Wake Forest establishes Office of Institutional Equity

Wake Forest has created an Office of Institutional Equity (OIE) responsible for the University’s commitment to equitable and inclusive working and learning environments. The Office will evaluate and investigate claims of discrimination and harassment and ensure compliance with applicable laws, policies, procedures, and practices related to accessibility, affirmative action, equal employment opportunity, harassment and discrimination, and sexual misconduct. The office will also administer a forthcoming Policy on Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation for faculty and staff and will offer important education and training on non-discrimination resources for all members of the Wake Forest community.  

“With the creation of the Office of Institutional Equity, Wake Forest is demonstrating our commitment to maintaining a working and learning environment free from discrimination, harassment and retaliation,” said Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Jacqueline A. Travisano.

OIE will report to Travisano through Human Resources, leveraging expertise in personnel management, existing resources, policy development and conflict resolution. In close collaboration with the Division of Campus Life and the Office of the Provost, the OIE will include responsibility for Title IX compliance and investigation of reports of gender-based discrimination, harassment and sexual misconduct by students, faculty and staff. 

Effective immediately, Assistant Vice President of Faculty and Staff Experience Melissa Clodfelter will provide interim leadership until a new Executive Director has been selected to lead the OIE.

More details about the Office of Institutional Equity, including a timeline for the implementation of new policies and procedures, will be shared with campus in the coming months.