Dec 13, 2024  
2012-2013 Academic Catalog 
    
2012-2013 Academic Catalog [Archived Catalog]

Office of Equal Opportunity


Michael T. Snowden, Chief Diversity Officer

The Office of Equal Opportunity ensures that all students, faculty, and staff have an equal opportunity to participate in all aspects of University life. McNeese State University does not discriminate with regard to race, color, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, religion, disability, veteran status, ethnicity, or age in employment or the provision of services.

The Chief Diversity Officer is the University’s ADA Coordinator, Title IX Coordinator, and Equal Opportunity Officer, and investigates complaints of discrimination, including sexual harassment. The Office prepares the Affirmative Action Plan for Employment and manages the hiring process, diversity training programs, the applicant tracking system, and assists the University administration on matters relating to institutional compliance. The Office implements and manages compliance with and promotes programs and activities to support the Americans with Disabilities Act As Amended and the Affirmative Action Program.

The Office is committed to diversity, interculturalism, and equity by providing information, services, programs and activities, and training and development opportunities for faculty, staff, and students. Individually and in collaboration with other divisions and departments and community partners, the Division develops and implements training programs and activities to promote a welcoming, nurturing, and equally beneficial campus environment to students, faculty, staff, and visitors.

The Office supports the University’s commitment to student success, academic excellence, University/community alliances, cultural growth, and the cultivation of student skills for critical thinking, effective expression, and understanding of the global community.

Non-Discrimination and Diversity Awareness Policy

McNeese State University does not discriminate with regard to ethnicity, race, color, national origin, sexual orientation, religion, disability, veteran status, age, or sex in admission to or employment or participation in its education programs, services, and activities. The University has adopted The Diversity Awareness Policy to provide for prompt and equitable resolution of discrimination complaints. The Policy describes the grievance procedure for individuals who may have experienced discrimination. The Policy further defines racial discrimination, sexual harassment/ discrimination, gender discrimination, sexual orientation discrimination, age discrimination, and discrimination against individuals with disabilities. The grievance procedures for individuals with disabilities confirms the University’s commitment to providing accessibility to its programs, services, and activities for individuals with disabilities who are otherwise qualified and entitled to an accommodation.

Accessible Participation Policy

McNeese State University, a member of the University of Louisiana System, is an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity/Americans with Disabilities Act As Amended employer committed to excellence through diversity.  McNeese State University is committed to providing students, employees, and visitors with disabilities the opportunity to participate in the university’s academic programs and other activities through its McNeese State University Accessible Participation Policy by providing academic adjustments, reasonable accommodations, and accommodations to assure access to University programs, services, and activities.

Individuals who believe they may have experienced discrimination, but are uncertain as to whether a complaint is justified or whether they wish to initiate a formal written complaint may discuss their concerns confidentially and informally with the Chief Diversity Officer and ADA Coordinator.