunity is responsible for upholding the University's commitment to equal opportunity for all members of the University community in academic programs, research, service and employment.
VALUES:
The Office of Institutional Equity and Equal Opportunity values:
- Equal opportunity
- Respect for individual differences
- Accessibility
- a Sense of community
- Personal integrity
- Inclusiveness
- Accountability
In accordance with the following goals of the University of Kentucky 2006-2009 Strategic Plan the Office of Institutional Equity and Equal Opportunity will I Enhance the University’s Stature Among its Peers, II Prepare Students for Leadership in the Knowledge Economy and Global Society, III Enhance the Intellectual and Economic Capital of Kentucky through Growth and Research, IV Embrace and Nurture Diversity, and V Engage Kentuckians through Partnerships to Elevate Quality of Life.
GOAL I
Serve as the institutional representative to the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education Committee on Equal Opportunity.
- Partner with departments and academic units of the University to further the achievement of enrollment, persistence and employment goals outlined in the Kentucky Plan for Equal Opportunities in Postsecondary Education.
- Participate in the development of a statewide diversity study for a new postsecondary education equal opportunity plan.
Key Indicator: Facilitate continuous progress toward the University meeting the goals outlined in the Kentucky Plan for Equal Opportunities in Postsecondary Education and Commonwealth diversity plan.
GOAL II
Manage University of Kentucky cases involving allegations of discrimination in programs and employment.
- Investigate and oversee the handling of allegations of discrimination and institute measures for prevention.
- Seek timely and informed resolution to both internal and external complaints and provide counseling and coordination efforts to remedy issues of concern.
Key Indicator: Provide a prompt and effective resource for efficient resolution of allegations of discrimination.
GOAL III
Produce the University Affirmative Action Plan and disseminate the plan throughout the institution.
- In conjunction with the Kentucky Plan, produce and post the AAP on the Institutional Equity and Equal Opportunity Office website and provide copies for review in various campus locations.
- Conduct annual employment availability and utilization analyses and recommend effective means for recruiting and retaining members of underutilized groups.
Key Indicator: Monitor, update and publish new data as part of the University’s annual Affirmative Action Plan in accordance with federal AAP regulations by October 1st each year.
GOAL IV
Develop and provide training and counseling to the University community on diversity, equal opportunity and affirmative action.
- Present regular and remedial training throughout the University on issues relating to equal opportunity.
- Offer specifically requested programs regarding Americans with Disabilities Act issues, sexual and racial harassment, and other causes of discrimination.
- Counsel students, faculty and staff on equal opportunity statutes and University regulations.
Key Indicator: Continuously conduct programs and serve as the primary resource to affirmatively meet the institution’s equal opportunity needs.
GOAL V
Foster a diverse, nondiscriminatory learning and working environment throughout the University by assessing equity and promoting inclusion to facilitate Top 20 growth aspirations.
- Develop resources to assist in monitoring equity issues among individuals and selected groups.
- Conduct equal opportunity engagement measures and offer recommendations for continuous improvement to University officials.
Key Indicator: Plan and conduct events that support academic and administrative diversity goals, solicit equity information and provide feedback for implementation.