FY 2024-2025 EOA Updates & Accomplishments
Nearly 1300 reports and requests were received by EOA, representing an increase of over 40% compared to FY 2023-24. Several factors likely contributed to this rise, including:
- A new annual training requirement for all students and employees on sexual misconduct and discrimination prevention, awareness, and intervention,
- A revised Responsible Employee policy that expanded reporting requirements from just sexual misconduct and sex discrimination to all forms of discrimination, discriminatory harassment, and retaliation; and,
- EOA hired our first-ever Training and Engagement Coordinator, who enhanced EOA’s visibility within the university community through various outreach, training, and engagement efforts.
EOA led or actively participated in updating several OSU policies, including: Sexual Misconduct and Sex Discrimination, Discrimination and Discriminatory Harassment, Retaliation, Responsible Employees, and Digital Accessibility. Additionally, EOA overhauled our multiple investigation and resolution processes to create a single streamlined process that provides equitable and consistent experiences for all individuals.
EOA and Human Resources (HR) reviewed OSU’s search waiver process, resulting in HR assuming responsibility for search exceptions (e.g., promotions), as discussed on page 14. Additionally, EOA, HR, the Office of Institutional Diversity, and Academic Affairs continued to collaborate on improving OSU’s workforce recruitment and retention efforts.
To prepare for the new Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements regarding web and mobile accessibility, EOA collaborated closely with many institutional partners. A Disability Action Steering Group was established, and multiple sub-teams were formed to focus on improving the accessibility of OSU’s websites, multimedia content, instructional materials, and procurement processes.
As part of ongoing efforts to enhance accessibility, a new interactive and accessible map of the Corvallis campus was launched. This map highlights important accessibility features, including locations of ADA parking spots, accessible paths of travel, and building entrances. Additionally, the map shows the locations of all-user restrooms and lactation rooms.
FY 2025-2026 EOA Areas of Focus
As of July 1, 2025, EOA will join the newly established Mission and Impact Portfolio, designed to accelerate and amplify efforts to advance the university’s distinct land grant mission by aligning strategic initiatives, cultivating institutional innovation, and deepening OSU’s commitment to inclusive excellence. EOA’s closer working relationship with the Office of Institutional Diversity, the Office of Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act, and the new Mission Initiatives unit will enable stronger collaboration and align our efforts.
In the coming year, EOA will prioritize disability access and inclusion, especially with the new ADA digital accessibility regulations set to take effect in April 2026. The Disability Action Steering Group and sub-teams will be busy advancing efforts and developing a more comprehensive institutional-wide accessibility model. EOA will expand our accessibility resources website and work with university partners to create interactive accessible maps for OSU-Cascades and the Hatfield Marine Science Center.
To support these initiatives, EOA will hire a new Accessibility Manager to lead our digital accessibility compliance efforts. We will also add a second Accommodation Associate who will focus on supporting accommodation processes within univeristy events and programs. This role will proactively build relationships with university offices that offer externally facing programs and activities, making EOA a more effective resource. Additionally, EOA will continue to monitor, advocate for, and fund improvements to physical accessibility at all OSU locations.
As the number of reports and requests continues to increase each year, EOA will prioritize streamlining our processes to improve our efficiency in managing this higher volume. Additionally, we will continue to review and refine our policies and procedures based on feedback from university partners and individuals who engage with our processes.
EOA will continue to provide training to the campus community through online Critical Training modules and in-person sessions tailored to departments and units. We will also offer consultations to individuals and units upon request.
We look forward to continuing to partner with the OSU community to make OSU a more inclusive, accessible, and equitable place.