ACOE_Self-Study

The operation of SUNY College of Optometry, as is the case for all other campuses of the University, is informed by a College Council whose function is described in New York State education law section 356 ( Appendix IV-4 ). In accordance with this statute and the policies of the SUNY Board of Trustees, the Council advises the President on the operations and affairs of the campus. It is constituted of 10 individuals, nine of whom shall be appointed by the governor and one of whom shall be elected by and from among the students of the institution. This body plays a critical role in the selection of the campus president. The Council meets about four times per year with the president and other administrators/faculty members at which times the president provides a report on the status of the College and brings issues of importance for discussion. Bylaws (http://www.sunyopt.edu/pdfs/academics/FacultyHandbook_091715.pdf) or Appendix IV-5 ). These bylaws are reviewed regularly and updated as needed. 4.1.1 The program adheres to written policies, including, but not limited to, conflict of interest, due process, disclosure, non-discrimination, confidentiality of records and fiscal accountability. Pursuant to State University of New York policy, the College of Optometry is committed to fostering a diverse community of outstanding faculty, staff, and students, as well as ensuring equal educational opportunity, employment, and access to services, programs, and activities, without regard to an individual's race, color, national origin, religion, creed, age, disability, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, familial status, pregnancy, predisposing genetic characteristics, military status, domestic violence victim status, or criminal conviction. Employees, students, applicants or other members of the College community (including but not limited to vendors, visitors, and guests) may not be subjected to harassment that is prohibited by law, or treated adversely or retaliated against based upon a protected characteristic. The College’s policy is in accordance with federal and state law s and regulations prohibiting discrimination and harassment. These laws include the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 as Amended by the Equal Employment Opportunity Act of 1972, and the New York State Human Rights Law. These laws prohibit discrimination and harassment, including sexual harassment and sexual violence. A nondiscrimination notice is posted on the College’s website (https://www.sunyopt.edu/pdfs/hr/Non_Discrimination_Notice_03-2014_HR.pdf or Appendix IV-6a ). The College must adhere to all applicable equal employment opportunity, affirmative action and ADA requirements with regard to applicants for admission or employment, students, faculty, staff or patients. Policies for the University are promulgated by its Board of Trustees (see Appendix IV-1 for BOT policies). Additional iterations of policies relative to conflict of interest, due process, disclosure, non-discrimination, and confidentiality of records are contained in the various collective bargaining agreements. There is awareness within all components of the governance structure regarding the necessity of compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act as well The faculty governance structure is described in the Faculty

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