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Beverly Jones Williams

Beverly Jones Williams
Director of Outreach & Education

Location & Hours
221 Winslow Hall
8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Monday - Friday

Mailing Address
Campus Box 7530
Raleigh, NC
27695-7530

Phone Numbers
919-513-3836
Fax: 919-513-1428
TTY: 919-515-9617

Email
beverly_williams@
ncsu.edu

 

OEO Workshop Listing

Current Offerings (followed by eLearning course number):

Courses are open to the NC State community at no cost. If you are not a member of the NC State community and would like to register, please contact Beverly Jones Williams at 919-513-3836.

Affirmative Action in Action
(eLearning course number: oeo018)

About the Workshop

This workshop provides an opportunity to expand the knowledge participants have gained about the policy of affirmative action in the Equal Employment Opportunity workshop. A historical overview of the policy is explored, as well as the legal obligations of federal contractors with regards to affirmative action. Often, misinformation, mis-communication, and myths surround the concept of affirmative action, which will be clarified in this workshop. Participants will learn about the various individuals and groups involved in shaping the policy of affirmative action as well as the actual implementation of affirmative action in a selection decision. Each participant in the workshop will assume the role of one of these individuals or groups. Through the group interactions in this workshop, faculty, staff, students, and our wider community will have a better understanding of the intricacies and scope of the policy of affirmative action.

About the Instructor

Carson Cook, assistant vice provost with NC State’s Office for Equal Opportunity and Equity, possesses more than 25 years of experience managing equal opportunity, affirmative action, and diversity programs in government, academic, and corporate settings. Prior to his appointment at NC State, Mr. Cook held positions as director of diversity and compliance programs at Mississippi State University, associate director of diversity and compliance programs at California State Polytechnic University in Pomona, director of equal opportunity programs at the University of North Florida in Jacksonville, and assistant director for affirmative action at Indiana University-Purdue University, Indianapolis. Mr. Cook holds a bachelor’s degree from Roosevelt University in Chicago and has completed graduate work at the University of Chicago.

Workshop Schedule & Registration

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
(eLearning course number: oeo015)

About the Workshop

The responsibility for implementing the Americans with Disabilities Act’s (ADA) employment provision, Title I, falls largely on unit managers and/or departmental supervisors since they are responsible for recruitment, pre-employment screening, and other work10/7/09 11:27 AMDate -->tion of workers with and without disabilities. The purpose of this course is to focus on correct and lawful employment practices that will minimize workplace discrimination for persons with disabilities.

About the Instructor

Dr. Cheryl Branker is the instructor for the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) workshop.

Workshop Schedule & Registration

Discrimination & Harassment Prevention & Response
(eLearning course number: dhpr01 & dhpr02)

About the Workshop

In this course, you will learn how the terms “discrimination” and “harassment” are specifically defined in our University policies as well as how to identify discriminatory or harassing behavior. The course will emphasize the rights and responsibilities you have as an employee and a supervisor if 1) You experience discrimination or harassment, 2) You are accused of discrimination or harassment, or 3) Someone reports an incident of discrimination or harassment to you. You will find out about the options available for resolving complaints and the procedure the Office for Equal Opportunity uses to ensure complaints are adequately addressed. In addition, the course will discuss measures that each individual can take to help ensure that NC State is a discrimination and harassment-free environment. The format of this course is designed to promote discussion and questions are encouraged. Case studies will be used to demonstrate concepts, but participants are welcome to develop examples they wish to see addressed.

About the Instructor

Amy Circosta, J.D. is the director of harassment prevention & equity programs in the Office for Equal Opportunity at NC State University. Her position involves investigating and resolving complaints of unlawful discrimination and harassment at the University through both informal and formal procedures, as well as educating the campus community about unlawful harassment. Before coming to NC State, she served as ombudsman for San Diego State University. As ombudsman, she provided a confidential and independent resource for conflict resolution on campus. Ms. Circosta earned her J.D. from the University of Arizona and is licensed to practice law in California.

