University of Connecticut, Affirmative Action Office Records

The Office of Institutional Equity (OIE) [formerly Office for Affirmative Action, 1971-circa 1999; Office of Diversity and Equity, circa 1999-circa 2017] The Office of Institutional Equity (OIE) ensures the University’s commitment and responsibility to foster equitable and inclusive working and learning environments. Our work focuses on administering the University’s non-discrimination policies, as well as ensuring compliance with state and federal laws and regulations related to equal opportunity and affirmative action. This includes OIE serving as the office of the ADA Coordinator and Title IX Coordinator. The entire University community has a shared responsibility to promote affirmative action and provide equal opportunity in order to ensure non-discriminatory work and learning environments.

Throughout its history, the office has supported the University's commitment to diversity, multiculturalism, social equity, and affirmative action by providing advice and services. Its responsibilities include advising the President, executive and senior administration on institutional civil rights and social equity policies, issues and problems. Individually and in collaboration with other divisions and units, the office develops and implements programs and activities to promote a positive campus environment; manages special projects for the retention of minorities and women and diversity training programs that require central oversight; monitors the University's compliance with and develops activities to support the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA); investigates complaints of discrimination and discriminatory harassment, and manages all pre-litigation civil rights cases filed against the University with state and federal enforcement agencies; prepares the University's Affirmative Action Plan for Employment (state and federal versions); monitors employment systems, including search policies and procedures; and assists the University administration on matters relating to institutional compliance.