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Home Page > Diversity & Inclusion > NIH Diversity Council > Diversity Council Charter

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 OEODM 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 OEODM 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 27 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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