Workshop Schedule & Registration

  • To attend DHPR, you must register via NC State's eLearning System. The NC State community can access the eLearning system through the MyPack Portal on the NC State website.

Diversity, Discrimination & Affirmative Action
(eLearning course number: oeo013)

About the Workshop

The purpose of this workshop is to explore affirmative action and related concepts. The workshop has three sections. The first section helps participants understand their many perceptions of affirmative action as a concept by presenting the origins and development of affirmative action, defining "affirmative action" and an affirmative action plan, identifying significant actions leading to affirmative action, and defining other affirmative action key terms.

The second section explores the foundations and definitions of racism and prejudice as they relate to affirmative action. Gender, racial, religion, national origin, and color stereotypes are also discussed.

The third section explores the concept and definition of discrimination based on prohibited factors. Five levels of discrimination and Types of power are discussed as they relate to affirmative action.

About the Instructor

Vincent C. Joiner, a 22-year U.S. Army veteran, served in the artillery, personnel recruiting, training, and race relations units. Now retired from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs, where he conducted compliance evaluations of federal contractors' affirmative action plans and human resources policies and practices, he is a Human Resources consultant. Mr. Joiner, a 1991 Cum Laude Sociology BA graduate of Fayetteville State University, attended Central Michigan University and Fort Bragg’s Education Center to complete a Masters of Human Resources Administration. He is also a distinguished graduate of the Department of Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute.

Workshop Schedule & Registration

Equal Employment Opportunity & Affirmative Action
(eLearning course number: oeo006)

About the Workshop

Illegal discrimination costs organizations hundreds of thousands of dollars every year in lost productivity, administrative costs, and legal fees. Your actions could be putting yourself and your company in legal jeopardy and potentially lead to costly and embarrassing discrimination charges. This training course is designed to provide managers and supervisors with an overview and practical understanding of the fundamental principles and requirements of Equal Employment Opportunity laws. The primary focus is on federal EEO laws, but participants are also exposed to some of the principles and requirements of state EEO laws and NC State policy and procedures governing non-discrimination throughout the life cycle of the employment process – from recruitment and selection, to performance management, to terminations. This program addresses both disparate treatment discrimination and disparate impact discrimination under all of the federally protected categories. Course content will allow participants to practice and enhance their management style in dealing with EEO related issues.

About the Instructor

Carson Cook, assistant vice provost with NC State’s Office for Equal Opportunity and Equity, possesses more than 25 years of experience managing equal opportunity, affirmative action, and diversity programs in government, academic, and corporate settings. Prior to his appointment at NC State, Mr. Cook held positions as director of diversity and compliance programs at Mississippi State University, associate director of diversity and compliance programs at California State Polytechnic University in Pomona, director of equal opportunity programs at the University of North Florida in Jacksonville, and assistant director for affirmative action at Indiana University-Purdue University, Indianapolis. Mr. Cook holds a bachelor’s degree from Roosevelt University in Chicago and has completed graduate work at the University of Chicago.

Workshop Schedule & Registration

The EEOC (Equal Employment Opportunity Commission)
(eLearning course number: oeo024)

About the Workshop

Learn more about the laws that the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) enforces and how the organization operates and handles charges. You will also hear case studies and gain insights into how to avoid employment discrimination. An EEOC representative presents this workshop.

About the Instructor

Tom Colclough began his career with the EEOC in 1988. In 1989, he became an investigator. In 1998, he was promoted to the position of enforcement supervisor. In February 2005, he became the local director of the Greensboro local office. In October 2006, he was promoted to the position of area director in the Raleigh area office. As director the Raleigh area office, Mr. Colclough provides guidance and direction to support the EEOC’s national and local enforcement plans. His office model ensures that employees focus on the Commission’s top priorities, and he works to motivate all employees to work together on common goals. Colclough also works closely with the district director and other management staff within the Charlotte district. Colclough graduated from Saint Augustine’s College with a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration. He also served in the military (active and reserve) for 23 years and retired from the North Carolina National Guard in 2005 at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

Workshop Schedule & Registration

EEOI (Equal Employment Opportunity Institute)
(eLearning course number: oeo028 & oeo28b)

About the Workshop

The Equal Employment Opportunity Institute (EEOI) is a one and a half (1½) day training program intended to help managers and supervisors understand federal and state employment discrimination laws and how they impact day-to-day managerial decisions.

