Commitment to Inclusion and Equity and Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Policy

As adopted by the Board of Trustees, Grand Valley State University is committed to inclusion and equity, and strives to establish a climate that welcomes and affirms the contributions of all students and employees. The University is guided by values for inclusiveness and community which are integral to our mission to empower learners in their pursuits, professions, and purpose, and to enrich the community through excellent teaching, active scholarship, and public service. The University strives to provide all members of its community an inclusive environment and equitable opportunities for success.

The University is also committed to maintaining a climate conducive to an educational, living, and employment environment that is free from unlawful acts of harassment and discrimination, as well as those defined by this policy. All members of the community are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that does not infringe upon the rights of others. It is neither the purpose nor intent of this policy to infringe on the First Amendment or academic freedom as defined by the University.

The University is an affirmative action, equal opportunity institution, consistent with its obligations as a federal contractor. It encourages diversity and provides equal opportunity in education, employment, all of its programs, and the use of its facilities. It is committed to protecting the constitutional and statutory civil rights of persons connected with the University.

Members of the University community, including students, employees, faculty, staff, administrators, Board members, consultants, vendors, others engaged to do business with the University, candidates for employment or admissions, and visitors or guests have the right to be free from acts of harassment and discrimination, including sexual misconduct, as defined by this policy. In accordance with applicable federal and state law and this policy, acts of discrimination or harassment by members of the campus community are prohibited if they discriminate or harass on the basis of age, color, disability, familial status, height, marital status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex/gender (including gender identity and expression), sexual orientation, veteran or active duty military status or weight. This includes inappropriate limitation of, access to, or participation in educational, employment, athletic, social, cultural, or other university programs and activities. The University will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Limitations are lawful if they are: directly related to a legitimate university purpose, required by law, or lawfully required by a grant or contract between the university and the state or federal government. For the purposes of this policy, sex-/gender-based harassment includes sexual misconduct, sexual assault, interpersonal or relationship violence, and stalking.

 See www.gvsu.edu/affirmative. [Include the following for job advertisements:] TDD Callers: Call Michigan Relay Center at 711 (in State) or 1-800-833-7833 (out of State).

Grand Valley State University is guided by values for inclusiveness and community which are integral to our mission to educate students to shape their lives, their professions, and their societies, and to enrich the community through excellent teaching, active scholarship, and public service. The University is an affirmative action, equal opportunity institution. It encourages diversity and provides equal opportunity in education, employment, all of its programs, and the use of its facilities. Members of the University community, including candidates for employment or admissions, and visitors or guests have the right to be free from acts of harassment and discrimination, including sexual misconduct, which are prohibited if they discriminate or harass on the basis of age, color, disability, familial status, height, marital status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex/gender (including gender identity and expression), sexual orientation, veteran or active duty military status or weight. The University will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities.

See www.gvsu.edu/affirmative/. [Include the following for job advertisements:] TDD Callers: Call Michigan Relay Center at 711 (in State) or 1-800-833-7833 (out of State).

Grand Valley State University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer, which includes providing equal opportunity for racial and ethnic minorities, women, protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. University policy extends protections to additional identities.

See www.gvsu.edu/affirmative/. [Include the following for job advertisements:] TDD Callers: Call Michigan Relay Center at 711 (in State) or 1-800-833-7833 (out of State).

Grand Valley State University is an EOE which includes protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

See http://www.gvsu.edu/affirmative/. [Optionally, include the following for job advertisements:] TDD Callers: Call Michigan Relay Center at 711 (in State) or 1-800-833-7833 (out of State).

Recommended for inclusion in job advertisements:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  Must have the physical stamina to work long hours and/or more than 5 days per week.  The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act as amended by the ADA Amendment Act (2008), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and other applicable federal and state laws that prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability. GVSU will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.

Proactive language can be included as a specific job qualification or as a summary statement at the end of job announcements. Such proactive language conveys a level of commitment beyond that required by regulation and tells potential applicants that the University values diversity, inclusion, and equity. Examples of specific job qualifications and summary statements include the following:

• Experience in or demonstrated understanding of Grand Valley State University's values for inclusiveness and community.
• Candidates should describe how inclusion, equity, social justice and diversity issues have been or will be brought into courses.
• Candidates should describe previous activities mentoring members of underrepresented groups.
• Women, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply.
• Candidates from diverse backgrounds and with diverse experiences, particularly related to social justice education and/or initiatives, are encouraged to apply.
• Experience in or demonstrated understanding of social justice education and/or initiatives, and/or inclusion, diversity, and/or intercultural training.
• Understanding of the Grand Valley State University's strategic goal for inclusion and equity, and the university’s Framework for Inclusion and Equity.
• Experience working with and understanding of underrepresented and diverse populations.
• Successful candidates must be committed to working with diverse student and community populations.
• The University is responsive to the needs of dual career couples.
• The University is committed to advancing inclusion and equity and creating a health campus climate that encourages diversity. Applicants are requested to include in their cover letter information about how they will further this goal.
• The University is especially interested in candidates who can contribute to the diversity and excellence of the academic community through their research, teaching and/or service.
• Candidates must be able to successfully meet the following GVSU Competencies: University Values, Quality of Work, Initiative, Communication, Interpersonal Effectiveness, Leadership, Intercultural Understanding and Awareness, and Customer Service. For more information on GVSU Competencies, see http://gvsu.edu/hro/epdp.