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Equal Employment Opportunity Advisory Committee (EEOAC)

Introduction

North Carolina State University emphatically states that it will provide equal employment opportunities for all persons regardless of race, color, religion, creed, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, or political affiliation. This affirmation is based on laws set forth by Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Executive Order 11246, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1988, NC G.S. 126-17 and 126-17, and other applicable federal and state laws.

The vice provost for equal opportunity also has the title of University Affirmative Action Officer. This person serves as the designee of the chancellor for implementing the University Affirmative Action Plan. Part of this results-oriented plan is the creation and implementation of an Equal Employment Opportunity Advisory Committee. This advisory committee will serve to provide crucial insight to the university affirmative action officer in the effort to eliminate any artificial barriers to employment opportunities for all qualified individuals that may exist in any University programs or policies. In turn, the officer will use the information from the advisory committee to keep the chancellor and the executive officers council informed of developments in the entire equal opportunity area.

The principle of equal employment opportunity applies to all aspects of the employment relationship and includes, but is not limited to, initial consideration for employment, evaluation of performance, promotion and advancement, compensation, access to training and other professional-development opportunities, access to facilities, and discipline and termination. The duties of the advisory committee will center on reviewing the components of the University's equal opportunity program on a broad basis, providing recommendations for action, and creating a communication link between administration, managers, employees and EEO staff.

Committee Charge and Annual Report

The EEO Advisory Committee will have a standing charge issued by the vice provost for equal opportunity (see below). Special issues will be added to the standing charge on a yearly basis. The committee will conduct at least one project per year to assist the vice provost for equal opportunity. Any member of the committee may also initiate issues for the committee's consideration. The committee will issue an annual report to forward recommendations and report on the status of projects. The report will be submitted to the vice provost for equal opportunity.

Proposed Standing Charge

The EEO Advisory Committee is advisory to the vice provost for equal opportunity. It is charged with:

1. reviewing the programs of the University as they relate to equal opportunity areas;

2. recommending administrative measures to improve the University's performance; and

3. bringing about awareness of equal opportunity issues. The committee will conduct at least one project per year to more effectively assist the vice provost for equal opportunity.

Committee Membership

The EEO Advisory Committee will consist of the following appointed members:

All efforts will be made to construct a committee that reflects the various demographic groups and occupational categories of the University population in order to increase the committee's sensitivity to all EEO issues. Additionally, suggestions for ex officio members are welcome, particularly in this developmental stage.

Terms of Office

The terms of the original representatives will run from July 1 to June 30 and will be staggered such that the committee retains experience and continuity from year to year.

EEO Committee Membership: FY 2008–09

• Laura Blessing, D.H. Hill Library Personnel
• Lisa LaBarbera, Housing
• Cheryl Branker, Disability Services Office (now retired)
• Beth Buck, CVM
• Diane Chapman, College of Education
• Amy Circosta, OIED (Ex Officio)
• Carson Cook, OIED (chair)
• Shannon Davis, College of Management
• Amy Grubbs, HR
• Sarah Lannom, OGC (Ex Officio)
• Monica Leach, Enrollment Management
• Sheri Schwab, CALS Personnel
• Lisa Zapata, Student Affairs

Illustrative Examples of Committee Activities

• Implement "Equal Opportunity Advocates" for all search committees;
• Develop a Service Award Program for outstanding equal opportunity efforts;
• Assist other committees with pertinent issues, such as the ADA Advisory Committee;
• Create materials (e.g., web page, video, pamphlets) to highlight NC State efforts and accomplishments in the equal opportunity area;
• Create a competition with monetary awards for suggestions of ways to improve campus climate;
• Forward nominations for Harrelson Lecture that would add to University discussion of equal opportunity issues;
• Modify performance evaluations of managers (those with hiring authority) to include review of performance in equal opportunity and affirmative action efforts;
• Conduct open forums to create opportunities for campus citizens to voice concerns, opinions, and achievements;
• Conduct regular "brown bag" information and awareness sessions on equal opportunity issues;
• Attend yearly joint meeting with unit affirmative action officers for progress reports and idea generation.