All SPA managers and supervisors employed by the University are required to attend this training course, in accordance with North Carolina state law (General Statute 126.16.1). Although not required, EPA managers and supervisors are also strongly encouraged to attend the training.

Participation in the EEOI is intended to increase one's understanding of the role and responsibilities managers and supervisors have in managing employees from different backgrounds and cultures, and the corresponding laws, policies, and employment practices that govern equal employment opportunity in the workplace.

This course utilizes case studies and other activities to enable managers and supervisors to create fair, equitable, and inclusive work environments. Topics include:

  • in-depth reviews of EEO and AA federal and state laws, regulations and court cases;

  • explanation of EEO/AA employer obligations;

  • discussion of the impact of EEO laws on policies, procedures and day-to-day operations;

  • developing awareness on issues of valuing and managing diversity and building cultural competencies;

  • discussion of diversity and its relationship to EEO/AA; and

  • building an inclusive work environment that supports diversity and fosters productivity.

For more information about the Equal Employment Opportunity Institute, contact Carson Cook by phone at 919-513-2099 or via email at carson_cook@ncsu.edu.

About the Instructor

The EEOI instructors are from NC State's Office for Equal Opportunity and Human Resources.

Workshop Schedule & Registration

  • To attend EEOI, you must register via NC State's eLearning System. The NC State community can access the eLearning system through the MyPack Portal on the NC State website.

EOI (Equal Opportunity Institute)
(eLearning course number: eoi)

About the Program

The Equal Opportunity Institute is a program offered through the Office for Equal Opportunity that allows anyone from either the campus community or the general public to take many of the courses listed on this page, as well as other exciting offerings from Human Resources and the Center for Student Leadership & Public Service, attend a mid-year lunch, and receive a certificate and continuing education credits at the EOI graduation ceremony at the end of the academic year. See also the EOI website for additional information.

About the Instructors

The EOI instructors are from NC State's Office for Equal Opportunity, Human Resources, and the Center for Student Leadership & Public Service.

Workshop Schedule & Registration

To apply for the Equal Opportunity Institute, you must complete the EOI Application form. If you have questions, please contact Beverly Jones Williams at 919-513-3836.

Equal Opportunity Jeopardy
(eLearning course number: oeo020)

About the Workshop

Equal Opportunity Jeopardy is an educational game for team participants designed to to review equal employment opportunity laws and history, affirmative action, and diversity. This program is both educational and fun. The game has the format of Jeopardy. Although no money is given away, the fun and learning is priceless.

About the Instructor

Beverly Jones Williams, director of outreach and education, has worked at NC State for many years in various positions. In her first position in University Housing, she lived on campus and worked directly with students. In 1988, she left NC State to take a position as area coordinator at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. She later returned to NC State as the assistant director in University Housing. After working in housing, Ms. Williams made a shift into training as a training and development specialist in Human Resources. In 2000, she moved to the Office for Equal Opportunity where she directs the Equal Opportunity Institute, NCBI, and Study Circles on Race and Race Relations.

Workshop Schedule & Registration

Exploring Oppression
(eLearning course number: oeo027)

About the Workshop

The cycle of oppression in American society stems from an abuse of power with resulting negative treatment and outcomes for a variety of peoples. One solution to the cycle of oppression has been equal opportunity and Civil Rights laws designed to prohibit oppressive behavior towards legally protected classes of people. Within this workshop, you will have the opportunity to question your role in the cycle of oppression by asking: Am I oppressed? Do I oppress others? What is my role in breaking the cycle of oppression? You will explore the existence, definition, cycle of oppression, and the experience of oppression for individuals and groups. Finally, strategies to eliminate oppression from the perspective of the oppressed and the oppressor will be examined.

