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, 2007 - Volume 8, #1

Goal: Training for 100% of NC State’s Employees

In June 2007, NC State approved a new regulation entitled "Discrimination and Harassment Prevention and Response Training," developed by the Office for Equal Opportunity (OEO). As a result of this regulation, OEO will train each and every employee at NC State to prevent discrimination and harassment from occurring in the workplace, as well as appropriate ways to address discrimination and harassment, should such a concern arise.

Research has shown that training can reduce instances of harassment. Booth-Butterfield (1986) discovered that [sexual] harassment is more prevalent in organizations in which the subject is not discussed. Additionally, empirical evidence indicates that the most effective unlawful discrimination and harassment prevention training approach is a mandatory program for all employees (Newman, Jackson, & Brown, 2003). OEO's training program will provide an opportunity for all employees to explore and discuss these issues.

For the past two years, OEO has presented similar training programs to employees through the new employee orientation sessions offered by Human Resources. Customized training programs have also been offered to individual units and departments upon request, and quite a few employees have taken advantage of OEO's online training module on unlawful workplace harassment. At the same time, there are a great number of employees who have not yet participated in training focused on preventing and addressing discrimination and harassment, and OEO will ensure that all employees have received this training by the end of 2007.

There are several options to complete the required training. Employees may elect to register through OEO's website for a training session. Employees may complete the online training module. Or, OEO welcomes departments and units to schedule a training session during a regularly held departmental or staff meeting, in which a facilitator from OEO will present the information. On average, training sessions last about one hour, both live and online.

In addition to the training in which all employees will participate, those employees in supervisory roles have a further requirement. Not everyone knows that supervisors have a legal responsibility to address discrimination or harassment in the workplace, and the better we can assist supervisors in appropriately handling concerns, the more likely it is that we can create and maintain a welcoming work environment at NC State.

Employees are not the only members of the campus community who receive training on preventing and addressing discrimination and harassment. Incoming students – both undergraduate and graduate students – receive training during their orientations. In addition, OEO conducts custom training sessions for student groups throughout the year, in classrooms, in housing, and in extracurricular activities.

As employees, we all benefit from increased knowledge and understanding of discrimination and harassment within our community, including how to prevent and respond to these types of concerns. If you have questions about this training regulation, or to schedule a session for your department, please feel free to contact Amy Circosta, assistant vice provost in the Office for Equal Opportunity, at 919-513-1234.

Over 200 Graduate from the Equal Opportunity Institute

May 2007 marked the 8th graduating class of the Equal Opportunity Institute (EOI). Since EOI began in 1999, there have been 203 graduates who have gained information about issues of equal opportunity and diversity. However, graduates tell us that they have gained more than that. Final program evaluations indicated that participants enjoyed learning about diversity beyond race; participants are able to apply the information they learned; and participants appreciated the interaction with other participants and instructors.

On May 3, the 2007 EOI graduates were recognized in an informative, fun, and festive celebration. The keynote speaker for this event was Ola Wiggins from the Raleigh office of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Celeste Richie, a 2006 EOI graduate, shared reflections with the group on how the information she gained from EOI helped her to be more successful in her work and personal life.

Congratulations to all of the 2007 graduates: Barbara Amos, Personnel Office; Nichole Ayers, Student, CHASS; Donise Benton, Communication; Heather Boyce, Human Resources; Amelia Brundage, IBM; Lis Ellis, University Housing; Patricia Fields, Educational Leadership & Policy Studies; Marcia Gumpertz, Diversity & African American Affairs; Niambi Hall-Campbell, Student, CHASS; Gloria Hunt, Office for Equal Opportunity; Sarah Johnston, Student, Management; Kelli Jordan, IBM; Robert Labori, Student, Management; Alona McCluney, Student, Management; Duane McClure, Employee Relations; Martin Moody, Campus Police; Deana Parsley, IBM; Erin Robinson, Student, Education; Jessica Tiller, Student, Education; James Tron, Student, Management; John Vann, Student; Leah Vasquez, Student, Management; Latisha Walker, Educational Talent Search; Thomas Whitehead, Student, Management; and Melusian Wright, Student, Education.

Please see the EOI website for a photo of all of our graduates, and to learn more about how you can become an EOI participant. The online application form for 2007-08 is now available!

