Personnel Policies Handbook For Supportive Operating Staff

Denison University first instituted an Affirmative Action Plan in 1977 for the purpose of reviewing college policies and practices to ensure equal opportunity in employment and education. Each revision of the plan since that time represents an active and ongoing commitment on the part of the institution to the philosophy and practice of nondiscrimination and affirmative action. Contained within the plan are policies and procedures that are meant to ensure equitable opportunities for job applicants, for current employees of the institution and for students.

It is the philosophy of Denison University that affirmative action should mean more than mere compliance with laws and regulations; this plan validates affirmative action as an independent goal which benefits the University in numerous ways by helping us realize our mission of promoting principles of "...rational choice, a firm belief in human dignity, and compassion unlimited by cultural, racial, sexual, religious or economic barriers..."(Denison University Catalogue 1998-2000, p.2).

The plan describes the philosophy and operation of affirmative action at Denison, including the following components: responsibilities of members of the University community for affirmative action; University non-discrimination policies and statements; hiring policies and procedures, including goals and timetables for increasing the representation of members of targeted groups (women and minorities) and strategies for achieving those goals; formal and informal procedures for processing and resolving affirmative action-related grievances; other campus policies which relate to affirmative action, including policies on promotions, harassment, AIDS, and business relations (procedures for contractors, subcontractors and suppliers); and yearly affirmative action reports and statistics.

The ultimate responsibility for assuring the establishment and implementation of the Affirmative Action Plan rests with the President. Much of the responsibility for carrying out the specifics of the plan are delegated by the President to the affirmative action coordinator, who, acting with the authority of the President, shall take all necessary action to accomplish the goals of the Affirmative Action Program. In particular, the Provost with respect to Faculty, the Director of Human Resources with respect to Supportive Operating Staff and Administrative Staff and the Vice President for Finance and Management with respect to outside contractors, are responsible for helping to meet these goals. Responsibilities of the affirmative action coordinator include but are not limited to the following:

If you have questions about Affirmative Action at Denison or if you believe that you are experiencing discrimination in violation of Denison's Nondiscrimination Policy, you may contact the person responsible for coordinating the affirmative action program for information about Denison's Affirmative Action Grievance Procedures.