About the Instructor

Beverly Jones Williams, director of outreach and education, has worked at NC State for many years in various positions. In her first position in University Housing, she lived on campus and worked directly with students. In 1988, she left NC State to take a position as area coordinator at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. She later returned to NC State as the assistant director in University Housing. After working in housing, Ms. Williams made a shift into training as a training and development specialist in Human Resources. In 2000, she moved to the Office for Equal Opportunity where she directs the Equal Opportunity Institute, NCBI, and Study Circles on Race and Race Relations.

Workshop Schedule & Registration

Legacies + Layers = Lenses (Campus Diversity Conflicts: Methods for Managing the Unmanageable)
(eLearning course number: oeo016)

About the Program

CONFLICT is a word that strikes fear in the hearts of most people. Unresolved conflicts, with the added dimension of diversity, including racial/ethnic differences, sexual orientation, gender, and religion to name a few, prevent positive, sustained personal and professional growth. Participants look at the world through their own set of spectacles, or perceptual filters, comprising what they have been taught and what they have seen, heard, and experienced. These perceptual filters are lenses through which everyone looks at differences such as race, ethnicity, gender, and nationality. This interactive session offers ideas and skills to assist university faculty, staff, and students in addressing the management of negative conflict in proactive, constructive ways. Various methods, including appropriate diversity training, coaching, group facilitation, and mediation are showcased and discussed.

About the Instructor

Versatile… intense… exciting… innovative… and dynamic are the terms used to describe Tia Marie Doxey. Ms. Doxey is a graduate of West Virginia University with a Bachelors of Music. She also received a Masters of Education with an emphasis in Higher Education from NC State. Tia Marie Doxey with more than twelve years of high education administration experience has worked at Old Dominion University, University of Tennessee at Knoxville, and NC State University. Ms. Doxey, also an actor and singer, has performed in several operas and portrayed Mama Lena in “Raisin in the Sun” at NC State. Committed to educating others about cross-culture communication, diversity, white privilege, and coalition building, Ms. Doxey shares her inspirational and entertaining messages with associations, conferences, corporations, schools, and churches. She is currently associate director of residential life at NC Central University and the campus affiliate director for the NC Central chapter of the National Coalition Building Institute (NCBI).

Workshop Schedule & Registration

National Coalition Building Institute (NCBI)
(eLearning course number: oeo012 & oeo031)

About the Program

Please see the NCBI website.

Workshop Schedule & Registration

The Protected Class Series
(eLearning course number: see individual courses below)

About the Workshops

"Discrimination" has traditionally been defined as adverse treatment based on an individual's race, color, sex, national origin, or religion. These characteristics are sometimes called "protected classes" or "covered categories." Over the years, other federal and state laws have designated other protected classes, such as age and disability. While sexual orientation is not considered a protected class by federal or state law, it is the internal policy of NC State that sexual orientation should not be a factor upon which decisions are based; there are exceptions with respect to the University's relationships with outside organizations (such as the military).

The purpose of the Protected Class Series is to provide more information to the campus community regarding the ten protected classes that are covered in the University's policies. Eight of the ten protected classes are each covered in a separate workshop. In two instances, two of the protected classes are combined into one workshop because the subject material is so closely linked. A knowledgeable presenter facilitates each workshop.

For more information about the ten protected classes, see NC State's Protected Classes.

  • The Protected Classes of Race & Color
    (eLearning course number: oeo025)

Workshop participants learn the definition and use of the term "race" within the United States and how color relates to definitions of race and the perception of others. Participants examine cultural and racial misinformation, racial prejudice, and stereotyping as they gain an understanding of the laws protecting the classes of race and color.

  • The Protected Classes of Religion & Creed
    (eLearning course number: oeo008)

Participants learn about discrimination on the bases of religion and creed and explore several religions, gain insights into how individuals and groups experience religious discrimination, and obtain strategies to help eliminate religious discrimination. A panel of representatives from different religions makes this workshop an invaluable opportunity to gain information.

