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 - May, 2003, Volume 3, #3

Equal Opportunity Institute Marks Fourth Graduating Class

On May 8, the Equal Opportunity Institute (EOI) marked its fourth celebration for graduates. Twenty-four hardworking faculty, staff, students, and community members graduated from EOI in 2003, completing at least 30 hours of classroom learning experiences related to equal opportunity. Participants took classes on topics such as the Americans with Disabilities Act, Unlawful Workplace Harassment, Intercultural Communication, and the Protected Classes. EOI graduates had opportunities to learn from presenters from many areas of campus, the Raleigh community, Research Triangle Park, and the federal government.

Congratulations to the following graduates: Casey Blankenship, Sharon Darden, Ronda Ficklin, Dawn Godwin, Crystal Hardison, Phyllis Hilliard, Cecile Hinson, Mitzi Horton, Michele Joyner, Kenya Lawrence, Carina Lockley, Susan Mazzochi, Desiree Mittman, Yolanda Outlaw, Keon Pettiway, Linda Petty, Erica Renfrow, Carlton Richardson, Tiffanie Rosier, Alfred “Butch” Smith, Amanda Warren, Frank D. Wells, Linda Wilkins, and Gail Willis. Registration for 2003-2004 will open in July. To learn more about EOI, visit www.ncsu.edu/equal_op/eoi.

Photo: The Equal Opportunity Institute Class of 2003.

Take Our Daughters & Sons to Work Day 2003 a Success!

NC State held its first Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day on April 24, 2003. It was a huge success! NC State organized a program in which girls and boys learned about job and educational opportunities available to them while considering how their work will fit into their overall future.

The Kick-Off Celebration began with a welcome from Chancellor Fox and featured Dean Marvin Malecha from the School of Design and Cindy Malecha from the Kenan Institute, who discussed balancing work with other aspects of life and having a vision for the future. Programs throughout the day gave participants opportunities to explore college life and jobs as well as imagine their future at work and home. The Closing Reception provided an opportunity to interact with student athletes. You can view the activities and find out more at www.ncsu.edu/todstw.

Photo: TODSTW participants and sponsors on the Hardhat Tour.

Staff Spotlight: Beverly Jones Williams

Beverly Jones Williams has worked in the Office for Equal Opportunity as Coordinator of Outreach and Education since March, 2000. In this position, Beverly creates opportunities for faculty, staff, and students to increase their knowledge of equal opportunity issues. Some of her functions include coordination of the Equal Opportunity Institute, coordination of Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day, and serving as the campus affiliate director for the NC State Chapter of National Coalition Building Institute (NCBI). She has also worked on special projects, such as the creation of this newsletter, development of the video “Hire the Best,” and creation of the Accommodations Resource Guide. She is presently working to develop online Search Committee Orientation Training and writing grants to support office outreach efforts.

Beverly has been at NC State for over 15 years. She began her tenure in University Housing. Her final position in Housing was as Assistant Director for East Campus. Before coming to OEO, she served as a Training and Development Specialist in Human Resources. She taught classes to staff on campus on such topics as communication, personality types, leadership, career development, and diversity. She also assisted in the development of the Pathways Leadership Program and developed the Career Exploration and Networking Program.

Beverly received her B.S. in Communication and M.S. in College Student Personnel Services from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. She is married and has two children. She serves as a Girl Scout Co-Leader, PTA Officer, and member of her church choir. One of her life goals is to make difference.

One Voice: A Voice from EOI Speaks Out

This column begins a regularly appearing series that will feature one individual who has experienced or explored a service or opportunity provided by the Office for Equal Opportunity (OEO).

In this issue, we interview Cecile M. Hinson, Assistant Director of NCSU Internal Audit. Ms. Hinson participated in OEO’s Equal Opportunity Institute (EOI) in 2002-03 and graduated from EOI this month (see cover article on page 1).

Equal_Op: How has participating in the Equal Opportunity Institute benefited you?

Cecile Hinson: The EOI has expanded my knowledge base of federal and state EO laws, their purpose or intent, compliance requirements, and how the University implements them. This, of course, is very applicable in my job, whether I am working on an audit that deals directly with one of these laws or just as another level of awareness as I go about my business. I would have to say, though, that the greatest overall impact to me has been on the personal level. I have traveled the world a great deal and studied other cultures, religions, and worked and lived with physically challenged persons. Nevertheless, I am surprised at how much I have learned in the EOI classes and the deeper understanding and empathy I have developed for some areas of which I had previously limited experience. I've also gained greater appreciation of the need for the EO laws and regulations and the positive impact they still have in the daily lives of us all.

