A message from the Office of Equal Opportunity

Nov. 4, 2024

Dear Colleagues:

As the University of Rhode Island prepares to observe Veterans Day on Nov. 11, our community joins together in honoring those who have served our nation.

We celebrate the courage, sacrifice, and dedication of each of the veterans represented in our community. Your unique perspective and life experiences play an essential role in making our University a great place to learn, live, and work.

In the spirit of honoring our veterans, the University reaffirms our commitment to equal opportunity and the removal of barriers in employment. This year, the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) introduced a new Voluntary Self-Identification of Protected Veteran Status Form.

As we work to build a more vibrant, equitable, and accessible learning, living, and working environment, in alignment with our civil rights compliance obligations, the Office of Equal Opportunity invites members of the workforce to disclose their veteran and disability status by logging into the HR e-Campus system at https://www.uri.edu/gateway/staff/.

Directions for accessing this form in e-Campus may be found here.

By self-identifying, you are helping the University to build a more inclusive workplace so that we can be our best selves, and supporting the University’s mission to advance practices and initiatives that help to foster a more inclusive, diverse, and people-centered culture. Additionally, your responses will help us better track progress, measure success, establish best practices, and allocate resources to support equal opportunity and the University’s strategic plan.

Your participation is voluntary and any information you share is confidential. Data gathered will be used in accordance with applicable civil rights laws and regulations and will be reported to external agencies in aggregate form only.

If you have questions about why the University is inviting you to complete this form or OFCCP compliance, please contact the Office of Equal Opportunity by emailing equalopportunity-group@uri.edu. If you require assistance completing this form, please contact Paula Aveyard, human resources senior information technician, at pmurray@uri.edu or 401-874-2414.

Please join the Office of Community, Equity, and Diversity for a Veterans Day Observance hosted by the Center for Military and Veteran Education on Thursday, Nov. 7, at 1 p.m. in the Alumni Center.

Thank you,
Dorca P. Smalley
Director, Office of Equal Opportunity