ACOE_Self-Study

as with Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) regulations and any other nondiscrimination regulations that apply to College-related activities.

To support its efforts to support diversification, the College has developed a Diversity and Inclusion Master Plan. The plan, which was developed with broad College input, is in Appendix IV-6b . The diversity and inclusion mission of the College is “To instill and celebrate diversity, inclusion, and equity in every aspect of the College’s operations.” This mission will be accomplished through the creation of a supportive learning and working environment built on understanding, acceptance, respect, and valuing the beliefs of other cultures, religions and identities. The agreement between the State of New York and United University Professions (UUP) covers non-discrimination, grievance procedures, discipline and due process ( Appendix IV-7 ). Administrative personnel and faculty members who earn over a designated amount per year or have fiscal responsibilities must complete an online State ethics form that would identify conflicts of interest. The College is subject to state audits and is required to submit annual reports documenting the implementation of many policies and procedures, such as the provision of education/training on domestic violence and public safety. As part of its compliance activity, as well as its commitment to diversity in all its programs, the College has a faculty-student Committee on Affirmative Action and Cultural Diversity that is composed of faculty, staff, students and the Director of Personnel (ex officio). The Committee addresses issues related to the promotion of cultural diversity and equal opportunity for all of the College’s constituencies and makes recommendations in this regard. The Director of Personnel serves as the Colle ge’s affirmative action officer, and Dr. Guiherme Albieri, SUNY Optometry’s vice president for student affairs, serves as chief diversity officer. Policies governing academic freedom and the protection of intellectual property can be found in the policies of the Board of Trustees of the State University of New York ( Appendix IV-1 ). These issues are also addressed in the agreement between the faculty union (United University Professions) and State of New York ( Appendix IV-7 ). The college website includes a page devoted to copyright policy and guidelines (http://www.sunyopt.edu/library/resources/copyright_guidelines_and_resources or Appendix IV-8 ). The Library Director, who serves as the Copyright Officer, is also a resource and is available to discuss fair use of copyrighted materials. A program of electronic reserves for courses in the professional progra m using Moodle (the college’s learning management system) was recently initiated by the Library Director. Copies of articles and other copyrighted materials that are required readings are made available within the course space in Moodle and carry appropriate copyright designations. Only students enrolled in the course have access to these materials and only for the duration of the course. As a way to remind and emphasize copyright policies, signs and notes are posted in various locations (especially in the Library), and there is a “copyright resources” section on the Library website. Violations of copyright and other policies concerning

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