The Office of Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Programs
The Office of Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Programs is charged with ensuring that the University meets its obligations as an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer and educational institution.
The Office is responsible for implementing and advocating University policies, procedures, and priorities and helping realize its vision of a respectful, diverse and inclusive community. To fulfill its mission, the Office carries out a number of activities and services in collaboration with University administrators, faculty, staff and students.
The Office works in close collaboration with the Division of Human Resources on issues related to equal opportunity, affirmative action and diversity for staff and applicants for employment. The Office also works in close collaboration with the Office of the Provost on issues related to increasing the diversity of Penn's faculty.
On Friday, April 19, 2024, the U.S. Department of Education published its unofficial version of the final regulations for Title IX which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex. The new regulations are effective on August 1, 2024, and also include provisions that expand protections for Penn students, trainees, faculty, and staff who are pregnant or parenting. Learn More
Accessibility
Equal opportunity and affirmative action programs for faculty and staff with disabilities.
Recruitment
Resources for recruiting and retaining a diverse faculty, staff, and student body.
The University of Pennsylvania is required to post information regarding equal employment and equal educational opportunity.
POSTERS
University of Pennsylvania Nondiscrimination Statement
The University of Pennsylvania values diversity and seeks talented students, faculty and staff with diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. The University of Pennsylvania does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected class status in the administration of its admissions, financial aid, educational or athletic programs, or other University-administered programs or in its employment practices. Questions or complaints regarding this policy should be directed to the Executive Director of the Office of Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Programs, Franklin Building, 3451 Walnut Street, Suite 421, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6106; or (215) 898-6993.
University Values
The University of Pennsylvania is a scholarly community that advances discovery and opportunity toward a better future for all. We embrace excellence, freedom of inquiry and expression, and respect. Penn’s culture is inspired by its founder, Benjamin Franklin—open-minded and curious, inventive and practical, exhibiting brilliance across fields, imperfect but self-improving, and relentlessly focused on enhancing social good. These values are enduring and inspire us to be a positive force for the world, while remaining anchored and committed to our Philadelphia home.
Associate Vice President for Equity and Title IX Officer
The Office of Affirmative Action works in partnership with a number of other campus resource offices to support Penn's aims of becoming a more diverse community. Some of the activities and services provided include:
-
Overseeing the implementation of the University’s affirmative action programs and equal opportunity policies and programs and advising members of the University community regarding Penn’s policies and programs that support its commitment to inclusion.
-
Providing training, education, and information on issues related to equal opportunity, affirmative action and diversity to support Penn's commitment to an inclusive and supportive learning and working environment;
-
Ensuring that the campus is accessible to people with disabilities, including consulting with faculty, staff, students, and visitors to the campus who have questions or need information about Penn’s policies or its provision of reasonable accommodations, including authorizing use of the Penn Accessible Transit for faculty and staff;
-
Assisting in the resolution of allegations of discrimination or harassment by investigating complaints, providing technical assistance and support to other resource offices and departments as well as advising members of the community who have questions regarding the University's policies or procedures related to equal opportunity and affirmative action.