The initial changes include strengthening the role of the provost in most efforts toward diversity enhancement and establishing an ombudsman position in the President's Office to address diversity matters that fall outside established channels.

Richardson said the steps are part of a larger effort to institutionalize diversity, inclusiveness and responsiveness among the university 's core values.

"Auburn University has over the past few years taken a number of initiatives that are instituted to strengthen diversity as a core value," Richardson said. "It is now time to organize and focus those multifaceted efforts.

"Given that our purpose is to educate, and promoting diversity is an educational endeavor, the university's chief academic officer, the provost, has led our efforts," he said.

"As president, I am reaffirming our commitment to diversity and am reaffirming the provost's role in leading that effort," Richardson said. "Further, I am disseminating the diversity plan that was developed by the Diversity Leadership Council and asking the provost to take that plan into account as he moves forward on these issues."

Provost Thomas Hanley will have overall responsibility for diversity efforts and will work with other administrators to implement them. He is proceeding with national searches for two positions that will play a major role in diversity efforts. The associate provost for academic affairs, among other duties, will have operational responsibility for advancing diversity at Auburn.

In addition, an assistant provost will support the recruitment and retention of minority faculty, staff and students and will coordinate the work of several groups and offices involved in diversity enhancement.

Working closely with Hanley and the two new administrators will be the vice president for student affairs, assistant provost for undergraduate affairs and assistant provost for graduate affairs.

"Diversity is a priority for the entire university," said Hanley. "In addition to the team in the Provost's Office, deans and department leaders will establish goals and work as a team to make sure that diversity is central to the university's mission."

Hanley said he will work closely with the deans to ensure that diversity planning is central to the plans for their colleges and schools and that those goals are pursued as part of the daily and long-range activities in those areas.

The president, meanwhile, accepted a University Senate proposal to appoint an ombudsman and establish a hotline for whistleblowers. The proposal, which originated with the Multicultural Diversity Commission, would provide a two-year trial period for the ombudsman. The President's Office is developing plans to implement the proposal.

Additionally, the Office of Human Resources has assumed responsibility for all matters that have traditionally been handled by the Office of Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity. That office's staff now reports to Human Resources.