Implementation

Responsibility for Implementation

President

As the primary administrator of Southwest Minnesota State University, the President is responsible for overseeing the university's equal opportunity and affirmative action policies, procedures, and programs, and for ensuring compliance with all related state and federal laws, rules, and regulations. The final disposition of all such issues rests with the President. The President shall:

1. Ensure that adequate staffing and resources are committed to implement University and MnSCU policies on Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity.
2. Appoint the Affirmative Action Officer and Equal Opportunity Officer to carry out AA/EO responsibilities.
3. Ensure that underutilized group members are included on respective committees throughout the University and that the various constituencies within the University are also represented.
4. Provide the MnSCU Office of the Chancellor and the Minnesota Department of Employee Relations (DOER) with an annual summary of the University’s accomplishments in meeting goals set during the previous year.
5. Incorporate in the job responsibilities and position descriptions of all supervisors and administrators clear definitions of what their duties in the area of AA/EO are, and make clear that performance evaluations will be based in part on their success in implementing the goals of AA/EO as set forth by the University and System Board.

The SMSU President is directly accountable to the Chancellor on all matters relating to equal opportunity and affirmative action at Southwest Minnesota State University

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Officer

The Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Officer is responsible for the overall implementation and administration of Southwest Minnesota State University's equal opportunity and affirmative action programs. To carry out this responsibility, the AA/EO shall:

1. Advise the President on matters related to the implementation of the AA/EO program and its progress.
2. Prepare internal and external institutional reports related to Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity.
3. Develop, monitor, implement, and evaluate University EO/AA programs, plans, and guidelines.
4. Monitor the search and selection process and advise committees, Deans, the Provost, administrative supervisors, administrators, and the President on search procedures.
5. Serve as the primary resource for employees and students on EO laws, regulations, and procedures.
6. Investigate reports and complaints of discrimination/harassment in accordance with the MnSCU Board of Trustees 1B.1.1 Report/Complaints of Discrimination/Harassment Investigation and Resolution Procedure.
7. Chair of the AA Committee.

The Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Officer, Laura O'Rourke (507) 537-7500, is directly accountable to the President for the overall implementation and administration of Southwest Minnesota State University's equal opportunity and affirmative action programs.

Administrators/Supervisors

Administrators/Supervisors are responsible for implementing and enforcing equal opportunity and affirmative action policies, procedures, and programs within their functional areas. Administrators and Supervisors shall:

1. Ensure that all EO/AA policies, plans, and procedures are complied with and carried out in their respective administrative units.
2. Ensure that all employees within their administrative units are informed of the University's EO/AA policies, procedures, and practices.
3. Assist the AAO in preparing the AAP.
4. Identify factors that may impede the University's pursuit of its EO/AA goals and objectives.

Accountability for Administrators/Supervisors is reflected in the Southwest Minnesota State University's organization chart provided in Appendix A.

Affirmative Action Committee

The President shall appoint representatives to Southwest Minnesota State University's Affirmative Action Committee based upon recommendations from various constituencies. The Committee, in conjunction with the Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Officer, shall perform the following responsibilities and duties:

1. Review, update, and recommend on EO/AA programs, policies, and procedures for the University.
2. Provide assistance in developing and preparing the AAP and goals.
3. Identify and report problem areas and recommend needed corrective action.
4. Serve as a forum and channel for transmitting EO/AA concerns to University administrators.

Committee members are accountable to the President for their Committee work.