Equal_Op: What has been your favorite part of the Institute?

Cecile Hinson: Each class is taught by persons either living the applicable experience or directly involved with it. Their knowledge of the laws and openness in sharing stories (some very personal) was invaluable and went far to increase our knowledge, understanding, and empathy.

Equal_Op: What has surprised you about EOI?

Cecile Hinson: That more of campus is not aware of it and attending; considering the caliber of instructors/facilitators and the importance of the topics to everyone on campus, the rooms should be packed.

Equal_Op: Would you recommend EOI to other NC State employees and students?

Cecile Hinson: I have been and will continue to highly recommend EOI to others. From my experience across campus, this program is one of the very best available on-site.

Student Moving AHEAD at NC State

In September of 2002, the Association of Higher Education and Disability, (AHEAD), announced that its 2002-2003 scholarship competition was underway. Cheryl Branker, Director of Disability Services for Students, and an AHEAD member, nominated three students from NC State.

Criteria for selection included disability-related leadership and service, academic achievement and demonstration of achievable goals. Only students with disabilities who were enrolled in post-secondary institutions for at least 6 credit hours, had a minimum 2.75 cumulative GPA (on a 4.0 scale) and were nominated by an AHEAD member were eligible.

AHEAD received 75 nominations and in the month of December, it awarded 5 scholarships to students ranging from $1,000-1,500 each. Among the winners was NC State’s own, Ricky Scott. Ricky is a doctoral student in the College of Education specializing in Higher Education Administration.

Below is Ricky’s biographical essay to the committee regarding some of his personal challenges and accomplishments.

"After becoming blind in November of 1970, I began my elementary education at the Governor Morehead School in Raleigh, North Carolina in the fall of 1972 as a fifth grader. At this time I understood the importance of performing academically to the best of my ability. In addition to academic achievement, I also excelled in sports activities as well as other extracurricular endeavors such as Student Council. When I began my high school years at the Governor Morehead School, I continued striving for academic success. For example, during these four years I maintained a 4.0 grade point average resulting in my selection as the valedictorian of my graduating class. In addition, I participated in many extracurricular activities where I exhibited leadership capabilities such as President of Future Business Leaders of America, President of the BETA Club, Treasurer and Vice-President of Student Council, President of United Christians Association, and member of the school news paper staff. At the same time, I participated in wrestling and track during my entire four years in high school. When I graduated from high school in June 1980, I began my college education at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. During my four years at the University of North Carolina, I focused on attaining my degree. At this point I became more interested in the issues that affected persons who are blind or visually impaired. I became increasingly aware of the challenges that we face as persons who are blind relative to full integration in society in the areas of employment, public accommodation, transportation, and housing. Therefore, I determined that I would engage in activities that would seek to advocate and promote the interests of persons who are blind or visually impaired. I read literature regarding organizations that advocated for the blind as well as the literature by the organizations headed by the blind. After graduating from the University of North Carolina, I became employed at the North Carolina Disability Determination Services, where I adjudicated Social Security claims for approximately ten years. During this time, I engaged in activities promoting and advocating for the blind. For example, I served on the Mayor’s Committee for Persons with Disabilities that sought to influence public policy in the local community regarding transportation and employment issues. I also served as a member of the local Federation of the Blind that sought to promote the interest of the blind by hosting awareness and advocacy workshops as well as local job fairs. In 1995, I decided that I would return to school to further my education. As a result, I received a master’s degree from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. It is anticipated that this degree will facilitate me in any leadership role in the public or non-profit sector that provides advocacy opportunities. After receiving my letter of acceptance to the Doctorate Program in Education from the North Carolina State University, I enrolled because I see my role as one of an educator in a broad range of areas: classroom, workshop settings, seminars, and training settings as well as other arenas where the process of education is needed. While attending NC State University, I have been involved in awareness and mentoring activities designed to promote the full integration of blind and other disabled individuals in society. For example, in the academic years 1999-2001, I engaged in panel discussions around the campus and at a variety of community organizations discussing important issues related to blindness and disability. At the same time, I served as a mentor for the Division of Services for the Blind for those blind students attending NC State University. Finally, in the spring semester of 2002, I participated in the Preparing for the Professoriate Program where I was responsible for instructing a graduate class covering those issues related to disability, gender, and higher education. In conclusion, I wish to express my sincere gratitude to all of you for considering my application for this scholarship. This award shall facilitate my continued education."

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.