Fostering an Environment of Well-Being for All

While the Office of Equal Opportunity, Compliance, and Conflict Management (EOCCM) is new at Georgia Tech, its mission — to foster an equitable and respectful working and learning environment where everyone’s contribution is recognized and valued — is not. 

Since its January launch under the direction of Shantay N. Bolton, executive vice president for Administration and Finance (A&F), EOCCM has been actively working to align policies, procedures, services, and personnel under the new centralized unit. The goal is to support the institutional commitment to serve all Georgia Tech students, faculty, and staff by providing expertise, services, and outreach to help ensure equity, uphold compliance with applicable civil rights laws and regulations, and proactively manage conflicts within the Institute.  

“The office's work ultimately supports the well-being of our people — the cornerstone of a thriving organization and a foundational priority of the Institute’s strategic plan,” said Bolton. “The alignment into the A&F portfolio will enable the team to leverage our unique enterprise-wide reach and commitment to empowering collaboration across the Institute to help ensure that the principles of fairness, equality, and respect are integrated into the broader organizational culture.” 

Currently, EOCCM comprises the following responsibilities and functional areas:  

Upholding Equal Opportunity and Fair Employment Practices 

EOCCM is committed to promoting equal opportunities for all individuals, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, or other protected characteristics. The office ensures workplace compliance with Affirmative Action and provides accommodations, including those related to the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), religious practices, and pregnancy, for Georgia Tech employees. 

Compliance With Civil Rights Laws, the ADA, and the Jeanne Clery Act 

EOCCM is dedicated to staying informed of evolving laws and regulations, ensuring that the organization not only meets but exceeds the standards for compliance with applicable laws and regulations, which include but are not limited to Title VI, Title VII, Title IX, the ADA, and the Jeanne Clery Act. 

Conflict Management and Resolution 

In managing conflicts, EOCCM will establish an Office of the Ombuds, where all faculty, staff, and students will be welcome to talk in confidence about any campus issue, problem, or dispute. The Office of the Ombuds will supplement, but not replace, the Institute’s formal channels, such as Employee Relations, the Office of Ethics and Compliance, and the Office of the Provost’s Advocacy and Conflict Resolution. The goal will be to offer an independent, impartial, informal, and confidential environment to help the Georgia Tech community navigate challenging situations. In addition, EOCCM will also manage the Impartial Board of Review process, which is available to employees who have experienced an adverse action such as a demotion, suspension, or termination.   

“EOCCM works to protect every community member’s sense of belonging,” said Jarmon DeSadier, vice president for the Office of Equal Opportunity, Compliance, and Conflict Management. “We hope that the greater the sense of belonging, the more they feel they have a seat at the table, which can lead to increased engagement and a more productive environment where people can contribute their best.” 

Over the next several months, EOCCM will continue to put its staffing in place to ensure the office can support all students, faculty, and staff. In addition, EOCCM will continue to evaluate, update, and create policies and procedures that promote the well-being of all members of the Georgia Tech community.  

Learn more about the EOCCM at eoc.gatech.edu.