  • The Protected Class of Sex
    (eLearning course number: oeo001)

This workshop provides an overview of why "sex" [or gender] is a protected class and features an examination of the laws that address discrimination based on gender. Also, recent court cases regarding sex discrimination and sexual harassment are shared.

  • The Protected Class of National Origin
    (eLearning course number: oeo009)

Participants in this session gain an understanding of culture, cultural awareness, and the relationship between assumptions, values, attitudes, and behaviors as they evaluate their own cultural values and learn tools for promoting positive interaction with foreign visitors. Through this session, participants learn the definition of "national origin" and how it relates to ethnicity and culture. Participants also identify cross-cultural mis-communication and gain insights into foreign nationals' experience in the United States.

  • The Protected Class of Age
    (eLearning course number: oeo023)

This workshop provides answers to the following questions:

  • Who are the aged?
  • What are the basic facts and common misconceptions about the aged?
  • What is ageism?
  • What are the different types of ageism?
  • What are the causes of ageism?
  • What are the major consequences of ageism?
  • How can you avoid ageism?
  • How can ageism be reduced in the workplace?
  • The Protected Class of Disability
    (eLearning course number: oeo005)

Through this workshop, participants learn the definition of the term "disability" with respect to an individual, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. In addition, participants learn what the laws require, engage in dialogue and gain insight into the experiences of persons with disabilities.

  • The Protected Class of Veteran Status
    (eLearning course number: oeo026)

In this workshop, participants learn about veterans and the discrimination they experience. Participants also learn about the laws regarding veteran status.

  • The Protected Class of Sexual Orientation/Project SAFE
    (eLearning course number: oeo007)

Project SAFE training covers a variety of issues, facts, myths, and ally skills. Following training, you will receive a placard to place in your office or window that identifies you as a Project SAFE member. The expectations of Project SAFE training are to promote active participation for a conducive learning environment; to share knowledge, thoughts, ideas and openness toward diversity and individual differences.

About the Instructors

Dr. Richard Della Fave and vice provost Joanne Woodard are instructors for The Protected Classes of Race & Color. Joanne is NC State's affirmative action officer and equal opportunity officer. In this position, Joanne is charged with ensuring the University's compliance with federal and state non-discrimination laws and requirements for affirmative action and equal opportunity. She has been at NC State for 15 years, first as a faculty member in the department of History, where she taught undergraduate courses in U.S. History and African American History. She began as an assistant affirmative action officer in 1992 working with Dr. Lawrence M. Clark. Ms. Woodard was promoted to vice provost for equal opportunity and equity in 1999.

Amy Circosta, J.D., is the instructor for The Protected Class of Sex. Ms. Circosta is the director of harassment prevention & equity programs in the Office for Equal Opportunity at NC State University. Her position involves investigating and resolving complaints of unlawful discrimination and harassment at the University through both informal and formal procedures, as well as educating the campus community about unlawful harassment. Before coming to NC State, she served as ombudsman for San Diego State University. As ombudsman, she provided a confidential and independent resource for conflict resolution on campus. Ms. Circosta earned her J.D. from the University of Arizona and is licensed to practice law in California.

Mr. James Benton, Sr., instructor for The Protected Class of Disability, was born in Asheville, NC, on April 14, 1958 to James Luther Benton and Mary Alice Benton. He resided there until the age of seven, when he began attending school at The Governor Morehead School (GMS) for the Blind on the Garner Road campus. He lost most of his sight at an early age and began attending GMS when it was apparent that he could no longer attend public school. At Governor Morehead, he learned Braille, social skills, and regular academic studies. Upon his graduation from Governor Morehead in June of 1978, He attended Saint Augustine’s College in Raleigh, where he majored in Social Welfare and Urban Studies. His career spans the community widely. Here are just a few of his accomplishments:

  • manager of the division of services for the Blind Business Enterprise snack bar;
  • customer service representative, guest services representative, and staff trainer for Holiday Inn Hotels;
  • community employment specialist, The Governor Morehead School for the Blind, (current position, responsible for assisting students and adults in obtaining employment and training);
  • chairperson, Mayor’s Committee for Persons with Disabilities;
  • president, The Raleigh Blind Bowlers Association; president, The Carolina Bowling Alliance; second vice president, American Blind Bowler’s Association;
  • member of TTA Advisory Board, Raleigh Parks and Recreation Advisory Board.

