This policy, formerly titled Affirmation of VCU's Equal Opportunity, was revised to fulfill relevant federal and state requirements, including Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008; the Virginia Human Rights Act; the Governor’s Executive Order Number One (2014); and other state or federal laws and university policies. It outlines the protected bases for discrimination and applicable statutory authority; establishes VCU's investigation and administrative procedures and lists the applicable disciplinary procedures that will be followed in response to findings of discrimination; clarifies which procedures apply where multiple nondiscrimination policies apply to the underlying conduct; and identifies other state and university formal grievance procedures and the appropriate agencies for filing an external complaint. The revision includes a provision for administrative review of allegations of discriminatory or retaliatory conduct, in the absence of a formal complaint.  Also, FAQ have been added to address a range of questions, including the role of Equity and Access Services and other VCU offices that may address concerns.  

This policy establishes the general responsibilities for management, retention, and disposition of Virginia Commonwealth University records as mandated by the Virginia Public Records Act (VPRA), Code of Virginia § 42.1-76–§ 42.1-91.

The Proposal Submission Deadline policy is intended to incorporate a sufficient time period to allow for review and submission of all requests for externally funded sponsored programs. Proposals are reviewed at the Department, School and OSP levels. Approval signatures are required at the School and OSP levels.