Affirmative Action and Diversity Resources Advisory Committee

Membership of Affirmative Action and Diversity Resources Committe

AADRAC Bylaws approved:  October 2007

I.     Mission

The Affirmative Action and Diversity Resources Advisory Committee shall be charged with advising the Office of Affirmative Action and Diversity Resources. The committee has been established to assist with initiatives, programming and policy development that facilitate the inclusion of the existing and increasing diversity of NIU's workforce and educational environment.

The committee shall also advise on and develop strategic programming that directly impacts current issues and actions needed in an effort to establish a welcoming climate for all people and cultures. 

II.     Role and Duties

A.    The committee shall advise the Assistant Vice President of Human Resource Administration and Affirmative Action Officer (AVP/AAO) on issues pertaining to the diverse faculty, staff and student populations of NIU in relation to the administration of the Affirmative Action and Diversity Resources program.

B.     The Advisory Committee shall adhere to making recommendations to the AVP/AAO on current campus/regional events, studies, reports, and future implications of changes affecting the faculty, staff and student populations.

C.    The Advisory Committee may initiate seminars, dialogues and hold open forums designed to enhance and reflect the diversity at NIU. 

D.    The Advisory Committee will communicate and make recommendations about any and all issues arising from identified constituent groups, commissions, and other partnering committees in an effort to provide information that encourages coordinated unified action.

A.   The Advisory Committee shall elect a chair, vice-chair and secretary for the coming year at its last regularly scheduled meeting in the spring semester. Non-student members shall be selected to serve a 2 year term. Student members will serve one year terms and will be eligible for reappointment. Additionally, the committee may reappoint the standing elected officers for the coming year.

B.     The Advisory Committee executive officers will meet with the AVP/AAO upon request by either party. 

C.    The Advisory Committee will meet once a month, during the term of the normal academic year in accordance with a schedule prepared by the executive officers in consultation with the AVP/AAO. Special meetings may be called at the discretion of the AVP/AAO.

D.    Advisory Committee members will be expected to attend regularly scheduled meetings or notify the Chair, Vice Chair and/or Secretary of their absence in advance of the meeting date. Committee members may send an alternate representative in their place.

E.     The Advisory Committee may recommend dismissal of a member if two or more absences occur without representation. In this situation, the Chair will request (of the group represented) that another delegate be appointed. The action to replace a representative will be the responsibility of the represented constituency.

F.     When a vote is necessary, a majority of members must be present.

G.    The committee shall review a draft copy of the minutes prepared by the recording secretary and assist in the final drafting of the minutes. Approval of minutes will begin each meeting.

H.   Meeting agenda will be created by the executive committee in consultation with the AVP/AAO.  Agenda items will also be solicited from committee members.

IV.      Membership

A.   The Advisory Committee shall be composed of no fewer than nineteen (19) members, selected each academic year from all major constituencies of the university as outlined in item IV, D, and shall include faculty, staff, and students. In keeping with the University Bylaws, Article 16, Section 16.71, the committee shall include appropriate women and minority representation.

B.     Each represented constituency shall establish a procedure for selecting its AADRAC representative.

C.    It shall be the responsibility of each committee member to share committee information with the constituencies they represent.

D.    AADRAC membership shall include the following:

1.      The President or his/her representative

2.      One Representative from Affirmative Action and Diversity Resources

3.      One representative from the Presidential Commission on the Status of Women

4.      One representative from the Presidential Commission on the Status of Minorities

5.      One representative from the Presidential Commission on Persons with Disabilities

6.      One representative from the Presidential Commission on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity

7.      One representative from the Women’s Resource Center

8.      One representative from the Center for Black Studies

9.      One representative from the Latino Resource Center

10.    One representative from the Asian American Center

11.    One representative from the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Resource Center

12.    One representative from the Disability Resource Center

13.    One representative from the International Student and Faculty Office

14.    One representative from the Unity in Diversity Steering Committee

15.    One representative from the Committee on the Undergraduate Academic Environment

16.    The Faculty and SPS Personnel Advisor

17.    The Ombudsperson

18.    The Graduate School Director of Recruitment and Student Support Services

19.    The Student Association Director of Cultural Affairs

20.    One representative from the Supportive Professional Staff

21.    One representative from the Operating Staff

Affirmative Action and Diversity Resources Committee

The AADRC meets monthly from 3 to 4:30 p.m. in the HSC Douglas Room.
2012-13 dates are: September 27, October 25, November 29, January 31, February 28, March 28, April 25, May 30

*      chair
**    vice chair
***  secretary