Office of Social Action Programs Annual Report, 1972—1973
In the Office of Social Action Programs Annual Report of 1972—1973, Dr. Edward Collymore describes the various focuses of the office, including Villanova's affirmative action policies. Within the section on affirmative action, Collymore notes that while, "Some progress has been made in this area..." a more comprehensive approach was necessary. He notes that this is especially true in enacting policies that Villanova would be "willing to implement at all levels." While Collymore notes that a transition to true compliance with the university's stated affirmative action policies could not possibly be accomplished overnight, this report shows that Villanova needed more robust policies to ensure compliance throughout the various departments on campus.
Dr. Edward L. Collymore
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1974-05-15
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Office of Social Action Programs Annual Report, 1973—1974
Dr. Edward Collymore's 1973—1974 annual report of the Office of Social Action Programs shows clearly his dissatisfaction with the speed and effectiveness of affirmative action implementation and utilization of partner groups in this effort at Villanova. His report notes that in the past year Villanova had been notified by both Federal and State officials regarding multiple complaints related to discrimination in the university's employment policies. Collymore recommends that in order to avoid future complaints a review of the university's affirmative action policies was necessary. To bolster this argument, Collymore also notes that Villanova could better rely on their partner organization, Project Equality, to ensure an independent review of university policies. Collymore highlighted his frustration by including the following line: "The University Community does not fully realize the seriousness of having a workable affirmative action plan and the part they, as member of the Community, must play."
Dr. Edward L. Collymore
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1974
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External Evaluation for the Office of Social Action Programs at Villanova University
Silvia Fenton
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1987-10-04
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Report: Villanova's Participation in an Affirmative Action Program in Purchasing
In August 1969, President of Villanova, Rev. Robert J. Welsh, O.S.A., formed a committee to study the potential of Villanova adopting a policy of affirmative action in purchasing. The committee consisted of William Maher, Rev. James Ryan, O.S.A., and Cecilia Smith, a Villanova student. Throughout August—September 1969, the committee met and discussed various options for the univerity. At this time, two popular plans were considered: The Philadelphia Plan, and Project Equality. This report discusses the various advantages and disadvantages of both plans.
While the Philadelphia Plan had partially been adopted by the federal government it had received some negative attention from the public and was attracting judicial challenges throughout the country.
Project Equality was considered by the committee to have more advantages than disadvanatges, including a large participation from both Protestant and Catholic churches as well as from Fairfield University - a Catholic university similar to Villanova. A national organization, Project Equality was also consider advantageous given its ability to "assist in promotion and evaluation of purveyors, and follow-up efforts to insure equal opportunity employment."
The committee recommended the participation of Villanova with Project Equality and suggested a timetable for implementation of these efforts.
Committee Members: Miss Cecilia Smith, Mr. William Maher, Rev. James Ryan, O.S.A.
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1969-10
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Memo: Affirmative Action Program (1969)
This item includes multiple internal memos on the adoption and early implementation of affirmative action policies in employment at Villanova University.
In a November 4, 1969 memo from President Welsh announces the Board of Trustee’s approval of an affirmative action policy for Villanova University. The memo asks Father James T. Ryan, Director of the Office of Social Action, to initiate the process of affiliation with Project Equality and the Philadelphia Plan, two popular systems for affirmative action during the period.
The item also includes Villanova’s first Affirmative Action Policy and Equal Employment Opportunity statement, both approved by President Welsh on February 23, 1970.
Lastly, in an undated memo Father John M. Driscoll, Vice President for Academic Affairs, reminds the Academic Deans and Department Chairs at Villanova of the requirement to comply with all federal legislation on hiring for all positions under their departments. Fr. Driscoll notes that as a “holder of a government contract in excess of $10,000,” Villanova must comply with Title VI of the 1964 Civil Rights Act prohibiting discriminiation on the basis of race, color, or national origin; as well as a 1968 Federal Executive Order prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sex.
The memo also includes guidelines from the federal Office of Civil Rights for hiring and implementation procedures.
Fr. Driscoll concluded his memo by noting that in the events of a review, the Office of Civil Rights could request records of steps Villanova had taken “to recruit minority candidates, the number of candidates who have applied, and the disposition of their applications.”
Fr. Driscoll's memo was likely written between October 1969 and July 1975 as he served in the position of Vice President for Academic Affairs.
Rev. Robert J . Welsh, O.S.A.
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1969-11-04
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Memo: Affirmative Action Procedure in re Hiring for Faculty Positions (1975)
Villanova Office of Academic Affairs
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1975-01-29
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West Philadelphia N.A.A.C.P. Request Employment Information from Villanova
On March 2, 1983, O.G. Christian, President of the West Philadelphia branch of the N.A.A.C.P. wrote President Driscoll requesting “a breakdown of the number of Blacks in each department and the oldest employee in each department,” after receiving complaints regarding Villanova University hiring policies and practices.
O.G. Christian
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1983-03-02
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Memo: Affirmative Action Procedures (1980)
On October 17, 1980, Dr. Edward L. Collymore shared Villanova University’s Affirmative Action Policy and Procedures for Recruiting and Hiring with all Vice Presidents, Deans, Department Chairs, and Directors. The attached document describes necessary steps for the hiring process within positions at the university including Non-Academic Administration, Academic Administration, and Staff and Personnel.
This document also includes forms required to be filled out by Department Chairs during a hiring process for non-faculty positions. The forms are meant to record the efforts of each department in recruiting and hiring members of underrepresented communities at Villanova.
Dr. Edward L. Collymore
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1980-10-17
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