Diversity and Inclusion


Diversity: We value and include people from different cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives in the pursuit of our common goals.

Respect: We value people as individuals and treat them with fairness, compassion, and care.

 

The university is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action (EEO/AA) employer committed to maintaining a non-discriminatory, diverse work environment. The university does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law in any of its programs or activities.

Staff members who believe that they have received unfair treatment resulting from discrimination, affirmative action, or other issues involving fairness or accommodations for disability or religion, should contact the Office of Equal Employment Opportunity & Access at [email protected]. For more information, see the university's Equal Employment Opportunity policy.

The university offers programs designed to assist you with both professional and personal concerns. This section describes the programs and offices that can help you deal with these issues. By knowing what resources are available to you, you will be able to use them appropriately and effectively.

 

Employee Relations

Office of Equal Employment Opportunity & Employee Relations (EEO/ER) helps staff members and managers resolve performance or behavioral concerns that may arise. This unit also administers the staff Grievance Program and offers advice on corrective action, which may include mediation, training, or discipline including termination.

Complaints and Resolutions

The complaint process is intended to provide an internal mechanism for considering employee grievances. All employees may file a complaint, regardless of their status with the university. Those covered by a collective bargaining agreement must follow the provisions outlined in the agreement. 

If staff members believe they have been treated unfairly in relation to performance, discipline, or any other terms and conditions of employment, they may follow the complaint process outlined on the  Internal Complaint Processes page. The first step in this process is contacting their HR Business Partners. HR Business Partners and EEO/ER Office investigators work to ensure compliance with GW’s Equal Opportunity, Non-Discrimination, and Anti-Harassment Policy.

The university encourages all individuals to report a potential violation of the university’s policy to the EEO/ER Office in person, by telephone, or by email.

Employee Assistance Program

The university’s Employee Assistance Program is called the Wellbeing Hotline. The Wellbeing Hotline is a confidential counseling and referral service that is available to assist employees in working through a wide range of personal and work-related concerns. Some of these concerns include family problems, emotional disturbances, alcoholism and drug addiction, on-the-job stress, or problems with co-workers, dependent/elder care. This service is available to staff at no charge.