University of New Hampshire
PAE-6: Diversity and Equity Coordination

The University of New Hampshire Diversity Council provides oversight for monitoring, assessing, and supporting the implementation of the seven diversity strategies identified in the 2004-2009 Diversity Plan. The Council’s work supports and sustains an educational community that is inclusive, diverse and equitable. The specific roles of the Diversity Council include working closely with the Vice Provost for Diversity to provide guidance in the implementation of diversity initiatives for the University and various units relative to Action Steps, Assessment Measures, Campus Climate Surveys, Professional Development Activities, Funding Solicitation & Distribution and Centralized Programming. The council also works to provide recommendations for institutional practices and policies that foster inclusion, diversity, and equity. The council reviews, revises and recommends diversity action steps to achieve the seven diversity strategies. The council also reviews, revises and recommends accountability measures for assessing the achievement of the seven strategies of the diversity strategic plan.

Composition of the 27-member Diversity Council

* Appointed faculty representatives (6 to represent each school and college) Four chosen by Academic Affairs and two chosen by the Senate
* Appointed representative, Deans’ Council (1)
* Appointed department chair (1)
* Appointed representative, Dimond Library (1)
* Appointed representative, Graduate School (1)
* Vice Provost for Academic Affairs (1)
* Appointed representatives, Student and Academic Services (2)
* Appointed representative, Vice President for Research and Public Service (1)
* Appointed representatives, Vice President for Finance & Administration (2) (one from Finance & Administration and one from Human Resources)
* Appointed representative, University Communications & Marketing (1)
* Appointed representatives, President’s Commissions (3)
* Affirmative Action/ADA Officer (1)
* Appointed representative, Intercollegiate Athletics (1)
* Appointed representative, UNH-Manchester (1)
* Student Representatives, 2 undergraduate and 1 graduate (3)
* Vice Provost and Chief Diversity Officer (1)

The Affirmative Action and Equity Office is charged with the responsibility to oversee the University's compliance efforts with affirmative action, Title IX, disability laws and regulations (including ADA and Section 504), equal employment laws, and campus initiatives aimed at creating a diverse, welcoming and equitable campus. The Director of the Affirmative Action and Equity Office provides advice on policies, programs and services to achieve affirmative action goals and enhance the campus climate, and, in addition, handles all complaints of discrimination or harassment under the Discrimination and Discriminatory Harassment Policy.

The Director and the staff of the Affirmative Action and Equity Office serve as a liaison among the Provost and Vice President, the President's Office and appropriate governing committees; deliver educational programs, support activities and programs throughout the campus community (for students, faculty and staff) on the issues of equity, diversity and affirmative action, and represent the University with federal and state agencies.

The Vice Provost reports directly to the Provost, Executive Vice President, and President, and is a member of both the Provost and President’s staff. The Vice Provost Officer is responsible for institutional initiatives that create and nurture a dynamic learning environment in which individuals of differing perspectives, life experiences, and cultural backgrounds pursue academic goals with mutual respect and shared spirit of inquiry.

The Vice Provost works in collaboration with University and community constituents to accomplish the goals outlined in the Diversity Strategic Plan’s seven overarching strategies:

S1: Organizational Structure: VP/CDO and Diversity Council -- oversight, increase coordination of groups/units; assess progress
S2-4: Recruitment & Retention across three groups (defining diversity widely but with common stress on racial and ethnic minority increase in next 3-5 years): Faculty, Students, and Staff
S5: Curriculum (enhance integration of diversity in curricular & co-curricular)
S6: Community Climate (enhance environment of inclusion, diversity, and equity)
S7: Outreach and Engagement (enhance external collaborations and/or partnerships facilitating diversity)

Number of people employed in the Diversity Office includes 12 from the Diversity Initiatives offices (http://www.unh.edu/diversity/contacts.html, except for Presidents Commission employees) and 3 from Office of Multicultural Student Affairs (http://www.unh.edu/omsa/about_us.htm).