AAO Mission and Services

It is the mission and purpose of the Affirmative Action Office to assist the University community:

• To value the difference among all individuals in the University community regardless of their status and participation
• To respect the needs of all individuals to be treated fairly and equitably in their activities and pursuits at the University
• To provide each individual or group the opportunity to be heard and to assist them in addressing their concerns through appropriate channels
• To assist the University community to enhance diversity and its responsibility toward all persons regardless of culture or ethnic background, gender, age, physical or mental ability, religious preferences, gender preferences, or other characteristics
• To provide a positive climate through leadership, education, training, and interaction in which all people can be creative, find opportunities, and reach their full potential
• To provide a coordinated process through which disability access and accommodation are considered including adaptive technology for employees and employing units
• To respond to complaints of discrimination or harassment
• To develop data bases and reporting documentation as require under applicable compliance regulations

Services provided by the UND AAO:

• COMPLAINTS AND CONCERNS
  Works with faculty, administrators, staff, and other students to resolve concerns and offer options and institutional process to any individual or group believing they have experienced harassment.
  
  
• REPORTS/AA PLANS
  Completes federal and state reports and develops and updates UND's Affirmative Action Plan. Guidance is provided to assist hiring officials in setting goals and objectives to assure a diverse and inclusive workforce.
  
  
• CONSULTATION AND GUIDANCE
  Provides consultation, guidance and support to the UND community regarding affirmative action and equal opportunity, and nondiscrimination.
  
  
• HIRING AND RECRUITING
  Provides guidance to hiring officials regarding equal opportunity and affirmative action obligations and to ensure that the interview and selection processes are free from discrimination. AAO monitors all faculty and administrative position searches.
  
  
• AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT
  Coordinates UND's compliance with the employment and accessibility provisions of the ADA. UND is committed to providing access to all people using UND facilities, programs, and services.
  
  
• POLICY REVIEW
  Reviews UND policies to ensure they provide equal access and are nondiscriminatory. Enforces university policies, along with federal and state laws and regulations.
  
  
• ADA ADAPTIVE TECHNOLOGY
  Assists in obtaining and providing disability accommodations and services to UND Faculty and Staff.
  
  
• TRAINING AND EDUCATION
  Provides training and education to increase awareness of the benefits of diversity and to improve campus understanding of laws regarding discrimination and equal opportunity. Resource and reference library is also available.

May 15, 2007