Programming Notes

National Coalition Building Institute (NCBI): Building Bridges

NCBI is the National Coalition Building Institute. This international organization has developed a training model that creates dialogue and understanding among different people. A campus team of facilitators uses this model to present the workshop "Building Bridges: Strengthening Leadership for Diverse Communities." 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 professional development experience. To learn more and register, visit www.ncsu.edu/ncbi.

NC State’s Study Circles Program

The Office for Equal Opportunity sponsors "Study Circles on Race and Race Relations" for the NC State campus. The Study Circles 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, see www.ncsu.edu/equal_op/education study_circles.html.

What are Testing Accommodations?

By Tangie Key, Assistant Director and Coordinator of Testing Accommodations

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) states that when an examination is administered to an individual with a disability, the examination results should accurately reflect the individual's aptitude or achievement level rather than the individual's impaired skills (36.309.b(i)). Thus, students may utilize the following testing accommodations to "accurately reflect" their knowledge of course content.

The specific testing accommodation(s) for which a student is eligible is determined on a case by case basis. The most common functional limitations are: slow processing, limited attention span, dexterity problems, and high levels of anxiety. The most widely used testing accommodations here at NC State are extended time, separate testing environment, and the use of assistive technology.

Separate Testing Location

Many students with disabilities needing the accommodation of extended time may also need a separate testing environment. Students requiring this accommodation need a distraction-reduced environment (i.e., free of clutter, stimulating pictures, and noise) or a space where they do not disturb others. For example, a student using a scribe will need to dictate his responses. As a result, a separate testing location is needed to avoid distracting others.

Extended Time

The accommodation of extended time allows the student to have more time on exams. Students are usually allowed double the time that the class receives. No student is allowed to have unlimited time to take an exam. Receiving extended time on tests may be combined with a variety of other testing accommodations. For instance, a student using special equipment (CCTV) to enlarge the print of the test may complete the test more slowly; thus, the student may need additional time.

Assistive Technology

According to the Assistive Technology Act of 1998, assistive technology is defined as "any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities." Students using screen readers, recorders, magnification devices, or some other assistive device may require extended time and a separate location (e.g., visually impaired students' eyes may become tired while using a magnification device, or a student using a screen reader will need an individual room to keep from disturbing other test takers).
Testing accommodations needed by students registered with the Disability Services Office vary, just as their functional limitations do. If you have questions or just want more information on testing accommodations, please visit DSO’s website or contact Tangie Key.

Staff Spotlight

Cynthia Hall Retires from DSO After a 30-Year Career at NC State

On July 31, 2007, after 30 years of University service, Cynthia Hall retired from the executive assistant position in the Disability Services Office. Hall joined DSO in September, 2000 as the unit's first administrative assistant. Her primary responsibilities were coordinating the administrative functions of the office and serving as the budget manager. Prior to her work in DSO, Mrs. Hall worked in the D.H. Hill Library for 22 years with Photocopy Services and as Unit Head in Reprographic Services.

On her last day of service, the DSO staff recognized that not only were they saying goodbye to a co-worker, they were saying goodbye to good friend, a good friend to whom they said "thank you" because of the sheer effort she put into everything she did. Without her 7 years of service, each DSO staff member would have had a much harder job to do.

DSO Welcomes Tonya McCohn

Tonya McCohn joined the Disability Services Office in March, 2007 as the Administrative Support Associate. She is a Raleigh native and a 1996 graduate of W.G. Enloe High School. Right after graduation, Tonya joined the United States Army and completed a seven-year tour. Before being honorably discharged, she was stationed in Fort Leonard Wood, MO, Fort Lee, VA, Fort Sam Houston, TX, Fort Benning, GA and Fort Irwin, CA, and received numerous medals and awards, including two good conduct medals, an Army commendation ribbon, two Army achievement ribbons, a National Defense service ribbon, and many more. Welcome, Tonya!

OEO Resource Directory

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

Disability Services Office (DSO)
1900 Student Health Center
Campus Box 7509
919-515-7653
www.ncsu.edu/dso

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

Discrimination or Harassment Complaints or Concerns
For help with a discrimination or 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.

Workshops & Course Offerings
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.

Online Training
We offer online training versions of some of our workshops. See www.ncsu.edu/project/oeo-training.

Faculty Exit Interviews
If you are a departing faculty member, please contact Carson C. Cook at 919-513-2099 or carson_cook@ncsu.edu to schedule your exit interview.

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.