UNLV President Carol C. Harter today announced two university initiatives designed to enhance current diversity and equity efforts on campus, while strengthening connections between university and community. A new Diversity Office, separate from the Department of Human Resources, will be established under the leadership of Juanita P. Fain, Vice President for Planning, Diversity and Chief of Staff. The President's Task Force on Equity and Diversity will engage key constituencies in the community and at the university, to address issues affecting access and inclusiveness for all under-represented groups.

Responsibilities for the new Diversity Office will include periodic review of institutional recruitment, hiring and retention efforts, and assessment of promotion and tenure practices to ensure that all university policies and bylaws support and reinforce equity and inclusiveness. This office will also pursue mechanisms and initiatives to assist the campus community in seeding diversity-related research, and supporting professional activities relevant to minority issues and concerns. A national search will be conducted for an Associate Vice President to oversee and manage the activities of this office.

The President's Task Force on Equity and Diversity will bring university and community together to address issues related to the cultivation of a civil, inclusive campus environment. The committee will be co-chaired by a community member and a university faculty member.

As a leading institution of higher education, UNLV is home to a rich diversity among its faculty, staff and students, and is committed to maintaining a campus environment which values that diversity.

"We believe that these initiatives will further enhance and raise the profile of UNLV's work in the areas of diversity and equity," said Dr. Fain, who will oversee these efforts. "Our aim is to ensure that the values of a just and inclusive campus environment continue to permeate every level of the institution, and that UNLV will serve as a model and resource for diversity studies and issues for all of Southern Nevada."