George Mason University
PAE-6: Diversity and Equity Coordination

George Mason University does not have a centralized diversity and equity committee because coordination of diversity initiatives and programs, across campus, is decentralized. There are multiple groups, boards and committees located in various academic and nonacademic units that perform these functions.

The Office of Equity and Diversity Services (OEDS) monitors the university's continuing commitment to equal opportunity in its employment and educational practices. The OEDS reports to the president of the university and is responsible for the implementation of all equal opportunity policies, including the disability reasonable accommodation policy and the administration of the discrimination grievance procedures. Through educational workshops, the OEDS ensures that members of the campus community understand their rights and responsibilities, specifically in regard to maintaining a learning and working environment free from illegal discrimination. It works collaboratively with other campus entities and the surrounding community to ensure physical and program access for persons with disabilities and to create, design, and disseminate programs that bring diverse people together in an encouraging and welcoming environment.

The Assistant to the President and Director of the Office of Equity and Diversity Services (AP&D) is the chief diversity coordinator at Mason. This position is a direct report to the president of the university and leads a staff of twelve full-time employees. The AP&D leads the university's efforts to ensure the educational benefits of a diverse student body and workforce. He or she helps design, review, plan, and implement programs and organizational efforts that ensure a diverse and inclusive workforce and student body; works collaboratively with all the academic and administrative units on campus and with the surrounding community; and ensures that the link between diversity and excellence is understood and integrated into the university community. Specifically, the AP&D uses his or her skills to effect change in a large, complex organizational environment in order to: -Implement new and innovative multicultural programs, diversity programs, and/or affirmative action-equal opportunity programs; -Coordinate efforts that deal with diversity and human resource case management, student diversity programs, and employee programs that implement diversity efforts; -Provide leadership within a collaborative environment and act as a skilled change agent and consensus builder; -Responsible for the investigation and resolution of student and employee complaints of discrimination and will advise administration about resolving them through investigative and other intervention techniques; and -Responsible for enforcing all federal and state requirements for affirmative action and equal opportunity.