Introduction
The 2024-2029 Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Plan (Plan) affirms the continued commitment of the Northwood Technical College (College) to actively implement all appropriate federal and state equal opportunity and affirmative action laws, executive orders, plans, rules, and regulations. This Plan was developed in accordance with the guidelines as established by the Wisconsin Technical College System Board. Most importantly, the strategies in this plan support the College’s efforts to foster a welcoming and inclusive climate and culture.
Northwood Tech is committed to Equal Opportunity for all its employees and students in all programs and educational activities including, but not limited to outreach, recruitment, certification, selection, transfer, referrals, promotions, testing, placement, training, compensation, support services, benefits, layoffs, terminations, and committee appointments. Discrimination against persons because of their sex, sexual preference, race, religion, color, national origin or ancestry, age, disability, political affiliation or beliefs, arrest or conviction records or refusal to consent to sexual harassment is strictly prohibited.
To achieve equal employment and educational opportunities, the College recognizes the need to take appropriate Affirmative Action steps, when necessary, with respect to persons of color, women, the disabled and other protected groups, by setting policies and procedures to obtain equality. Northwood Tech will continue to provide all reasonable accommodations as requested and required. The overarching goal is to foster a culture of support and respect.
While the responsibility for overall development and implementation of the College’s Affirmative Action program rests with the President, all faculty and staff are responsible for the application of affirmative action and equal opportunity policies. This includes initiating and supporting programs and practices designed to develop understanding, acceptance, commitment, and compliance within the framework of this Plan.
Northwood Tech looks forward to the positive outcomes that will result from the provisions of this Plan which reflect the convictions and values of the College.
John Will, Ed.D. President
2024-2029 Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Goals
Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS) has established the following Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Goals for the period beginning July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2029:
1. Balance individual occupational program enrollment percentages for students by race, sex, and disability percentages in the general population.
2. Assure non-discrimination in career planning, counseling, and placement services for students.
• Analyze and report demographic, program enrollment and completion, and job referral and placement data for minorities, women and disabled students and take steps to assure nondiscrimination in referral and placement services.
3. Analyze and address employment of faculty and staff within each district in the Wisconsin Technical College System to match availability percentages for race, sex, and disability categories in the working population.
• Implement a plan for recruiting and hiring minorities, women, and disabled faculty and staff in all employment categories where there is under representation.
4. Create an educational and work environment that reflects, appreciates, and celebrates the diverse society and community in which we live, and one that creates a climate for the success of every person by appreciating the uniqueness that they bring to the technical college district.
• Implement faculty and staff in-service programs, professional development activities, mentoring and student orientation programs to promote cultural, sex and disability awareness and sensitivity.
• Integrate the history, culture, accomplishments and contributions of minorities, women, and people with disabilities into curricula at each WTCS district.
• Ensure that cultural competency is practiced at every campus.
Section I: Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Policy Statement
Northwood Technical College Administrative Policy G-112 & J-120 – NonDiscrimination/Non-Harassment Compliance (approved 8/16/2023)
Northwood Technical College (Northwood Tech or the College) does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, service in the uniformed services, veteran status, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, marital or family status, pregnancy, pregnancyrelated conditions or status in any group protected by federal, state or local law in employment, admissions or its programs, services or activities in compliance with Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VI, VII), Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX) and Section 504 and Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Title II of The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended (Section 504/Title II) and The Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act of 2008 (Amendments Act), Clery Act, as amended, Sexual Violence Elimination Act (SaVE Act) as authorized by Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act, and the Higher Education Act of 1965, § 485(f) (20 U.S.C. § 1092(f)).
Equal Opportunity Employment includes, but is not limited to, the following areas: recruitment, selection, hiring, training, promotion, transfer, layoff, retention, return from layoff, compensation and fringe benefits, terminations, certification, testing and committee/team appointments.
The Policy of Non-Discrimination/Non-Harassment Compliance is a key to the overall commitment of the College to equal employment and equal educational opportunity and directs the College in making decisions relating to the College facilities, employment of personnel, selection of educational materials, equipment, curriculum, and regulations affecting students and placement of qualified minorities at all levels of employment when deficiencies exist through affirmative action and providing reasonable accommodations for students and employees with disabilities.
The Associate Vice President, Talent & Culture, 1900 College Drive, Rice Lake WI 54868, 715.645.7042, amanda.gohde@NorthwoodTech.edu has been designated to oversee compliance with federal and state statutory and regulatory requirements related to equal employment and equal educational opportunities including Title IX, Title VI, Title VII, Section 504,Section 508, Title II, Clery Act, as amended, Sexual Violence Elimination Act (SaVE Act) as authorized by Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act, the guidance supplied by Department of Education, Office of Civil Rights and to handle inquiries, investigations and resolve complaints regarding the College’s equal opportunity and non-discrimination/nonharassment policies for students, employees and student/employee applicants: Employees and students may also report complaints to law enforcement as appropriate.
