21  Equal Opportunity: Internal Audit and Reporting Systems

Approved by President
Effective Date: June 14, 2021
Responsible Division: President       
Responsible Office:  Institutional Equity and Compliance
Responsible Officer: Assistant to the President for Institutional Equity and Compliance

I. Purpose

Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU or University) does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, ethnic or national origin, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, age (as applicable), status as a covered veteran, or genetic information in its programs and activities involving students, employees, or other participants. It is the intent of the University to insure that all persons are treated fairly.  

This policy is established to comply with the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Program’s (OFCCP) Code of Federal Regulations (41 CFR 60-3) for Uniform Guidelines on Employee Selection Procedures. In addition, the policy complies with Policy 800 General Personnel.

II. Internal Audit and Reporting System

All administrative and supervisory personnel shall be responsible for implementing the University's equal opportunity and affirmative action program and shall be evaluated, in part, on the effectiveness of their participation in these programs and their progress toward the achievement of equal opportunity and affirmative action goals. The University will ensure fair employment practices in filling vacated and created positions.

The Assistant to the President in the Office of Institutional Equity and Compliance (IEC) shall have responsibility for:

A.  Developing auditing and reporting systems to permit monitoring of progress by all areas.

B.  Promoting compliance with the equal opportunity and affirmative action programs.

C.  Monitoring records of referrals, appointments, transfers, promotions, and terminations at all levels.      

D.  Providing affirmative action progress reports to University and external agencies. Deficiencies in meeting goals shall be reported to the President and other supervisory personnel.          

E.  Communicating regularly with supervisory personnel on matters of equal opportunity and affirmative action.

III. Selected Audit and Reporting Procedures Regarding Employment

A.  Personnel Transactions. The President shall follow University policies and affirmative action plans when making appointments to all positions at the University, and those appointments requiring approval of the Board of Trustees (Board) will be reviewed in light of these expectations. All appointments, regardless of salary, including promotions and transfers, shall be reviewed and certified by IEC, prior to action.

B.  Appointments Requiring Approval by the Board.

1.  All Vice Presidents or other executives reporting directly to the President (academic, business, student affairs, etc.) including all interim appointments.

2.  Chairs of Excellence, including interim appointments.