As members of the Virginia Tech community, we are entrusted with the responsibility of creating and protecting our culture of inclusivity, safety, and care. Our university’s core values and motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), are essential in sustaining the university’s rigorous scholarship, professional development, and commitment to a climate of respect. The Office for Equity and Accessibility (OEA) leads the charge to cultivate an educational and professional setting free from harassment, discrimination, and retaliation — one in which all employees and students can thrive and achieve their most ambitious goals.

OEA directs the university’s efforts pertaining to Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 and Section 508 compliance; affirmative action and Section 503 compliance; response to discrimination, harassment, and sexual misconduct, including Title IX reports; prohibited conduct prevention; and civil rights and conflict resolution training.

This is not work we do alone. These efforts require continuous engagement and collaboration with institutional partners. We are thankful for our campus colleagues in Student Affairs; Services for Students with Disabilities; Human Resources; Faculty Affairs; the Women’s Center; Inclusion and Diversity; Campus Planning, Infrastructure, and Facilities; Information Technology; Technology-enhanced Learning and Online Strategies; Communications and Marketing; and others. Our joint efforts shape a community of belonging for us all.

Through outreach and prompt attention to requests and reports, OEA enables Virginia Tech to maintain equitable access and service as well as mitigate risks. Accordingly, we offer the 2021-2022 annual report to illustrate the important work of our office and document trends, including those that emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic. With the exception of the affirmative action and search exemption information, which is based on the federal fiscal year of October 1, 2021, to September 30, 2022, the data in this report reflect the academic year from August 1, 2021, to July 31, 2022.

It is my hope that the annual report provides insight into our current campus climate and the opportunities for each of us to continue building the welcoming community of knowledge, discovery, and creativity that is central to our mission and collective success.

Sincerely,

Kelly Oaks
Associate Vice President
Office for Equity and Accessibility

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