As a federal contractor, Kent State University is subject to the rules and regulations of the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP). The federal organization protects workers by enforcing the legal requirements that federal contractors must follow related to affirmative action and equal opportunity in the workplace.

Last year, the OFCCP announced it would be increasing the number of companies and institutions being selected for a full-desk audit. To help prepare for this possibility, Human Resources is partnering with the General Counsel Office to perform a mock audit Feb. 7-9.

A full-desk audit involves an OFCCP review of Human Resources workforce metrics, interviews with employees, business managers and senior management, and collection of data and documentation.

The Kent State mock audit will include the items mentioned above, as well as a compensation analysis to ensure there is no gender or race discrimination against employees.

Donna Sansonetti, senior manager, Compensation, says the mock audit is a proactive step by the university. “This process will help us to ensure that the institution continues to offer a fair and equitable pay plan, and will indicate if there are any potential areas of concern,” she says.

An outside firm will conduct the mock audit. While it will take place on the Kent Campus, it will be inclusive of all campuses. According to Sansonetti, it is up to the auditors to select any faculty, staff or management to interview. Those employees will be identified on the first day of the audit and will be contacted by Human Resources staff to schedule a time for the interview.

Upon completion of the mock audit, Human Resources will develop a plan to ensure future compliance.