Frequently Asked Questions

The infinite number of similarities and differences, between people, which when effectively fostered and cultivated, make a company, school, or business a more effective and inclusive work environment.

“A sense of belonging: feeling respected, valued for who you are; feeling a level of supportive energy and commitment from others so you can do your best work.”

-Miller, Frederick A. and Katz, Judith H. 2002

Bias is a strict belief or assumption made about a person or a group of people based on one’s beliefs about the group to which the person belongs.

No. Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) is employment practices that ensure nondiscrimination, fairness, and equity in the workplace. Affirmative Action (AA) is a legally driven mandate that government contractors take positive steps to ensure the recruitment and advancement of qualified minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and covered veterans, as in education and employment.

Yes. The statement can be found at Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Statement.

An affirmative action goal provides a target to strive for and to measure the success of your recruitment efforts. A quota indicates that the result is pre-determined and inflexible. The University does not set quotas. Rather, the University sets affirmative action recruitment standards with the expectation that hiring managers/committees conduct inclusive recruitment when there is a job opening. It is the University's policy to select the best qualified person for the job and to document recruitment/selection efforts.

Diversity is everyone’s responsibilities! If we work with people from different backgrounds, experiences, and working styles, we learn and acquire an alternative outlook that may aid us in making a well-rounded decision in our own lives. Diversity at FGCU enables working and learning with people from a variety of experiences that encourages collaboration and fosters innovation, thus benefitting all. Research has revealed that “overall academic and social effects of increased diversity on campus are likely to be positive, ranging from higher levels of educational achievement to the improvement of near- and long-term intergroup relations.” -Center for American Progress 2012.

You can make a positive impact by building collaborative and mutually beneficial working and academic relationships with people of different backgrounds, and refer diverse students and employees to support the goal of enhancing our diversity on campus. You can support others to increase their awareness and acceptance of cultural differences, and establish a common understanding of cultural variances, through diversity training provided by the Office of Institutional Equity and Compliance. The intent is to understand and remove barriers due to our differences, and to leverage the benefits our diversity has to offer.

The certificate program is a free campus-wide program available to all students, staff, and faculty that aims to promote education on topics related to diversity and inclusion. For more information please visit Diversity and Inclusion Certificate.

You may file a complaint with the Office of Institutional Equity and Compliance by utilizing one of the following options:

1. Phone at 239-745-4366
2. E-mail at oiec@fgcu.edu
3. Online (anonymous option available)