University of Notre Dame
PAE-6: Diversity and Equity Coordination

The University of Notre Dame is committed to diversity in our University community because it is a moral and intellectual necessity. As a Catholic university, we at Notre Dame believe every human being possesses the dignity of being made in God’s image, and every culture reflects God’s grandeur. Diversity enriches our social interactions and intellectual lives by exposing all of us to approaches and frames of reference that challenge our unexamined assumptions.

Yet our coming together on campus is only the start; we must cultivate community among us if we are to harvest the benefits of diversity. By working together, we come to appreciate how the gifts of each individual enrich the lives of every individual and the community as a whole. At Notre Dame, we believe that promoting diversity among students, faculty, and staff is an essential part of being a Catholic institution that is one of the preeminent universities in the world.

The University has four committees that focus on diversity.

The Core Council for Gay and Lesbian Students supports gay and lesbian students and provides educational programs to make campus more welcoming. Coordinates speakers, mandatory sessions for first years, National Coming Out Day, etc.

The Diversity and Inclusion Oversight Committee advises the President on campus issues related to cultural diversity.

The Equity in Athletics Task Force discusses gender and minority equity issues involving student-athletes, coaches, and athletic administrators. Monitors compliance with Title IX and NCAA Certification Plans; reviews the annual Equity in Athletics Disclosure Act report.

The University Committee on Women Faculty and Students: This committee considers policies, practices, and general environment of the University as they related to women faculty and students. The committee serves in an advisory capacity reporting to the President through the Provost. This committee also may make recommendations for action to the President, or, as he directs, for action by the other officers of the University and Academic Council. Committee members are the following faculty and students.

Core Council for Gay and Lesbian Students:
•Rev. Joseph Carey, C.S.C.
•Jason G’Sell
•Maureen Lafferty, Ed.D.
•Laura Lauck
•Melanie LeMay
•David (Matt) Momont
•Heather Rakoczy Russell
•Rachel Washington
•Sara Wright-Avila

Diversity and Inclusion Oversight Committee:
•Laura Carlson, Vice President and Associate Provost, Dean of the Graduate School
•Ann Firth, Chief of Staff, Office of the President (Vice-Chair)
•Erin Hoffman Harding, Vice President for Student Affairs
•Bob McQuade, Vice President for Human Resources
•Dan Myers, Vice President and Associate Provost
•Hugh Page, Vice President and Associate Provost for Undergraduate Affairs, Dean of First Year of Studies
•Matt Storin, Senior Project Specialist, Student Affairs
•Sarah Wake, Director, Office of Institutional Equity

Equity in Athletics Task Force:
•Jill R. Bodensteiner
•Melissa Conboy
•Jannifer Crittendon
•Charmelle Green
•Sharon Hawkins
•David Moss
•Thomas J.Nevala
•Richard B. Pierce
•Cathy Pieronek
•Brandon Roach
•Jody K. Sadler
•Adam M. Sargent
•Matt Simpson

Committee on Women Faculty and Students:
•Kevin Barry
•Aedin Clements
•Nicole Garnett
•Catherine Perry
•Samantha Salden
•Katherine D. Spiess
•Rebecca A. Wingert
•Pamela Wojcik
•Grace Xing
•Kasey Buckles
•Laura A. Carlson, Graduate School
•Paulette G. Curtis
•Mary Ann McDowell

Permanently Invited Guests
•Kathleen A. Brickley
•Christine Caron Gebhardt
•Sharon Keane
•Bill Stackman
•Sarah Wake
•Catherine F. Pieronek
•Ava Preacher, College of Arts and Letters
•Heather M. Rakoczy Russell, Office of VP-Student Affairs

The Office of Institutional Equity is committed to promoting an equitable educational and work environment that is free from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in accordance with Title VII of The Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, other applicable federal and state laws, and University policy.

The Office of Institutional Equity also strives to foster an inclusive campus environment that embraces the talents and achievements of all individuals regardless of race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, age, or genetic information.

To fulfill our mission, the Office of Institutional Equity provides:

-Oversight of and support for the University’s efforts to comply with all applicable federal and state civil rights laws and Notre Dame’s policies prohibiting discrimination, harassment, and retaliation;
-Consultation, training, and resources to the University community regarding equal opportunity, affirmative action, diversity, and preventing discrimination, harassment, and retaliation; and
-A mechanism for responding to complaints of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation.

The Director of Staff Diversity and Inclusion will be responsible for creating an integrated staff diversity strategy for the University. This includes formulating strategy, communication plans, establishing targets, monitoring progress, and addressing gaps or barriers to progress. They will advise the Vice President of Human Resources on all aspects of staff diversity at the University and assist in the development of a cohesive Diversity Supplier program working with senior management. The role will review trends in higher education and business and identify best practices that should be employed at Notre Dame. The Director will serve on the President's Oversight Committee on Diversity and Inclusion as well as the Human Resources Leadership Team. This position will be tasked with building external and internal partnerships that will support the staff diversity initiatives at Notre Dame.

The Office of Institutional Equity is currently in transition.