In an attempt to improve the quality of professors Notre Dame has to offer, the University has created a new administrative branch called the Office of Institutional Equity. The organization will play an integral role in the hiring and firing of University teaching and staff positions. Also, it will be involved in sexual harassment issues, and deal with affirmative action responsibilities within the faculty.

Rhonda Brown has been appointed to head the office. For eight years, she has been an administrator at the College of Holy Cross in Massachusetts, and she dealt with affirmative action issues within the college. Two years ago, Brown was contacted by Notre Dame and asked to head a similar program at the University.

This October, she began her work in the Office of Institutional Equity and met with members of the University staff.

"I had to learn what makes this place unique," said Brown.

With these connections, she was able to focus on and gain the support of the faculty for her program.

She said diversity helps to create well-rounded students by allowing them to learn from professors who come from a broader cultural basis. Diversifying the student body is one way the administration has been working to improve Notre Dame through the years and now it will focus more attention to working with the faculty to enhance the teaching environment.

"My primary task is to diversify the faculty. We will make significant input into the fall searches," said Brown. "I want to know that the person we help to hire values diversity."

To help appeal to a wider range of potential faculty members, the office will assist in writing advertisements for vacant positions within the University departments. Also, the office will aid in overseeing the applicant pool and narrowing down the search to prospective candidates.

"It's a long process and will not happen over night, and there's always room for improvement," said Brown. "The faculty members must be able to grow as scholars and feel part of a community."

The University wishes to keep the faculty they hire for their good teaching abilities and experience. This new office is intended to help faculty members build strong connections with Notre Dame so that they want to remain in this teaching environment.

The offices are located on the second floor of Grace Hall.

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