The mission of Equal Opportunity and Academic Compliance is to support and enhance a working and learning environment that provides equal opportunities, promotes an inclusive culture, and advances academic excellence.  EOAC implements and monitors affirmative action initiatives, resolves discrimination complaints, reviews and revises higher education requirement policies and procedures, and is responsible for receiving and investigating reports of sexual violence. EOAC also facilitates educational programming regarding sexual harassment and sexual violence, discrimination, disabilities, reasonable accommodation, hiring, recruitment and affirmative action, and various higher education regulatory matters.

Complaints of Discrimination or Harassment

Equal Opportunity and Academic Compliance is responsible for conducting confidential investigations into allegations of discrimination or harassment based on race, religion, color, ethnicity, sex, disability, national origin, ancestry, age, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information or retaliation. Investigations are carried out in accordance with KU Medical Center's Discrimination Complaint Resolution Process. Once an investigation is complete, EOAC will make a determination as to whether discrimination or any other conduct contrary to policy has occurred and will provide recommendations for resolution.

Affirmative Action

As a federal contractor, KU Medical Center is required to draft and implement an annual Affirmative Action Plan (AAP).  EOAC monitors KU Medical Center's efforts to increase diversity through its AAP and ensures that the plan outlines strategic initiatives and sets goals to identify and recruit diverse, qualified and talented faculty and staff. EOAC also provides assistance to hiring managers in producing an effective recruitment plan and in implementing procedures that include: proactively communicating the availability of positions to a broad and diverse range of qualified candidates; developing strategies to attract available members from underrepresented groups; and encouraging potential candidates from underrepresented groups to apply for positions.

Title IX

The KUMC Chief Compliance Officer has been designated as the University's Title IX Coordinator and is responsible for coordinating compliance with Title IX and responding to inquiries concerning gender equality or sexual violence.  KU Medical Center is committed to maintaining a safe and healthy educational and work environment in which no member of the University community is, on the basis of sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity, excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or subjected to discrimination in any University program or activity. In accordance with KUMC's Title IX Resolution Procedures, the Title IX Coordinator conducts a prompt investigation into claims of gender-based discrimination and/or sexual harassment, including sexual violence, and draws a conclusion based upon a preponderance of the evidence.  The Title IX Coordinator also recommends remedial and preventative action when appropriate.  At any point before, during or after an investigation, the Title IX Coordinator may determine that supportive or remedial measures directed at the parties, witnesses or a broader University population are necessary and appropriate to prevent and/or respond to sexual harassment or sexual violence.

To submit a report of sex-based discrimination, sexual harassment, or sexual violence to the Title IX Coordinator, please complete this online form.  

Academic Compliance

As an institution of higher learning, KU Medical Center must meet the requirements of the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008 and other education-related regulations and standards.  EOAC assists the University by monitoring KUMC's efforts to comply with those obligations, reviewing and revising applicable policies, and collaborating with responsible departments to develop best practices and standards for detecting and preventing non-compliance. 

Training

Equal Opportunity and Academic Compliance believes that promoting outreach and education to all faculty, staff, members, residents, graduate teaching assistants, and students fosters a community of mutual respect and increases awareness of the strength in diversity and inclusion. EOAC training provides opportunities for increased learning and understanding of anti-discrimination and anti-harassment laws, affirmative action hiring policies, reasonable accommodations policies, as well as other related KU Medical Center policies and procedures.

Contact EOAC