GOALS

The purpose of the President’s Commission on the Status of Minorities is to serve as an advisory body to the University President on all existing and proposed policies, procedures, practices and programs relating to or affecting diversity, equal opportunity or affirmative action at Mississippi State University. The Commission is composed of faculty, professional staff, and students appointed by the President.
To ensure the effectiveness of the Commission, members are to be trained in and become familiar with the various aspects of diversity, equal opportunity, affirmative action and the University’s personnel policies and procedures. The Commission is charged with the following responsibilities:

To advise the University President on matters/issues that will enhance equality and workplace diversity through improved practices, policies and procedures.

To monitor the effects of various University policies, practices and procedures to determine their impact on equal employment opportunity, affirmative action, and workplace diversity.

To identify problems/issues related to the implementation of diversity in the workplace and learning environment.

To serve as an informal channel through which employees and students may ask questions or express concerns related to diversity, equal opportunity and affirmative action.

To act as a forum for the exchange of ideas and action proposals on sensitive issues, matters, or concerns related to diversity, equal opportunity and/or affirmative action.

To work directly with the Affirmative Action Office in partnering, planning, coordinating, implementing and promoting special EEO/AA related events and activities.

To refer any individual student or employee with EEO/AA related concerns to the appropriate office.

Structure

The Chairperson has general administrative control over the Commission; presides at meetings; appoints members of ad hoc committees as necessary; and prepares an agenda for each meeting. From time to time, other officers may be elected as deemed necessary and appropriate by the Commission. The Secretary maintains a factual record of the proceedings, prepares formal minutes, and distributes a copy of them to the members within 2 weeks after a meeting; notifies the members by memorandum, telephone, e-mail, or minutes of upcoming meetings and business of concern in a timely manner; and maintains records of the general correspondence of the Commission. The Chairperson may appoint subcommittees for specific tasks. These subcommittees shall be comprised of members of the Commission, but input can and should be solicited from within and/or outside the University community, depending on the nature of the issue. Each member shall have voting privileges and a simple majority of the votes during a meeting will constitute an approval. Fifty percent of the membership will be deemed a quorum.

Meetings

The Commission meets at least monthly and members are expected to attend all meetings. A defined schedule for the academic year will be established so that members will clearly understand their meeting responsibilities. The recording of minutes will be required for all meetings to ensure an accurate record of the Commission’s deliberations. Attendance at Commission meetings by observers, visitors and guest speakers shall be permitted at the discretion of the Chairperson and/or the Director of Diversity & Equity Programs.

Reporting Requirements

Each year, at the conclusion of the Spring Semester, the Commission shall submit an annual report detailing its activities to the University President.

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President's Commission on the Status of Minorities, 106 McArthur Hall, P.O. Box 6199, Mississippi State University, MS 39762, Mail Stop: 9582, Phone: 662.325.1973, Commission E-mail: Pearson Liddell, Page Maintainer: Bennet George