Office for Equal Opportunity
North Carolina
State University

Location & Hours
1 Holladay Hall
8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Monday - Friday

Mailing Address
Campus Box 7530
Raleigh, NC
27695-7530

Phone Numbers
Main: 919-515-3148
Fax: 919-513-1428
TTY: 919-515-9617

Equal_Op - August, 2005 - Volume 6, #1

Bridging Theory and Practice: The Relationship Between OEO’s Educational Opportunities and the NC State Campus Community

“There is nothing so practical as a good theory.”
-- Kurt Lewin, 1939

My training as an experimental social psychologist has fostered a particular lens with which I view the social world. This lens encompasses the entire campus, including all campus community members, laws and policies, as well as the physical structures of the campus, in order to understand and explain social behavior. Throughout my training at NC State, I have learned about equal opportunity laws and policies that guide the interactions between all of us who are campus community members. One role that I have in the Office for Equal Opportunity is to bridge the theory of social psychology with the roles and functions of OEO with the intention of assessing relevant and practical educational opportunities for campus community members and beyond.

Each of us arrives at NC State as a student or employee with our beliefs and feelings pertaining to equal opportunity laws. We also arrive on campus with our past experiences and styles of behaving with diverse individuals. Sometimes, our beliefs, feelings, and behaviors are consistent with the federal and state laws, as well as university policy. Other times, they are not. When behaviors are at odds with equal opportunity laws and policies, there is a potential for unstable interactions between campus community members. These unstable interactions may be simple misunderstandings that can be resolved through communication between those directly involved with the conflict. However, there are times when these unstable interactions may result in unlawful behaviors, whereby laws and policies have been violated and a campus community member has experienced a violation of her or his civil rights.

Civil rights are afforded to the entire campus community; therefore, each of us at NC State has an obligation to our fellow campus members and to ourselves to learn about our equal opportunity responsibilities. How can that be achieved? One main role of OEO is to offer education and outreach to all campus community members, as well as our extended community of the Triangle and beyond. This past year, I participated in the Equal Opportunity Institute (EOI), Study Circles, and National Coalition Building (NCBI). Through these OEO programs, I was able to learn more about equal opportunity laws and policies, the implementation process, and how policies influence the relationships among campus community members. Moreover, I learned skills to improve my interactions with fellow campus members to help increase the stability and productivity of all of my relationships.

Gillian Norton is currently a doctoral student in social psychology at NC State.

In Memory of Kenneth D. Franklin

Kenneth D. Franklin died on May 24, 2005. Mr. Franklin shared his talent and knowledge with the NC State community by presenting “The Protected Class of Disability” workshop from 2001-2004. His dynamic and fun presentation style allowed many participants to gain knowledge about disabilities issues in an energetic atmosphere.

Ken Franklin was a graduate of NC State University (M.Ed. in Adult and Community College Education, 1969). He held positions as an Education and Training Specialist with the North Carolina Governor’s Advocacy Council for Persons with Disabilities and Director of the North Carolina Office on the Americans with Disabilities Act. He retired in 1998 but continued to consult on disability issues. He served on several disability-related private non-profit organizations. Mr. Franklin was married with two adult sons. He was an inspiring advocate, an expert consultant, a great father, grandfather, and friend.

We appreciate the gifts he shared with the Office for Equal Opportunity and NC State.

Programming Notes

New Study Circles Open for 2005-06

The Office for Equal Opportunity sponsors “Study Circles on Race and Race Relations” for the NC State campus. The program is part of a nationwide effort to address racism by providing a simple way to involve community members in dialogue and action. Participants engage in small, democratic, peer-led discussions about racial attitudes. The intent is to get people listening to others, which can lead to greater understanding and joint efforts of action. We invite all faculty, staff and students to participate. For more information or to sign up for an NC State Study Circle, please go to www.ncsu.edu/equal_op/education/study_circles.html.

Equal Opportunity Educational Programs

The Office for Equal Opportunity offers a series of dynamic educational programs that seek to build a knowledge base in equal opportunity. All faculty, staff and students are encouraged to participate. To learn more and register, visit www.ncsu.edu/equal_op/education.html.

NCBI Building Bridges Workshops

The goal of Building Bridges is to mobilize participants to carry the message of acceptance and inclusion to others. This unique workshop -- interactive, experiential, and high energy -- allows you to gain self-awareness, stretch beyond your comfort zone, and gain new understanding. During this six-hour workshop (which can be taken in one all-day or two 3-hour sessions), participants engage in small and large group discussions and activities led by trained facilitators. Participants of the Building Bridges workshops are both contributing teachers and willing learners. We invite and encourage you to participate in this growth-filled, skill-based, uplifting personal development experience. To learn more and register, visit www.ncsu.edu/equal_op/ncbi or contact Beverly Jones Williams at beverly_williams@ncsu.edu or 919-513-3836.

Congratulations, EOI Graduates!

The sixth celebration for graduates of the Equal Opportunity Institute (EOI) was held on May 5, 2005. The ceremony featured Rick L. Della Fave, Professor of Sociology, as keynote speaker, and words of experience and encouragement from 2003-04 EOI graduate Toni Thorpe. This graduation class makes a total number of 150 individuals who have completed the EOI. These individuals completed at least 30 hours of classroom learning experiences related to equal opportunity.

EOI is a unique certificate program open to all NC State faculty, staff and students, and to the general public. The program takes place each year from September through May. If you would like to learn more about this program, visit our website at www.ncsu.edu/equal_op/eoi.