Jill Guzman is an instructor for The Protected Class of National Origin with Hanya Redwan. Jill is the International Employment Manager within HR for NC State and has more than 10 years of immigration experience. Her current position involves assisting faculty with immigration and visa issues and overseeing the employment verification process and compliance procedures at NC State. Jill received her law degree from DePaul University College of Law and is licensed to practice law in Illinois. From 1997 to 2007, she was an Associate/Senior Associate at Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, a global immigration law firm. She has provided training to HR and legal professionals on various immigration topics, including immigration classifications, nonimmigrant visas, permanent residence, visa and travel issues, and employment verification and compliance. Prior to joining the law firm, Jill worked for DePaul University’s International Human Rights Law Institute for two years, and spent time in several Central American countries assisting on various human rights-related investigations.

Elizabeth Behringer has been working in the Office of International Services since 2000 in various roles, including Programs Coordinator and currently as an International Student and Scholar Advisor. She has a masters degree in International Studies awarded by NC State University with a focus in international programs administration. She has lived abroad 2 years in France as both a student and English instructor and has enjoyed traveling abroad to destinations such as Morocco, Costa Rica, Turkey, and throughout western Europe.

Special Note

You may attend one, some, or all of the Protected Class workshops. Participants in the Equal Opportunity Institute have first priority.

Workshop Schedule & Registration

EOI: Special Topics for Managers & Supervisors
(eLearning course number: oeo030)

About the Program

This session was generated based on the feedback of past EOI participants. This class is for EOI participants only. It is designed to answer questions managers and supervisors may have regarding the information learned through EOI and to assist in the application of new knowledge. The course will be customized based on the needs and concerns of the participants.

About the Instructor

Beverly Jones Williams, director of outreach and education, has worked at NC State for many years in various positions. In her first position in University Housing, she lived on campus and worked directly with students. In 1988, she left NC State to take a position as area coordinator at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. She later returned to NC State as the assistant director in University Housing. After working in housing, Ms. Williams made a shift into training as a training and development specialist in Human Resources. In 2000, she moved to the Office for Equal Opportunity where she directs the Equal Opportunity Institute, NCBI, and Study Circles on Race and Race Relations.

Workshop Schedule & Registration

For dates and times, or to register, please use use the EOI Workshop Registration Form).

Study Circles on Race & Race Relations

About the Program

Study Circles is currently not being offered. However, you can still participate in a Study Circle through the new Moving from Dialogue to Action program.

The Study Circles website has background information on the program.

Workshop Schedule & Registration

For dates and times, or to register, please use the online MDAP Registration Form (EOI participants must also use use the EOI Workshop Registration Form).

Title IX
(eLearning course number: oeo021)

About the Program

Often when individuals hear "Title IX," gender equity in athletics is the first thing that comes to mind. Title IX of the Education Amendments certainly does involve ensuring gender equity in athletics, but it also works to ensure gender equity in academics and employment. Join this course to learn more about the history of Title IX, progress Title IX has made, and Title IX's presence in educational institutions today.

About the Instructor

Amy Circosta, J.D. is the director of harassment prevention & equity programs in the Office for Equal Opportunity at NC State University. Her position involves investigating and resolving complaints of unlawful discrimination and harassment at the University through both informal and formal procedures, as well as educating the campus community about unlawful harassment. Before coming to NC State, she served as ombudsman for San Diego State University. As ombudsman, she provided a confidential and independent resource for conflict resolution on campus. Ms. Circosta earned her J.D. from the University of Arizona and is licensed to practice law in California.

Workshop Schedule & Registration

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