The Office of Affirmative Action administers the policies and procedures related to equal employment opportunity, affirmative action, and the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Mission Statement
The Office of Affirmative Action seeks to ensure that Kansas State University's employment policies, practices, educational programs, services and activities comply with the letter and spirit of Federal, State of Kansas and K-State equal opportunity, affirmative action and nondiscrimination laws, executive orders, rules, regulations, policies and procedures. The OAA staff oversee, facilitate and support the effective implementation of policies and procedures that prohibit discrimination and ensure equal opportunity regardless of race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, ancestry, military status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and disability. The OAA staff monitors recruitment strategies and selections to ensure that K-State fulfills its good faith affirmative action obligations to recruit, employ and advance women, minorities, veterans, disabled veterans and individuals with disabilities. To fulfill its mission the OAA:
- Leads the initial evaluation of reports of discrimination or harassment, promptly organizes an impartial and thorough administrative review, if necessary, and recommends equitable resolution of complaints;
- Refers individuals to offices that can assist in resolving a concern when the concern is not in the OAA's areas of responsibility, and follows up to determine whether the problem has been resolved;
- Serves as a dispute resolution clearinghouse with the Ombudspersons, Employee Relations, University Attorney, Mediation Services, Office of Academic Personnel, Division of Human Resources, and Human Systems Consultant;
- Writes the affirmative action plan and program to comply with Federal requirements;
- Develops and delivers tailored AA/EEO educational programs concerning discrimination, sexual harassment, affirmative action, respectful workplace and diversity;
- Monitors the attainment of affirmative action goals;
- Recommends, writes, interprets and implements AA/EEO policies and procedures;
- Advises the K-State community on AA/EEO policies and procedures; and
- Coordinates requests for reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), investigates and resolves ADA complaints, and serves as liaison to the State of Kansas ADA Coordinator.