Congratulations to the 2005 graduates: Rosa Andrews, CALS; Valerie Ball, College of Veterinary Medicine; Holly Bard, Marketing & Human Resources; Rachel Bender, Business Management; Mark Blevins, Extension Education (MA); Samara Burnette, Office of the Provost; Thelia Burrell, Financial Services; Pamela Christie-Tabron, College of Design; Lois Crowe, Student Affairs; Shawna Daniels-Ash, CALS; Shannon Davis, Management; Karrie Dixon, Office of the Provost; Thomas Easley, Natural Resources; Teresa Ferlotti, Psychology, HRD; Amanda Garcia, Business and Marketing Education; Ashley Hibbard, Business Management; Trenel Holloway, College of Humanities; Demetrius Hunter, College of Business; Michele Lanuti, IBM; Monica Lopez, Libraries; Lori Millette, Department of Health & Human Services; Lynn Mullenax, IBM; Gillian Norton, Social Psychology; Willie (Tony) Pearson, DELTA; Hailey Queen, Textile Engineering; Laura Robson, Business Management; Jacqueline Silva, IBM; Rosa Solares, CALS; Vernice Stevenson, Faculty Senate; Heather Tice, Business Management; Steven Tilton, Business Management; Para Tollison, Veterinary Medicine; Marlene Turnbull, Business Management; Heather Warren, Business Management; Elizabeth West, Business Management; Gabe Wical, Undergraduate Affairs; Teresa Williams, Bowe Bell+Howell; Nancy Zagbayou, French & Political Science.

Staff Spotlight: Roger Callanan

Although Roger Callanan is not officially “staff” of the Office for Equal Opportunity, he has a long history of association in OEO program participation, facilitation, and leadership, and seems like one of the family. He has worked for over 20 years at NC State in a variety of counseling, advising, and administrative roles focused primarily on serving students. Currently, as the Assistant Dean for the Division of Undergraduate Academic Programs (UAP), Roger enjoys impacting students’ undergraduate experience by supporting such outstanding units as the Transition Program, the First Year College, Undergraduate Tutorial Center, Cooperative Education, and the Virtual Advising Center, among others.

During the two decades he worked with students through the Academic Support Program for Student Athletes and New Student Orientation (two other UAP programs) and the Counseling Center, Roger became increasingly aware of factors that influenced students’ transition to the University. He observed that success and persistence were more greatly influenced by students’ interactions with faculty, staff, and peers and feeling welcome, supported, and connected, than a result of academic prowess and preparation. He became determined to contribute to the strengthening of a diverse but inclusive learning community that was both challenging and supportive.

NC State heartily welcomed his efforts. Four OEO programs have been and continue to be instrumental in his own ongoing education: the Equal Opportunity Institute (EOI), Harassment Prevention and Equity Programs, the National Coalition Building Institute (NCBI), and Study Circles on Race and Ethnicity. Roger is a trained facilitator and part of the leadership teams for both NCBI and Study Circles. This past semester, Roger also served as a mentor for a group of students who spent their spring break working in an orphanage in the Dominican Republic through the Alternative Spring Break program coordinated by the Center for Student Leadership, Ethics and Public Service. He finds this work challenging but fulfilling and is grateful to the UAP leadership for their consistent support of diversity on our campus, and specifically of his participation in these activities. He encourages others to become involved in making a difference. His current favorite quote is “Do all you can with what you have in the time you have in the place you are.” (Xolani Nkosi Johnson, 12-year-old boy from KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, who died of AIDS in 2001.)

Challenge Question

Question: How many students does the Disability Services for Students (DSS) office serve annually?

a. 100-300
b. 301-500
c. 501-700
d. 701-900

Answer: d.

Reminder

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 mandate that faculty provide reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities. Faculty members should make an announcement at the beginning of the semester inviting students with disabilities to schedule an appointment to discuss academic accommodations. Disability Services for Students (DSS) staff is available to serve as a resource in assisting with providing accommodations. Please see www.ncsu.edu/equal_op/disability_resources/faculty_responsibilities.pdf for more information.

OEO Resource Directory

Office for Equal Opportunity (OEO)
1 Holladay Hall
Campus Box 7530
919-515-3148
www.ncsu.edu/equal_op

Disability Services for Students (DSS)
1900 Student Health Center
Campus Box 7509
919-515-7653
www.ncsu.edu/dss

Disability Hotline
To report a disability or accommodation issue or concern, send email to ADAHotline@ncsu.edu.

Harassment Complaints
For help with a harassment concern, contact Dr. Rhonda Sutton at 919-513-1234 or rhonda_sutton@ncsu.edu. [Update as of 11/2006: For help with a harassment concern, contact Amy Circosta at 919-513-1234 or amy_circosta@ncsu.edu.] You can also submit a harassment complaint online at www.ncsu.edu/equal_op/harassment/
harassment_complaint_form.html, or send email to report_harassment@ncsu.edu.

Hiring Procedures & Search Committee Orientations
If you are beginning a new search for a position, OEO encourages you to call 919-515-3148 to schedule a search committee orientation.

Training & Workshops
For information about our workshops and course offerings, please see www.ncsu.edu/equal_op/education.html or contact Beverly Jones Williams at 919-513-3836.

Faculty Exit Interviews
If you are a departing faculty member, please contact Dr. Rhonda Sutton at 919-513-1234 to schedule your exit interview. [Update as of 2/2007: For your exit interview, please contact Carson C. Cook at 919-513-2099 or carson_cook@ncsu.edu.]

About Equal_Op
This newsletter is published by the Office for Equal Opportunity at NC State University. It is available online at www.ncsu.edu/equal_op/pubs.html and in alternate formats upon request.

If you have questions or comments regarding this newsletter, please contact the Office for Equal Opportunity at 919-515-3148 or by email.