NIH Diversity Council Charter
PURPOSE
The mission of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Diversity Council
is to promote diversity within NIH by (1) enhancing awareness of diversity
concerns across NIH, (2) raising the most critical issues to the attention
of the NIH Director, and (3) providing the Director advice and guidance
on policies and programs that address these diversity issues.
FUNCTION
The Council shall review and examine NIH programs, policies, and procedures
that may impact on the diversity of the work force. The Council makes
recommendations to the NIH Director and staff, without bias to particular
Institutes or Centers (ICs), specific occupational groups, race, gender,
or other affiliations.
MEMBERSHIP
The membership of the Council consists of NIH employees who reflect
a broad spectrum of diversity. This membership includes representatives
from the intramural and extramural communities, scientific, administrative
and wages grade staff, and the commissioned corps. The members are
employees of different ages, races, genders, disabilities, ethnic backgrounds,
and/or sexual orientation. All Council members are appointed for a
term of 3 years. Nominations come from the various ICs of the NIH and
are jointly approved by the Chair of the Council and the NIH Director.
STRUCTURE
The Council consists of 21 members. Eighteen are voting Council members
and three are non-voting ex-officio members, including a Chairperson
and other officers deemed necessary and appropriate by the Council.
Each Council member will have voting privileges except for ex-officio
members. The ex-officio members will include the NIH Deputy Director,
the Director of the Office of Equal Opportunity and a former Council
member.
The Chairperson may also appoint subcommittees for specific tasks.
These subcommittees will consist of Council members; however, input
can also be solicited from experts inside and outside the NIFI. Members
are responsible for ensuring communication and exchange of information,
as necessary, to maintain coordination and effectiveness relating to
the purpose and function of the NIH Diversity Council.
MEETINGS
The NIH Diversity Council meetings are held every third Wednesday
of each month from 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. Stenographic recording services
are provided by the Office of the Director in order that accurate and
timely minutes can be provided to the membership.
Additionally, the NIH Director will meet with the Council on a quarterly
basis. Attendance by observers is welcome.
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