President's Reaffirmation of Policy
NORTHERN ARIZONA UNIVERSITY
NONDISCRIMINATION, EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND AFFIRMATIVE ACTION POLICY AND COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY
Northern Arizona University (NAU) is committed to nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and affirmative
action, where appropriate, and thereby to the advancement of diversity in its working and educational
environment. NAU shall continue to act affirmatively to meet both the spirit and the letter of applicable
policies and laws and to further the valuing and respect of the diverse population it serves in Arizona.
NONDISCRIMINATION, EQUAL OPPORTUNITY, AND AFFIRMATIVE ACTION POLICY
In compliance with applicable state and federal laws and Arizona Board of Regents and Northern Arizona
University policies, NAU shall not engage in discriminatory practices or harassment in any of its
educational or employment policies, procedures, and practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex,
age, national origin, physical or mental disability, status as a Vietnam-era or special disabled veteran,
or sexual orientation. This policy of nondiscrimination applies to all personnel and student actions,
including but not limited to recruitment, selection, admission, training, promotion, compensation,
benefits, transfers, layoffs, education, tuition assistance, and social and recreational programs. NAU is
dedicated to ensuring equal access to employment and educational opportunities. Also, in conformance with
applicable law and University policy, NAU undertakes affirmative action for underrepresented minorities and
women, for persons with disabilities, and for Vietnam-era and special disabled veterans. NAU commits
itself to apply every good faith effort to achieve prompt and full utilization of minorities and women in
all segments of its workforce where deficiencies exist.
Equal employment opportunity enables individuals to be judged on the basis of relevant education/training,
skills, experience and previous performance -- not by criteria irrelevant to the performance of a job.
Affirmative action is positive action taken to identify and eliminate discrimination and to reach out to
minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, Vietnam-era veterans, and special disabled veterans to
assure equality of opportunity.
COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY
Diversity in employment and educational programs is a goal and a source of strength for NAU. While
nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and affirmative action in personnel practices and educational programs
have a basis in legal mandates, valuing diversity is a broader concept evolving from these principles.
Valuing diversity involves accepting and appreciating that individuals are different and that this
diversity is a societal and organizational advantage. NAU will continue its effort to strengthen its
organizational commitment to foster an environment in which diversity is understood and valued, and to
achieve diversity in its workforce and student body.
DELEGATION OF RESPONSIBILITY
To help ensure the success of NAU's commitment to equality of opportunity and appreciation of diversity,
responsibility is delegated throughout the NAU organization. Implicit in that responsibility is the
establishment of reporting and monitoring procedures to identify problem areas and establish goals, as
appropriate, recognize innovative and successful approaches, and track the progress of programs designed to
assure the full participation of women, members of minority groups, persons with disabilities and covered
veterans.
Ultimately, everyone at NAU bears responsibility for non-discrimination, equal opportunity, affirmative
action, and valuing diversity. It is my expectation that each employee will join with me in implementing
equal opportunity and affirmative action as it applies to his or her responsibilities, to join in the goal
of ensuring equal access to NAU educational programs and employment opportunities, and to foster respect
and acceptance for the value of diversity at NAU.
Clara M. Lovett