Mission

The Affirmative Action and Equity Office reports directly to the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. The Director and staff are 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 of the Rehabilitation Act), equal employment laws, and campus initiatives aimed at creating a diverse, welcoming and equitable campus.  The Director provides advice on policies, programs and services to achieve affirmative action goals and enhance the campus climate, is the designated Title IX representative, and, in addition, handles all complaints of discrimination under the Discriminatory Harassment Policy.

The EEO/ADA Compliance Officer assists in the development and administration of policies, procedures and practices for the University, to insure compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and Federal and state laws and regulations regarding physical access and non-discriminatory practices for persons with disabilities.

The Director and staff serves as a liaison among the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, the President’s Office and appropriate governing committees, delivers educational programs, supports activities and programs throughout the campus community (for students, faculty and staff) on the issues of equity, diversity and affirmative action, and represents the University with federal and state agencies.

Statement of Nondiscrimination

The University of New Hampshire seeks excellence through diversity among its administrators, faculty, staff and students. We are committed to enhancing and sustaining an educational community that is inclusive and equitable, and cherish these values as being inextricably linked to our core mission.  We are a public institution with a long-standing commitment to equal employment and educational opportunity for all qualified persons.  We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status, or marital status. This applies to admission to, access to, treatment within, or employment in UNH programs or activities.

Affirmative Action and Equity Office Goals

Diversity missions:

• Collaborate with Vice Provost for Faculty Development and Inclusive Excellence providing/monitoring/supporting campus initiatives aimed at creating an inclusive, welcoming and equitable campus
• Ex-Officio to Presidential Commissions; serve on (or chair) committees, councils, task forces, etc., supporting these goals
• Liaison to groups, offices, departments and individuals working on diversity efforts, on and off campus (e.g., Partnership Council, NAACP)
• Promotes equity in hiring; direct/support diversity search efforts for faculty and staff in collaboration with Vice Provost for Faculty Development and Inclusive Excellence                          

Compliance missions:

• Oversee UNH compliance:  affirmative action, Title IX, disability laws and regulations, non-discrimination and equal employment laws (federal and state)

• Enforce Discrimination/discriminatory harassment policy and Bias Response Protocol
• Investigate complaints
• Provide UNH response/defense to complaints outside agencies
• Provide advice on policies, programs and services, and work with departments and offices charged with compliance issues and concerns (e.g., General Counsel, Human Resources, Conduct and Mediation, VP Student and Academic Services, etc.)

                                                                                                           
Educational missions:

• Communicate expectations for behavior and actions by members of the community.  Discriminatory Harassment Policy (revised August 2006) is a tool to describe expectations and provide a system for collecting and investigating complaints.  Redress and education are common outcomes upon findings of violations.
• Deliver and support educational programs, dialogues, and training throughout the campus community (students, faculty, staff) and outside community (members of the public) [including through media]

Donna Marie Sorrentino, M.P.A.
Director
Affirmative Action and Equity Office
305 Thompson Hall
603.862.2930 (Voice)
603.862.1527 (TTY)
603.862.2936 Fax
dms@unh.edu