Equity Advocates (EAs) are volunteers (faculty & staff) who support the University’s inclusive efforts by providing education and support regarding equal opportunity and cultural diversity. Serving as an EA requires successful completion of educational programming (e.g. workshop and online employment module) through the University’s Office of Inclusive Excellence.
Purpose of EAs: To ensure that a fair and equitable search is conducted.
Responsibilities include:
- Provides education on how to create an environment that allows for differences to be discussed in a healthy manner.
- Provides information that helps to reduce bias in thinking, decision making, and behaviour.
- Supports and monitors the activities of the committee to help ensure that preconceived notions and stereotypical biases do not appear in any step of a given process.
- Ensures that no decision is based upon gender, religion, creed, race, age, physical disability, or any other protected class.
- Ensures that any and all personal concerns by any committee member regarding personal biases and prejudices are addressed properly.
- Ensures that all university policies and procedures regarding diversity and inclusion are upheld each step of the process.
- Ensures that all search committee members complete the required education module prior to reviewing any applications.
- Ensures that managerial and faculty final candidates meet with either the Chief Inclusive Excellence Officer and/or Employee Affinity Group representatives.
What happens when an issue comes up with a committee’s process? Any concerns of inequality or bias are first addressed at the committee level. If the concerns are not resolved within the committee, EAs should consult with the Chief Inclusive Excellence Officer @ inclusive_excellence@lynchburg.edu.
Requesting An Equity Advocate
- All searches whereby the position requires the supervision of permanent employees and all faculty positions must have an equity advocate.
- Equity Advocates must be assigned through the Office of Inclusive Excellence by the Chief Inclusive Excellence Officer @ inclusive_excellence@lynchburg.edu
- Contact the Chief Inclusive Excellence Officer prior to the first search committee meeting and/or with any questions pertaining to EAs
Expansion of Equity Advocate Education
EA educational programming is currently available to all full-time employees, regardless of their intent to serve as an EA.
Additional Information:
434.544.8540
inclusive_excellence@lynchburg.edu