To ensure compliance with the intent of state laws and regulations and the guidance supplied by the Office of Civil Rights, procedures for resolving complaints/grievances have been adopted by the College.
Complaints of alleged acts of unlawful discrimination and/or unlawful harassment which are in violation of the non-discrimination/non-harassment policy under which the College operates shall be filed directly with the Associate Vice President, Talent & Culture, who has been designated the Equal Opportunity/
Affirmative Action Officer and Title IX Coordinator for the College. All complaints or reports of alleged acts or charges will be handled under the developed procedures that will include, but are not limited to, taking immediate action to eliminate the acts or actions in violation of the Policy, preventing its recurrence, addressing its effects, publishing a notice of nondiscrimination, adopting and publishing complaint procedures and ensuring College employees are trained to respond to issues/complaints promptly and equitably.
Individuals who engage in unlawful discriminatory and/or unlawful harassment practices are subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment or expulsion. For more information on types of unlawful discrimination/harassment/sexual harassment/sexual misconduct/sexual violence examples, rights and responsibilities, and the complaint/grievance procedures, please contact the College's Associate Vice President/Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Officer and Title IX Coordinator, Amanda Gohde at amanda.gohde@NorthwoodTech.edu.
Northwood Technical College Administrative Policy G-113 & J-121 – Unlawful Discrimination/Harassment/Sexual Harassment/Sexual Misconduct/Sexual Violence Complaints (approved 8/16/2023)
Northwood Technical College (Northwood Tech) (College) prohibits and will not tolerate unlawful discrimination, harassment or sexual harassment/sexual misconduct/sexual violence including domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, and/or unwelcome conduct determined to deny a person equal access to the College’s educational programs or activities by or against any student, employee, student/employee applicant, vendor/customer, anyone associated with Northwood Tech or other members of the public.
To Make a Claim of Unlawful Discrimination, Harassment, or Sexual Harassment/Sexual Misconduct/Sexual Violence/Unwelcome Conduct:
Any student, employee, or student/employee applicant who believes that they have been unlawfully discriminated against or harassed or sexually harassed or a victim of sexual misconduct/sexual violence including domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, and/or unwelcome conduct determined to deny a person equal access to the College’s educational programs or activities in violation of College policy is urged to report the incident to the Associate Vice President, Talent & Culture 1900 College Drive, Rice Lake WI 54868, 715.645.7042, amanda.gohde@NorthwoodTech.edu. Employees and students may also report complaints to any member of the College Leadership Team or to law enforcement as appropriate. If any member of the College Leadership Team is alleged to have engaged in unlawful discrimination/harassment/retaliation, the complaint must be filed directly with the President. If the President is alleged to have engaged in unlawful discrimination/harassment/retaliation, the complaint must be filed directly with the Board Chair.
The Associate Vice President, Talent & Culture 1900 College Drive, Rice Lake WI 54868, 715.645.7042, amanda.gohde@NorthwoodTech.edu has been designated to oversee compliance with federal and state statutory and regulatory requirements related to equal employment and equal educational opportunities including Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972, as amended, Section 504 and Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title II of The Americans with Disabilities Act of
1990, as amended, and The Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act of 2008, Clery Act, as amended, Sexual Violence Elimination Act (SaVE Act) as authorized by Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act, Higher Education Act of 1965, §485(f) (20 U.S.C. § 1092(f)) and the guidance supplied by Department of Education, Office of Civil Rights and to handle inquiries, investigations and resolve complaints regarding the College’s equal opportunity and non-discrimination/non-harassment policies for students, employees and student/employee applicants. Employees and students may also report complaints to any member of the College Leadership Team or to law enforcement as appropriate. If any member of the College Leadership Team is alleged to have engaged in unlawful discrimination/harassment/retaliation, the complaint must be filed directly with the President. If the President is alleged to have engaged in unlawful discrimination/harassment/retaliation, the complaint must be filed directly with the Board Chair. All allegations/complaints will be investigated promptly according to College procedures and both the complainant and accused will be afforded equitable rights during the investigative process.
All complaints or reports of alleged acts or charges of unlawful discrimination/harassment/sexual harassment/sexual misconduct/sexual violence including domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, and/or similar unwelcome conduct determined to deny a person equal access to the College’s educational programs or activities reported to the College will be handled in compliance with applicable law and under developed procedures that include, but may not be limited to, taking immediate action to eliminate the unlawful action, preventing its recurrence, addressing its effects, publishing a notice of non-discrimination/nonharassment/non-retaliation, adopting and publishing complaint procedures and ensuring College employees are trained to respond to issues/complaints promptly and equitably. Prompt and remedial action will be taken, if necessary, to ensure appropriate behavior in the academic/work environment.
