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AFFIRMATIVE ACTION AND OTHER PROGRAM INITIATIVES

The new Five Year Affirmative Action program Plan was implemented with a majority of the goals for women and minorities being accomplished and representation improving slightly. In addition, solid achievements for disabled persons were realized with an overall increase of three persons with severe disabilities. Architectural and program accessibility also improved.

As regards awareness strategies, steady gains were made. The Federal Equal Opportunity Recruitment Program served to focus recruitment strategies and attention on groups targeted for special priorities by the office of Equal Opportunity including American Indians and Hispanics. Other programs such as Career Awareness, Faculty Fellowship, and Native American Awards, to mention a few, continued to exhibit substantial achievement in developing awareness and sensitivity with minorities and minority groups. A new Upward Mobility Program which targets minorities and women for Research/Curatorial (Professional) positions was developed. There was substantial participation by minority and women owned businesses in contract and purchase orders.

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

The Institution made measurable progress in improving the representation if women and minorities in the work force. Individuals in management and policy making positions continued to focus attention on equal opportunity activities. The summary of progress and problems presented here indicates that steady vigilance is required to maintain and improve the modest gains. The recommendations from the fiscal year 1987 report are reiterated for this fiscal year 1988 report.

· The participation of diverse racial/ethnic groups in top and key management structures needs to be emphasized.

· Recruiting of both minorities and women in research and curatorial occupations needs to be actively pursued.

· Communications between supervisors and employees with respect to job assignments, performance standards, and prospects for promotion need to be improved to avoid complaints.

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