Office of Affirmative Action

It is the policy of the University of Arkansas  Division of Agriculture to provide equal employment opportunities and to offer all programs to  eligible participants without regard to race, color,  sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national  origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status.

The Division of Agriculture commits itself to policies of affirmative action and diversity with respect to both employment opportunities and program participation. The Division complies with these policies not merely because of legal requirements, but because we believe that such practices are basic to human dignity.  The Division strives to create work and educational environments that are inclusive, where fairness and mutual respect are valued and differences are welcomed. 

The Office of Affirmative Action is committed to supporting the Division's efforts in complying with these policies of non-discrimination and affirmative action, so the Division meets its goals of having the most diverse workforce as possible, while also providing quality educational programs that reach all of the residents of Arkansas.  In doing such, the Office aides the Division by providing advice and developing policies and outreach programs to achieve these Division goals.   

What We Do:

The Office of Affirmative Action provides various services to faculty and staff employees for the Division of Agriculture, which includes:

• Administers the Division's affirmative action program in compliance with all federal and state regulations;
• Monitors the recruitment and hiring process, including providing consultation and information to departments and search
• committees for faculty and non-classified positions;
• Conducts thorough and impartial investigations of complaints of discrimination filed by employees, applicants, or participants of any Division program or activity;
• Provide effective training and education to Division employees related to diversity, program compliance, and preventing employment discrimination; 
• Oversees the Division's compliance efforts with ADA/Section 504 compliance regulations; and
• Serves as management liaison to governmental enforcement agencies.

Non-Discrimination Policies:

• Affirmative Action Plan
• Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Statements
• Non-Discrimination Policy
• Employee Grievance Policy and Procedure
• Cooperative Extension Service Complaint Procedures

Our Staff:

• Barbara Batiste, Civil Rights Compliance Officer
• Pat Walters, Assistant