Conduct or actions that arise out of a personal or social relationship that are not intended to have an unlawful discriminatory effect may or may not be viewed as a violation of this policy. Northwood Tech will determine whether such conduct constitutes a violation of this policy based on a review of the facts and circumstances of each situation.
For more information on types of unlawful discrimination/harassment/sexual harassment/sexual misconduct/sexual violence examples, rights, responsibilities, and the complaint procedure, please contact the College's Associate Vice President, Talent & Culture/Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Officer and Title IX Coordinator. The applicable Administrative Procedures are G-113A, G-113B, J-121A, & J-220A.
Northwood Technical College Administrative Policy J-134/G-134 – Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (approved 11/19/2019)
Northwood Technical College (College) is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion. College employees are its most valuable asset, and the collective sum of the individual differences, life experiences, knowledge, inventiveness, innovation, self-expression, unique capabilities, and talent that College employees possess and invest in his/her work represent our culture and achievement.
Diversity is respected and embraced at the College. Diversity includes being open to new and different ideas. It also implies respect for and appreciation of all staff, students, and members of the community. Diversity is embraced as a means of enriching relationships and enhancing collaboration.
All employees of the College have a responsibility to treat others with dignity and respect at all times. All employees are expected to exhibit conduct that reflects inclusion during work, at work functions on or off the worksite, and at all other College-sponsored and participative events.
The College seeks a level of enrollment and graduation which proportionately represents minority, persons with disabilities, and female populations in the district and the College is committed to pursuing the recruitment of minority, persons with disabilities, and female employees and providing opportunities for all employees to become more knowledgeable about diversity, equity, and inclusion in ideas, programs, efforts, and populations.
Northwood Technical College Administrative Policy G-114 & J-114 – Sexual Violence
Elimination Commitment (approved 8/16/2023)
Northwood Technical College (College) is committed to providing a safe learning and working environment in compliance with federal law, specifically Title IX, Jeanne Clery Act (the Clery Act), as amended, Sexual Violence Elimination Act (SaVE Act) as authorized by Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act. In keeping with this commitment, the College has adopted policies and procedures to prevent and respond to incidents of sexual misconduct, sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, sexual harassment, and other unwelcome conduct which may deny a person equal access to the College’s education programs or activities. These policies, procedures and guidelines apply to all members of the College community, students, employees, and visitors as well as contractors and vendors.
The College will not tolerate sexual assault, sexual harassment, domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, or such similar unwelcome conduct as defined in related procedures, in any form. Such acts of violence are prohibited by College policy, as well as state and federal laws. Individuals who the College determines to have more likely than not have engaged in these types of behaviors are subject to penalties up to and including dismissal or separation from the College, regardless of whether they are also facing criminal or civil charges in a court of law.
The following position has been designated to oversee compliance with federal and state statutory and regulatory requirements related to equal employment and equal educational opportunities including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 and Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title II of The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended, and The Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act of 2008, Clery Act, as amended, Sexual Violence Elimination Act (SaVE Act) as authorized by Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act, Higher Education Act of 1965, §485(f) (20 U.S.C. 1092 (f)) and the guidance supplied by Department of Education, Office of Civil Rights and to handle inquiries, investigations and resolve complaints regarding the College’s equal opportunity and nondiscrimination/non-harassment policies for students, employees and student/employee applicants: Amanda Gohde, Associate Vice President, Talent & Culture, 1900 College Drive, Rice Lake WI 54868, 715.645.7042, amanda.gohde@NorthwoodTech.edu
Additional Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Policy Statements
• Affirmative Action is required for women, racial/ethnic minorities, and persons with disabilities throughout the district in educational programs and job categories. The purpose of the statement is to identify areas of concern and to balance the work force.
• Managers and staff share Affirmative Action program responsibility. Their performance systems or standards will include an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action component.
• The College will provide reasonable accommodations to employees for religious observances and practices.
• The district will certify that vendors and suppliers of services do not discriminate, and that the policy of the district will be to encourage purchase of services and/or products from women, minority, and disabled business owners.
Section II: Distribution of Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Information
Efforts are made to communicate affirmative action and equal opportunity information as follows:
1. The 2024-2029 Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Plan (Plan) will be reviewed and approved by the College Leadership Team and Board.
2. Annual updates will be reviewed by the College Leadership Team and Board.
3. Electronic copies of the Plan and Annual Updates will be distributed to all staff at all campus locations immediately after Board approval via email communication and a post to the intranet.
4. Electronic copies of the Plan and Annual Updates will be provided to the Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS) office and other technical college system affirmative action officers, when requested.
