About the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access (EOA)

The Office of Equal Opportunity and Access is responsible for investigating complaints arising out of the Policy Against Discrimination, Harassment, and Related Interpersonal Violence. The EOA Office assumes responsibility for implementation of these policies, and provides advice, assistance, and training on all issues related to harassment, discrimination, sexual misconduct, sex-based discrimination under Title IX, and retaliation. EOA documents are available in alternative formats by contacting the EOA office at (413) 545-3464 or @email.

We are located in Room 225 Bartlett Hall (130 Hicks Way). We strongly encourage you to make an appointment with us by calling (413) 545-3464, or email @email, before coming to the EOA office. Contacting us prior to your visit, allows us to schedule appointment times based on our available meeting room and waiting area spaces, so we can better plan for social distancing, making it a safer space for everyone who visits and works here. We are more than happy to continue to schedule Zoom and other types of remote meetings for those who prefer not to come into the office. Our online Reporting Form allows for concerns to be reported, including anonymously, if you choose.

The Office of Equal Opportunity and Access (EOA):

• Administers the University's  Policy Against Discrimination, Harassment, and Related Interpersonal Violence and provides advice and counsel to the campus community on related issues.

The University’s Policy Against Discrimination, Harassment, and Related Interpersonal Violence and its corresponding Prohibited Discrimination and Harassment Resolution Procedures allows the University to address complaints of all forms of Prohibited Misconduct including but not limited to unlawful discrimination, harassment, and retaliation on the basis of race, color, religion, caste, creed, sex, sex stereotypes, sex characteristics, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, pregnancy and pregnancy-related condition(s), age, marital status, national origin, mental or physical disability, political belief or affiliation, veteran status, genetic information, natural and protective hairstyle, and any other legally protected class of individuals protected from discrimination under state or federal law including but not limited to Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA); Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (Section 504); the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (ADEA); the Age Discrimination Act of 1975; Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VI); Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VII); Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX), the Violence Against Women Act of 1994, (VAWA) and Massachusetts General Laws chapter 6, section 168E.

For complaints involving allegations of certain forms of sexual harassment that occurred prior to August 1, 2024 and took place on University owned or controlled property and/or in the context of a University sponsored program or activity within the United States occurred prior to August 1, 2024, the University’s Title IX Policy and Grievance Policy and Procedures and associated hearing procedures are controlling. A copy of these policies and procedures may obtained by emailing @email.

Kerri Thompson Tillett is the University’s Associate Vice Chancellor for Equal Opportunity and Access (the “AVC/EOA”), and is responsible for the administration and enforcement of the University’s Policy Against Discrimination, Harassment, and Related Interpersonal Violence, the Prohibited Prohibited Discrimination and Harassment Resolution Procedures, and the Title IX Policy.

Associate Vice Chancellor Tillett serves as the University’s Title IX Coordinator, Title VI Coordinator, and ADA Coordinator, and is responsible for ensuring the University’s compliance with federal and state laws that prohibit discrimination.

Reports or complaints of Prohibited Misconduct can be made to the AVC/EOA and the EOA Office. Any person (including persons who wish to report anonymously) may report Prohibited Misconduct, whether or not the person reporting is the person alleged to be the victim of conduct that could constitute discrimination or harassment in person, by mail, by telephone, fax, online, or by email. A report may be made at any time (including during non-business hours) via the following methods:

Equal Opportunity and Access Office
225 Bartlett Hall  
130 Hicks Way 
Amherst, Massachusetts 01003-9269
Phone: 413.545.3464
Email: @email
Amherst, MA 01003-9269
Email:  @email
Online Form: www.umass.edu/equalopportunity/reporting

• Is responsible for administering reasonable workplace accommodations for faculty and staff.

The Accessible Workplace unit within the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access (EOA) of Human Resources is responsible for administering reasonable workplace accommodations for faculty and staff through an interactive process. Contact the Accessible Workplace Office by email @email or in-person.

• Conducts training and outreach.

The EOA Office staff conduct workshops and provide training and outreach to the campus community regarding Title IX issues and issues of discrimination and harassment.

EOA offers customized training to meet the needs of specific areas on campus, as well as provides one-on-one training by request. The Title IX Specialist conducts trainings and workshops on multiple aspects of Title IX including: Title IX reporting, restorative justice, rape culture on campus, intersectionality of sexual violence, LGBTQIA+ cultural awareness, and substances and sex.