October 26, 209 — The University of Virginia's Office of Equal Opportunity Programs will hold its annual open house Friday from noon to 4 p.m. in Washington Hall, Hotel B of the East Range. The University community is invited to attend, learn more about the office's programs and honor the Equal Opportunity Programs Champion award winners.

The office will present the inaugural Champion Awards at 2 p.m. The awards are a new way to recognize members of the University for their efforts to advance the principles of equal opportunity or exhibit leadership qualities that result in notable contributions to the cause of social justice and equal rights.

The Equal Opportunity Programs office supports the University's goals of providing an atmosphere on Grounds conducive to fellowship and understanding, striving for diversity in the student body and in the faculty, and expanding educational opportunities for persons with special challenges such as minority status, physical disability, ethnic heritage or insufficient resources. It offers educational training to faculty, staff and students about their rights and responsibilities with regard to equal opportunity and regarding applicable laws and best practices for search processes to faculty and staff search committees.

The office also disseminates information about laws, policies and procedures regarding equal opportunity, disability, harassment, discrimination and retaliation. It monitors the University's affirmative action plan and compliance with equal opportunity laws and policies and resolves discrimination, harassment and retaliation complaints.

For information, call 434-924-3200 or go to www.virginia.edu/eop.