5. New employees will receive the Plan as part of the new employee orientation process. This will allow new staff the opportunity to learn Northwood Tech’s Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Policy and grievance procedure and to further understand the College’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
6. The Student Handbook, College Catalog, and other publications intended for students will include the grievance procedure.
7. All recruitment materials, brochures, applications, and admission forms, and other College forms, will include Equal Opportunity Employer/Educator Statement. Notification of intent to accommodate disabilities in the employment process and the relay service information will be included in all recruitment materials.
8. Public notice of non-discrimination will be published annually in official district newspapers at the beginning of the fall semester. The annual notice will be published in three languages to represent our district population.
9. Special articles of achievements in equal opportunity or affirmative action will be published in College or student publications/College website.
10. All staff will receive training regarding the affirmative action/equal opportunity policy, the College’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, and grievance procedure.
Section III: Workforce Demographics and Goals
Northwood Technical College is required to analyze its workforce, at minimum, by sex, disability, and race. For detailed workforce demographic data by employment category, see Appendix A. For definitions of employment categories, see Appendix B.
Workforce Demographics
Definitions
1 = Full-Time Staff Count or Employee Count
2 = District 16-64 Work Force Value from 5-Year ACS
3 = (Staff Count or Employee Count Percent - District Work Force Percent)
4 = (Staff Count or Employee Count Percent / District Work Force Percent)
5 = (Total District Employees * Female Percent of District Work Force - Female Count of District Employees)
6 = (Total District Employees * Race/Ethnic Percent of District Work Force - Race/Ethnic Count of District Employees)
Data Source
WTCS Affirmative Action Compliance Report, Fiscal Year 2021-2022 (as of 7/20/2022)
Workforce Goals
Attract, recruit, hire, onboard, train and retain a diverse staff that mirrors student and county populations of the region
Section IV: Employment Program Affirmative Action Initiatives
Northwood Technical College will develop employment programs that will assist in accomplishing Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity goals and fostering a climate and culture of support and respect.
Employment Program 1: Recruitment
• Implement targeted recruitment plans based on race, sex, and disability for the district and train recruitment teams and supervisors on the importance of affirmative action goals when screening and selecting candidates.
o Evaluation
▪ Number and percent of job applicants disaggregated by race, sex, and disability, overall and by employment category
▪ Number and percent of new hires disaggregated by race, sex, and disability, overall and by employment category
Employment Program 2: Retention
• Develop employee onboarding and retention programs that foster a climate and culture of support and respect
o Evaluation
▪ Employee retention rate disaggregated by race, sex, and disability, overall and by employment category
▪ Qualitative data
Employment Program 3: Programs and Services
• Implement programs and services that promote a positive multi-cultural climate on campus by integrating history, culture, accomplishments, and contributions of minorities, women, and people with disabilities into staff programs at the district.
o Evaluation
▪ Qualitative data
Section V: Student Demographics and Initiatives
Northwood Technical College will analyze student demographics and develop student initiatives that will assist in accomplishing Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity goals and fostering a climate and culture of support and respect.
Student Demographics
Data Source WTCS Affirmative Action Data, Fiscal Year 2021-2022
Student Goals
Improve access and outcomes for all learners, especially populations with demonstrated gaps in student success
Student Program Affirmative Action Initiatives
Student Program 1: Enrollment
• Maintain student enrollment that is representative of the district population.
• Increase program and dual credit enrollment of English learners to reflect the district population.
Student Program 2: Student Success
• Offer holistic support for all students.
• Improve access and outcomes for traditionally underserved and disadvantaged students and students with special population status; including, but not limited to, students with disabilities, minorities, women, English learners, and economically disadvantaged individuals.
• Engage students in sharing their varying challenges, needs, and priorities with faculty, staff, and College leadership.
Student Program 3: Student Counseling and Placement
• Identify and respond to unique and/or undiscovered student access and success barriers
• Maintain support for veteran and military-connected students
• Provide professional learning opportunities for students that promote a positive multicultural climate on campus.
Section VI: Annual Updates
To maintain consistent progress in achieving the goals established in this Plan, Northwood Tech will report annually to the WTCS Office:
• Updates and/or revisions to the district’s policy statement from Section I.
• A report of EEO/AA information distribution activities outlined in Section II.
• An evaluation of changes to workforce demographics in Section III.
• An annual progress report on each affirmative action initiative in Section IV, including the results of each program created in the initial Plan to address underutilized employment demographics, which is cumulative for the report year.
• An annual progress report on each of the equal opportunity initiatives related to students identified in Section V, including the results of each program created in the initial Plan to address student enrollment and completion gaps, which is cumulative for the report year.
• Any award or citations of permit for programs and a description of the program suitable for sharing with other districts.