Equal Opportunity

Policy Number: 
V.01.01
Reason for Policy: 

To set forth the University of Oregon’s commitment to equal employment opportunities in the workplace and equal access to university educational programs and activities.

Entities Affected by this Policy: 

All members of the UO community, including students, faculty, staff, and others affiliated with the university.

Responsible Office: 

For questions about this policy, please contact the Office of the Vice President for Finance and Administration, (541) 346-3003, vpfa@uoregon.edu, and the Office of Investigations and Civil Rights Compliance.: (541) 346-3123, oicrc@uoregon.edu.

Enactment & Revision History: 

10 June 2022 – Revised and renumbered former policy OUS-22 Equal Opportunity, and repealed three related policies: 01.00.06 Equal Opportunity Statement; 02.01.15 Faculty: Hiring of Women and Minority Faculty Members; and OAR 580.15 Discrimination; as approved by the University President.  

Policy: 

The University of Oregon has an enduring commitment to equality of education and employment opportunity by affirming the value of diversity and by promoting an environment free from discrimination. The university believes that diversity among its many members strengthens the institution, stimulates creativity, promotes the exchange of ideas, and enriches campus life.

The university provides equal opportunities to all students and employees and does not discriminate or retaliate based on any protected characteristic set forth in the university’s Prohibited Discrimination and Retaliation Policy and/or state or federal law. This policy extends to all university programs and activities, including, without limitation, admissions, financial assistance, educational and athletic programs, course offerings, counseling and guidance services, housing, health and insurance benefits, and access to university services or facilities. This policy also applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, working conditions, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Consistent with its obligation as a federal government contractor, the university has written affirmative action programs to address the underrepresentation of women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and qualified covered veterans. The university also prepares an affirmative action plan on an annual basis in conformance with federal regulations, and regularly reviews progress on affirmative action goals. It is the university’s intent that women and minority students be appropriately represented in academic programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. It is also the university’s intent that women and members of minority groups be appropriately represented in the administrative staff and in the teaching and research faculty.

The university does not discriminate between employees on the basis of protected characteristics in the payment of wages or other compensation for work of comparable character. 

All university job postings and advertisements should include approved equal opportunity language, available under the Resources link below.

The Office of Human Resources and Office of Investigations and Civil Rights Compliance oversee the implementation and administration of the university’s equal opportunity, affirmative action, and nondiscrimination policies and programs. It is expected that every employee of the university will share this commitment and cooperate fully in helping the university meet its equal opportunity and diversity objectives.

Chapter/Volume: 
  • Volume V: Human Resources
  • Chapter 1: Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity
Original Source: 
OUS Board Policy