President Jones and Provost Serio have directed unit heads to complete unit-level reviews of compliance with updated Compliance Checklists in Autumn Quarter 2025. This review is designed to support the University’s commitment to access and opportunity for all while ensuring compliance with long-standing state and federal law.
While unit heads are responsible for organizing and conducting the review within their units, Compliance and Risk Services (CRS) has developed this webpage to provide tips that may be helpful for units as they plan for and complete this important work. Unless otherwise directed by the unit head, any questions about the unit compliance checklist reviews can be directed to CRScompliance@uw.edu.
Revised: December 2025
Unit Review Toolkit
Following are tips for planning and organizing the unit review.
⮚ Decide how to conduct the review
One option is to centralize within the unit by collecting documents and forming a team to conduct the review and make revisions. Documents reflecting compliance with each of the checklists could then be retained at the unit level (see Step 2).
Another option is to conduct a decentralized review by directing departments and programs to collect documents, do the review and make changes at the department level. Documents reflecting compliance with each of the checklists could then be retained at the department or program level or collected at the unit level once the review is complete.
Once decided, the unit head should communicate the plan within the unit.
⮚ Focus the review on current, active, or ongoing programs and activities
For this review, units are not being asked to review records of past activities, such as recruitments or programs that have ended. When reviewing unit webpages, though, if content is identified that is outdated, inaccurate, or related to past programs or activities that are no long active, consider revising or removing the content.
⮚ Identify priorities
Consider starting with programs and activities that have an application or selection or decision-making process. This includes:
- Unit hiring processes for University employees
- Unit admissions, scholarships, or fellowships
- Other unit programs and activities, such as awards or recognition programs
Next consider other programs and activities that may appear to restrict participation or provide a preference due to the goal, purpose, or title of the program. Ensure eligibility, communications, and actions of the program emphasize that the programs are open to all and otherwise align with the programs and activities checklist.
Next consider unit messaging and communications relating to diversity, such as on unit websites, marketing materials, or other communications. This includes any unit training programs about diversity or with content relating to diversity.
⮚ Focus on themes of “open to all” without use of preferences or plus factors
Although there are three checklists, they are all designed with common themes that apply across all University programs and activities:
- Open to all – Access, availability, or eligibility must be open to all and not based on race, color, national origin, or sex.
- No preferences or plus factors – Race, color, national origin, or sex are not utilized as a preference or plus factor.
⮚ Review diversity messaging and questions
Ensure diversity messaging in unit web content, mission statements, and marketing materials are framed as access and opportunity for all, including applicants, students, and employees.
Review diversity questions in selection processes and ensure that they focus on relevant actions and experiences of applicants, students, and employees, without implying that personal identity is relevant or expected to be disclosed.
⮚ Revise documents and practices as needed
Revise documents, websites, and practices, as needed, to comply with checklists (retain the original documents per unit retention schedule or as otherwise directed by the unit head).
If an issue is identified in a process that is already underway, consider the following options:
- If possible, make process revisions or updates in alignment with the checklists.
- Ensure decision-makers are trained on how to appropriately assess information.
- Consider excluding questions or information inconsistent with the checklists from the decision-making process.
Request a consultation through the relevant checklist as needed.
⮚ Collect documents that reflect compliance with the checklists
Develop a method for collecting documents within the unit that demonstrate compliance with the checklists. Unless otherwise directed by the unit head, units are not being asked to create an inventory of documents, processes, or programs that have been reviewed.
Consider developing or updating templates for frequently used documents (such as selection process questions and rubrics) as well as a process for a regular review of those templates.
Starting in January 2026, unit heads will be provided with instructions on how to confirm completion of the unit review.