Our Mission

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign has long been committed to the principle of equality and opportunity for all students, faculty and staff. The Office of Equal Opportunity and Access (OEOA), which reports directly to the Office of the Chancellor, provides leadership in promoting and fostering an inclusive environment on campus. OEOA's duties include: responsibility for all facets of the University's Affirmative Action policies and procedures, ensuring campus-wide compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, and handling complaints of alleged discrimination filed with Federal and State civil rights agencies. In addition, the Office provides training to faculty, staff, and students and promotes the University's efforts in the area of community outreach.

The University holds Federal contracts, and, as a result, is required to develop and carry out a written Affirmative Action Plan. OEOA facilitates compliance with the University's Affirmative Action Plan by designing systems to report and measure the effectiveness of various programs. The Office also has primary responsibility for promoting compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. To facilitate this responsibility, the Director of the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access has been designated by the Chancellor as the Americans with Disabilities Act Coordinator. The Office also investigates complaints of alleged discrimination on the basis of applicable Federal and State civil rights laws when a complaint has been filed with an outside agency. To carry out this important function, OEOA staff interview witnesses, gather and analyze evidence, and represent the University before Federal and State agencies that enforce discrimination laws.

In order to foster an understanding of Affirmative Action efforts and compliance with applicable civil rights laws, OEOA staff provides training to deans, directors, department heads, and managers. In addition, the Office plays a vital role in maintaining the positive relationship that exists between the local community and the University. For example, the Office co-sponsors local job fairs and training sessions to assist community members seeking employment with area employers, including the University. The Office also works closely with various community organizations to maintain the collaborative and cooperative relationship that exists between the University and the Urbana-Champaign community.

Finally, the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access serves as an informational resource for State of Illinois legislators, the University of Illinois Board of Trustees, University administrators, University faculty, staff and students, and the public.