ODE is a neutral investigatory unit within the University that was created by statute and charged with investigating internal discrimination and discriminatory harassment complaints (including but not limited to Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act) from employees; individuals who have business with the University and/or approved use of University facilities (vendors and contractors); and persons who are interviewed for vacant positions. Students are also protected under Title IX of the 1972 Educational Amendments. ODE is further charged with making findings and recommendations designed to mitigate the harm caused by discriminatory conduct, and to prevent recurrence of discriminatory conduct. For more information, please visit our Discrimination and Discriminatory Harassment web page.

ODE coordinates and monitors campus compliance with the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act and Sections 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. This responsibility includes providing guidance and evaluating efforts to improve access to campus facilities and programs as well as advising staff, faculty, and visitors regarding disability accommodations. For more information, please visit our Reasonable Accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) web page.

ODE is also responsible for monitoring employment transactions by providing consultation to departments and search committees on recruitment strategies and procedures and monitors faculty and staff hiring decisions. A number of University committees and offices may also perform these and related functions in an effort to ensure compliance with University policies and procedures. For more information, please visit our Unclassified Professional Searches web page.

ODE prepares the University's Affirmative Action Plan(s), which demonstrate the University's continuous efforts in providing equal access to employment opportunities to qualified members of protected classes. This includes monitoring recruitment activities and providing consultation to departments and search committees, promotion activities, and training activities for upward mobility to qualified employees. For more information, please visit our Affirmative Action Compliance Program (Federal & State Plans) web page.

ODE provides state-mandated training programs that are integral to successful implementation of the University's programs of equal opportunity and diversity. The Office offers these services to all departments and we will tailor sessions to meet the needs of specific participants regarding affirmative action, discrimination and discriminatory harassment in the workplace and in the classroom, diversity awareness and cultural competence, and workplace accommodations. For more information, please visit our Diversity Training (State-Mandated) web page and/or our Sexual Harassment Prevention Training (State-Mandated) web page. At this time, the training is not available on-line.