Purpose:  To state the college’s commitment to affirmative action/equality opportunity.

Normandale Community College is committed to Minnesota’s statewide affirmative action efforts and equal opportunity.  The President affirms her personal and official support of these policies which provide that:

Subpart A:  Discrimination against employees, applicants, or eligibles on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, membership or activity in a local human rights commission, disability, sexual orientation, or age will not be tolerated;

Subpart B:  Normandale Community College is committed to the implementation of the affirmative action policies, programs, and procedures included in this plan;

Subpart C:  Normandale Community College will continue to actively promote a program of affirmative action, wherever minorities, women, and persons with disabilities are underrepresented in the workforce;

Subpart D:  Normandale Community College is committed to the retention of all qualified, talented employees, including protected group employees.

The Chief Human Resource Officer (CHRO) will act as Normandale Community College’s Affirmative Action Officer designee and ADA Coordinator designee.  She is responsible for monitoring the day-to-day activities of the program.

Subpart A:  Anyone interested in reviewing Normandale Community College’s affirmative action plan or who has concerns about affirmative action or equal opportunity issues may request a copy of the plan from the CHRO.

It is the policy of Normandale Community College to provide an employment environment free of any form of discriminatory harassment as prohibited by federal, state, and local human rights laws.  We strongly encourage suggestions as to how we may improve Normandale Community College.  We strive to provide equal employment opportunities and the best possible service to the citizens of Minnesota.

Subpart A:  College President.  As the college’s primary administrator, the President is responsible for overseeing the Normandale Community College’s equal opportunity and affirmative action policies, procedures and programs, as well as assuring compliance with all related states and federal laws, rules and regulations.  Final disposition of all such issues resides with the President.

Subpart B:  Responsibilities/Duties of the President -

• Ensure that adequate staffing and resources are committed to implement college and system policies in EEO/Affirmative Action related matters.
• Appoint or designate the college’s Affirmative Action Officer.
• Include accountability for the administration of the college’s Affirmative Action Plan in his/her position descriptions and in the position description of college administrators and supervisors.
• Evaluate administrators on EEO/Affirmative Action and diversity efforts.
• Designate the persons responsible for receiving and investigating complaints.
• Take action on complaints of discrimination under the terms of the MnSCU complaint procedure.
• Issue a written statement to employees affirming support for equal opportunity, diversity and the college’s Affirmative Action Plan.
• Make policy and procedure decisions which facilitate affirmative action and equal opportunity.

Subpart C:  Accountability.  The President is directly accountable to the Chancellor on all matters relating to equal opportunity and affirmative action at Normandale Community College.

Subpart D:  Affirmative Action Officer.  The CHRO is designated by the college president to serve as Affirmative Action Officer.  She is responsible for the overall implementation and administration of the college’s equal opportunity and affirmative action programs.

Subpart E:  Responsibilities/Duties of the Affirmative Action Officer -

1. Advise the President regarding diversity/AA.EEO and campus climate issues and concerns. 
2. Monitor compliance with federal, state, and system laws, regulations, and policies pertaining to EEO/Affirmative Action.
3. Develop, implement and monitor the Normandale Community College Affirmative Action Plan.
4. Fulfill all affirmative action reporting requirements.
5. Ensure dissemination of all relevant affirmative action related information.
6. Serve as member of the President’s Task Force on Diversity.
7. Review separation interviews and advise action as appropriate.
8. Arrange affirmative action related training as requested.
9. Implement affirmative action recruitment.
10. Monitor, advise and train college search committees.
11. Serve as advisor/primary resource to administration and staff on associated affirmative action issues.
12. Review, process, monitor and/or conduct investigations of complaints of discrimination.

Subpart F:  Accountability.  The CHRO is directly accountable to the President for the overall implementation and administration of Normandale Community College’s equal opportunity and affirmative action programs.