College of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources Internal Civil Rights Compliance Review Research

 

The United States Department of Agriculture is responsible for enforcing civil rights regulations for land grant universities, and as such requires the NIFA to perform periodic reviews to ensure that all research and Extension programs and activities are implemented in compliance with civil rights regulations. The review examines nine subcomponent areas: organizational capacity, civil rights knowledge and procedures, advisory boards and committees, allocation of resources, graduate student enrollment, non-discrimination based on sex, public notification, accessibility for individuals with disabilities, and language access. The CAHNR conducts its own internal reviews as part of a proactive effort and in accordance with NIFA’s civil rights compliance guidelines to assess how research and Extension programs are doing in term of following equal opportunity policies. Our internal review process will cover the nine areas identified above.

We believe that every student, customer, and colleague should be treated with fairness, with respect, and in a non-discriminatory manner and that everyone should have equitable access to opportunities and programs. Your responses will also help us determine your understanding of our civil rights responsibilities and will help us in the development and implementation of steps we should take to address identified needs. The internal reviews will be conducted once a year and will include three steps:

  1. Research faculty and associates will individually complete this questionnaire.
  2. The Civil Rights Officer will conduct an on-site visit to the research facility (if applicable). This visit serves to validate step one, to provide feedback, and as an opportunity to answer any questions you may have regarding the compliance requirements.
  3. The Civil Rights Officer will draft a summary of the review with identified strengths, needs, and corrective measures. The report will be submitted to the Research Associate Director and Dean. (Note: The report will be presented to the NIFA review team upon request.)

If you have any questions about this process, please contact Nancy Calix at Nancy.calix@kysu.edu, 502-597-5233, or at the Cooperative Extension Building, Room 208.