Section I

INTRODUCTION

Since 1993, the Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity (AA/EO) Office has compiled, updated and published a handbook that reflects many of the campus-wide efforts to enhance and support diversity in its many varieties. This initial online edition of the Utah State University (USU) Diversity Handbook will be a living document – we can remove, modify and add projects as the information is provided to us – and will constantly reflect USU’s comprehensive approach in valuing diversity. The outstanding programs, initiatives, and projects summarized in this publication illustrate how USU’s commitment to diversity enhances its academic excellence. All academic colleges and administrative organizations have enthusiastically responded to our request for submissions to this handbook and we look forward to including many others as it grows on line.

USU strongly supports the outstanding programs contained in this handbook, each of which has a positive impact throughout the world, national, state and local communities served by USU. Through teaching, research, and service, USU continues to fulfill its critical land-grant mission of outreach to Utah’s increasingly diverse population. In so doing, we are better able to prepare our students for the many challenges awaiting them in becoming more understanding, sensitive and appreciative of how differences enrich our lives.

The entries in the Diversity Handbook are multi-disciplinary. They reflect the outstanding efforts on the part of University leadership and skilled professionals from a myriad of campus offices. This handbook symbolizes partnerships among a diverse group of talented people that have resulted in this exceptional compilation. The same can be said for those administering and participating in these programs and initiatives as they work together to maintain and enhance excellence at USU.

David L. Ottley
Director
Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Office

AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY ADVISORY COUNCIL (AA/EO Advisory Council)
(Office of the Provost; Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Office [AA/EO])
Target Group: Faculty, staff, and students

Program Description: The AA/EO Advisory Council consists of representatives from all levels of leadership throughout the University to include: students,non-exempt and exempt staff, faculty, and executive leadership. The Council's mission is three-fold:

• Advise and make recommendations on AA/EO-related policies and procedures regarding:
  –compliance with legal mandates
  –equal access and equal opportunity for employees and students in employment and academic programs, respectively.
• Review and provide recommendations on USU's annual Affirmative Action Program (AAP), and the utilization of women and minorities in USU's workforce.
• Hear appeals to complaints of discrimination (selected Council members will be designated by the President, as per USU Policy 305).

Contact: David L. Ottley, AA/EO Director (435-797-1266)

DIVERSITY HANDBOOK
(Office of the Provost; Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Office [AA/EO])
Target Group: Students, faculty, staff, and community

Program Description: The purpose of the Diversity Handbook is to document the many programs and initiatives planned and undertaken to support and enhance diversity at USU.

A “Diversity Initiative” is defined for this endeavor as “any effort which addresses the needs/concerns of people with respect to race, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability or veteran status.” This handbook is published on line and will be updated as changes become available.

Contact: David L. Ottley, AA/EO Director (435-797-1266)

NCAA CERTIFICATION
(Vice President for Administrative Services; Athletics)
Target Group: USU student-athletes

Program Description: During the 2007-2008 school year, the athletics department was reviewed by the NCAA for its ten year certification. No issues or deficiencies were identified within the gender equity and minority evaluation. The athletics department will continue to evaluate, maintain and monitor an equitable distribution of resources through all its sports.

Contact: Fred Hunsaker, Interim Vice President for Business & Finance (435-797-1146)

USU DIVERSITY AWARD
(Office of the President; Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Office [AA/EO]; AA/EO Advisory Council)
Target Group: USU faculty, students, and staff and community members

Program Description: The Diversity Awards began in 1994 to recognize those individuals who have made significant contributions to furthering the principles and values of affirmative action, equal opportunity, and diversity. The President annually presents these awards at an appropriate forum in five categories: Administrator, Faculty, Staff, Student, and Community Member. Criteria for the award include:

• Models behavior that promotes diversity.

• Nourishes acceptance of individual differences

• Strives to enhance academic, employment, and/or community relations among people who are different

• Integrates diversity concepts and values into academic curriculum, management functions, and/or community service

• Develops methods for increasing and valuing diversity among students, staff, faculty, and/or local businesses/associations

• Maximizes opportunities to achieve diversity

Contact: David L. Ottley, AA/EO Director (435-797-1266)